Contact Michelle Philbrick with any questions on Children's Faith Formation programs at 282-4812 x115 or michelle.philbrick@portlanddiocese.org

Good Shepherd Parish Children’s Ministry Programs share the teachings and traditions of our Catholic Faith with children from 1st through Grade 5.  Our purpose is always to assist families along their journey of faith and help form disciples from the next generation to carry on the work of sharing the Gospel.  We believe that God has created each and every child with a plan and a purpose and we will do all we can to help you follow the path God has set forth for each member of your family.

Our programs are Family Catechesis, which means we ask parents/guardians to attend adult teaching & discussion sessions while their children attend grade level classes.  We offer up-to-date video programs that help explain our beliefs and devotions followed by guided discussion, as well as occasional  guest speakers who share their journey and love of God; these choices are aimed at helping each of us to embrace the fullness and beauty of the Catholic Faith.

Another important detail is that we co-teach with the parents/guardians, that is, we gather for classroom sessions and provide materials to be completed at home. This allows families to develop a more focused faith-sharing time in their homes on a regular basis.

We ask our families to commit to four basic principles:

MASS, PRAYER, ONGOING FORMATION, & RETREATS

• First and foremost we ask every family to make it a habit to participate in weekly Mass – the greatest spiritual growth will come easily and quickly through regular reception of the Eucharist.  A complete parish Mass schedule can be found at http://goodshepherdparish.us/mass-times.

• Personal prayer is vitally important for growth in both children and adults.  Our very beings long to know, love, and serve our Creator and different types of prayer help fulfill this need in our daily lives.  You will find suggestion for prayer habits http://goodshepherdparish.us/liturgy-prayer

• Ongoing formation refers to continued growth – both in the classroom and at home.  We will make our schedule and the materials as user friendly as possible, but “formation” can only occur through a pledge of assurance from your family.  Since faith formation is a lifelong process, we pray that you will continue to attend Mass and celebrate the sacraments, attend age/grade appropriate classes along with other options offered in our parish and diocese, after your child has celebrated Confirmation and First Eucharist.

• Retreats are a wonderful piece of Bishop Deeley’s gift to our diocese.  We have worked out our schedule to include two required retreats each year for sacramental prep families, and we are happy to offer a  retreat for Grades 3, 4, & 5 if there is interest.  Feedback tells us that most families very much enjoy the retreat experience and look forward to continuing to provide opportunities for the children and parents to “come away and grow together.”

• Grades PreK - 5 at Most Holy Trinity (Saco), Sundays, 9-10:30am 
• Grades 6 – 8 at St. Joseph Church (Biddeford), Tuesdays, 6:00-7:30pm – more info at “Middle School Youth Ministry” top, right column on this page
• Grades 9 – 12 at Most Holy Trinity (Saco), Sundays, 6:30-8pm – more info at “High School Youth Ministry” top, right column on this page

**There must be a minimum of 4 students registered to offer a class**

To register, click on Family Faith Formation Registration (top, right column on this page)
 
For more information about our programs, schedules, or registration please contact
Michelle Philbrick at 282-3321 x115 or michelle.philbrick@portlanddiocese.org