Karena Coatney, Director of Children’s Faith Formation
 Becky Burns, CFF Assistant & Sunday School Coordinator
                                                                                                       

The Children’s Faith Formation Office is located in the parish meeting area.

Contacts:
   Karena Coatney, Phone: 816-251-1135, Email: [email protected] 

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based religious formation program where children can grow in their relationship with God through a deep engagement in scripture and liturgy. We have a Level I Atrium for those 3 1/2 to 6 years old. The Atrium sessions are held once weekly during the school year beginning in September and ending in May.  Sessions are in the morning on Tuesday and Thursdays. Registration opens May 1st.

Children's Faith Formation Program (Grades K-5) Wednesday Evenings
Grades K-5: Children in grades kindergarten through fifth who are enrolled in Children’s Faith Formation attend weekly sessions on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. from mid-September through beginning of May. Registration opens May 1st. Adult volunteers serve as teachers, substitute teachers, evening office assistants, hall monitors and in many other areas. Training and materials are provided. We are in need of more volunteers please reach out to Karena Coatney for more information.

At Home Study
If your child is not able to attend Children's Faith Formation in person,  you may participate in our Home Study Program. This is available for Kindergarten through grade 5. You will receive a textbook for your child and a At Home Parent Guide to present the material in your home. You are also asked to participate in Parish Events at least once per quarter. For this option, please contact Karena Coatney at [email protected].

Children's Liturgy of the Word
All parish youth in kindergarten through third grade are invited to participate in Children’s Liturgy of the Word during the 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.(Spanish) Sunday Masses. The children are dismissed from the sanctuary to hear the Word of God proclaimed from the Children’s Lectionary, then discussed and reflected upon at their level. Children’s Liturgy of the Word is offered between mid-September and end of April. No registration is required.

First Reconciliation and First Eucharist
Those preparing for the sacraments must be registered members of our parish or attend Our Lady of the Presentation School. Registration opens May 1st.

Reconciliation and Eucharist Preparation:  In the fall, students prepare to experience the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession). The typical age for reception of this sacrament is second grade. Parents prepare their children for sacraments with the support of their classroom teachers. Parents whose children are enrolled in the Children’s Faith Formation Program or attend Presentation School will be notified of meeting times, dates, etc. by email. Information may also be obtained by request from the Children’s Faith Formation Office. Children take part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to First Eucharist (communion).  In January, parish children begin preparation for celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist. The Sacrament of First Eucharist is celebrated during special liturgies between Easter and Pentecost.