Children's Faith Formation

Trinity Catholic School
(Pre-K through 8th Grade) 
706 E. Brevard Street
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Tel: 850-222-0444

St.  John Paul II Catholic High School

5100 Terrebone Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32311
Tel: 850-201-5744

2019-20 CALENDAR AVAILABLE SOON

Faith formation classes are available for children ages 3 through Grade 8.  We also have special classes for children who have not been baptized, or who have not received the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist or Confirmation (RCIA for Children & Youth).

We use the following curricula/programs published by established Catholic publishers:

• Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - hands-on, Montessori-like class for ages 3-5 (very limited space)
• PK4 and Kindergarten: "I Am Special" by Our Sunday Visitor
• Grades 1 - 6: "We Believe" by Sadlier
• Grade 7: "Theology of the Body" (Middle School Edition) by Ascension Press
• Grade 8: "Chosen: Your Journey to Confirmation" by Ascension Press

All classes are taught by teams of two catechists.

Visit the Parent's Corner web page for the Religious Education Handbook (General Policies & Information) as well as additional resources.

Are you a catechist, or interested in becoming one? Be sure to visit the Catechist Corner web page for more information and great resources.

Baptism

For infants - classes are held the first Sunday of each month for registered parishioners. Call the Parish Office at 850-893-1837 for more information and to register.

For children - see Children's Initiation below.
 

First Communion / First Reconciliation

Both sacraments are celebrated in grade 2, or when a child is ready (must be 7 or older). There is a prerequisite of one year of religious education prior to receiving First Communion and First Reconciliation.
 

Confirmation

Confirmation classes are available for students in Grade 8 or above and Trinity Catholic School students. Confirmation is celebrated in Grade 9, or when a child is ready (must be in Grade 9 or above). Visit the Confirmation Program web pages for detailed information.
 

Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIA for Children/Youth)

Any child or youth in grades 2-8 who has not celebrated the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation) or First Reconciliation will participate in the Children's Initiation Program (RCIA for Children & Youth).

High School Catechesis is available for those who need preparation for the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation and First Reconciliation.

Good Shepherd offers additional opportunities for children to grow in their faith:

Children's Liturgy of the Word

Available each Sunday during the 10:15am and 12:00 noon Masses, children grades 1st - 4th are invited to the Parish Center to hear the weekly readings at their level.

Be sure to pick up free Mass leaflets of this week's readings for children from the bookrack. Four versions are available:

• Seeds for preschool
• Explaining God's Word for grades 1-3
• The Good News Weekly for grades 4-6
• Visions for grades 7-8

 

Sacred Heart Home Educators

A Catholic homeschooling group in Tallahassee with co-op classes at Good Shepherd on Thursday afternoons and attendance at First Friday Masses. Activities are designed to provide spiritual support and educational enrichment. For more information, contact Lori Sobeski at Lorisobeski@gmail.com.
 

Scout Religious Awards

Available for girls in grades 2-10 and boys in grades 1-5. For information, contact Diane Molitaris at lopezd@gsparishtlh.org

Good Shepherd has an active and enthusiastic youth ministry to promote spiritual growth and socializing opportunities for students in grades 6-12.

• Middle School activities - visit the Middle School EDGE web page or email Jonathan Shea, Middle School Youth Minister at sheaj@gsparishtlh.org
• High School activities - visit the GS Life Teen website, or email Kelly Colangelo, High School Youth Minister at colangelok@gsparishtlh.org