youth formation 2025-26

Here at St. Patrick, we partner with families to prepare children of all ages for participation in the life and mission of the Church. Our faith formation programs promote understanding of Liturgy, Sacraments, Sacred Scripture, and morality, while seeking to foster a relationship with God that is expressed through prayer and action.

Our youth formation team has invested prayer and planning into offering these opportunities for your children this year.

Registration for the following ministries will open August 1, 2025

2025-26 faith formation opportunities

pk - 6th grade

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori based catechetical program which aligns closely with our parish vision for faith formation. Classes focus on fostering a deep and personal relationship with God through hands-on, sensory-rich materials that draw heavily from scripture and liturgy. Central to this approach is the Atrium, a sacred space prepared for the children. A place of beauty, the atrium is designed for being with and enjoying God, listening to God’s Word, and praying
While firmly in communion with the worship and sacramental life of our parish family, The Word of Life independent formation program allows families to weave faith into their family's everyday lives. This online study option provides flexibility for schedules while also offering an opportunity for the entire family to engage in sharing and strengthening their faith through the expansive digital library of the Augustine institute.

sacramental preparation

All children in second grade, will register for sacramental preparation, in addition to CGS and/or Independent study, for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion.

*Our sacramental preparation uses CGS as the primary source of instruction. CGS requires 4 Saturday morning meditations (1 hour) for parents and children. In the spring, we will have a First Reconciliation Service and a First Communion retreat.
At St. Patrick, our approach to Confirmation is rooted in this belief- and since we know that the disciples who received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost went on to proclaim the Good News throughout the world, we believe that Confirmation preparation should aim to form our youth into Spirit-filled missionary disciples of Jesus Christ. Our preparation model therefore consists of opportunities to encounter God’s love in new ways and develop habits of discipleship in community with peers and adult mentors. As we seek to foster a culture of intentionality around the Sacrament of Confirmation and honor each candidate’s unique spiritual journey, our preparation is open to any youth in grades 7 through 12.

4th - 6th grade

Ignite is a subgroup of Young Church for grades 4-6. Ignite is designed to help adjust to the youth group format of Young Church, where young people are encouraged to take greater ownership over their faith! Activities include snacks, games, faith-based activities, worship, short teachings, and small group discussion. Ignite meets on Sundays from 3-4:30 PM during the school year.
Level III of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd focuses on the child’s understanding of the “Plan of God” and their role in it. It dives deeper into Salvation History, emphasizing God’s generosity and the responsibilities that accompany His gifts. Level III builds upon previous levels by providing a more extensive exploration of the Old Testament, including key moments and figures in the history of Israel. This level explores the relationship between the Old Testament and the New Testament, highlighting figures and events that foreshadow Jesus. Also in Level III, the children identify the parts of the Mass, all the prayers and propers. The 9-12 year old child takes a greater leadership role in the atrium, planning prayer and managing their progress through their works.

7th - 12th grade

Middle School and High School youth gather for Young Church on Sunday nights from 6:00-8:00 PM during the school year in the Parish Life Center. All are welcome to join us for food, social time, and games, followed by worship, a teaching about our faith, small group discussion, and prayer. We begin the night together in the same room, then split into middle school and high school for the teaching and small group discussion.