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Catechesis of the good shepherd
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First Communion Date: May 17th, 2026 at 10:30AM MassFirst Communion is for 2nd Graders. Preparation includes participation in CGS Level 2 and passing the 1st Communion Quiz. The 1st Communion Quiz, as well as a guide for How to Go to Confession and prayers that the children must know are linked below.
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Schedules
All sessions are held at St Thomas Large Hall (974 Main Street, Millis MA). Ages 3-6: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 will run in two session: Session #1 will be from 9:45am-11am (usually) on the first and third Saturdays of the month, and Session #2 will be from 3:30pm-4:30pm (usually) on the first and third Fridays of the month.Click here for a full schedule with specific dates for Level 1 Session #1
Click here for a full schedule with specific dates for Level 1 Session #2
Grades 1-3: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 2 will be from 11am-12:15pm (usually) on the first and third Saturdays of the month.
Click here for a full schedule with specific dates for Level 2
Grades 4-6: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 3 will be from 4:30pm-5:45pm (usually) on the first and third Fridays of the month.
Click here for a full schedule with specific dates for Level 3 -
Registration now closed!Registration is now closed due to number of registrations. Email sylviapaladino4@gmail.com for questions.
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What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?Click here to visit the National Catechesis of the Good Shepherd website for more in depth information regarding their history and approach!
Level 1 - Ages 3-6:
"The heart of the catechesis for children under six revolves around the Parable of the Good Shepherd. Jesus announces that he is the Good Shepherd who calls each one by name. The sheep listen to the voice of the Shepherd and follow him.The 3-6 year old child enters the mystery of the Eucharist by first learning the names of the articles used on the altar and then through the most important gestures including the preparation of the chalice, the epiclesis and offering. Through the experience of seeing these gestures, presented one by one, the Mass emerges as the Sacrament of the Gift. The child becomes acquainted with the historical character of the liturgy through the events of the Last Supper, Christ’s death, and His resurrection."
Level 2 - Grades 1-3:
"The elementary age child is captured by the image of the True Vine. “I am the vine, you are the branches, whoever remains in me, and I in him, will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.” The proclamation responds to the deep need of these children to better know his or her relationship with God, family, friends, and the larger community. Moral parables offer a model for comparing their behavior with that of the Pharisee, the Tax Collector, or the Good Samaritan. The elementary children see the parts of the Mass—the Liturgy of the Word, the Preparation of the Gifts, the Eucharistic Prayer, and the Communion—as one unified prayer made of many smaller prayers. Children prepare for the celebration of First Communion (or Solemn Communion) through a series of communion meditations focusing on the relationship with Jesus. Preparation of personal missals filled with illustrations and prayers is also part of this preparation which helps to deepen their love and understanding of the Eucharist."
Level 3 - Grades 4-6:
The history of salvation focusing on the plan of God as a plan of communion, a plan which links all people together through God’s love delight the older child. The emphasis is on our response to this unfolding generosity of God and recognition of the responsibilities that come with receiving God’s great gifts and seeing oneself as a collaborator with God. “What is the kingdom of God and my place in it?” is a cosmic query which lays the foundations for a life commitment in relationship with God. Materials on the Prophets of the Old Testament, the Gifts of God, the Miracles of Jesus, and expanded presentations on Liturgy and Scripture can also be found in the Level III Atrium. -