Children and Family Ministry

For information on the 2021-2022 Religious Education Program for infants through eighth graders, please contact Holly Mohr at hmohr@maryqueenofpeacepgh.org.

Our unique approach to intergenerational faith formation, Children and Family Ministry, seeks to nurture each member of the family. This year's CFM offerings include in-person Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for infants through fourth graders, virtual religious education for first through fourth graders, and in-person Tween/Teen Ministry for fifth through eighth graders.

Our formation for children and families seeks to put Christ and his Gospel first. Our philosophy is that faith is formed through personal encounter with Christ. We can help welcome this Spirit of Christ through intimate prayer, supportive experiences of community, and service to others.  From these experiences springs a natural desire to learn about Christ and his Church.

Offering 2021-2022:
Infant and Toddler Atrium (0-3 year olds, plus a parent)
Level I Atrium (3-6 year olds)
Level II Atrium (6-9 year olds)
Level II Transition Atrium (4th graders with previous experience in the atrium)

What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?
This program takes place in a specially-prepared room called an "atrium."  The atrium is prepared very simply, containing hands-on "works" inspired by Scripture and the liturgy.  When the children enter the atrium, they remove their shoes (remembering that this is "holy ground") and put on slippers.  They choose a material to "work" with, perhaps a child-sized altar, equipped with two candles, a small crucifix, a chalice, and a paten. Perhaps they choose to work with the "Pearl of Great Price" diorama, reenacting the scene of the merchant and the pearl in miniature.  At some point each session the children will see a presentation of a new work that helps lead them to contemplate the wonder of Scripture or the liturgy. At the end of the session, the children and adults gather for communal prayer.  Through every act in the atrium, both the children and adults seek to "listen to God."  This method is foundational for helping instill the values of our parish and program, helping form our youngest children in prayer and love of Christ.  It is a Montessori-based method founded by Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi. 

For the 2021-2022 catechetical year, masks must be worn at all times by everyone over age 2, regardless of vaccination status.

The Infant and Toddler Atrium will meet Monday mornings from 10:45am-12:15pm. This atrium is appropriate for 0-3 year olds. At least one parent must be present.

• Level I Atrium will meet Thursday evenings from 4:30-6pm and 6:30-8pm. This atrium is appropriate for 3-6 year olds (roughly preschool and kindergartners).
• Level II Atrium will meet Thursdays evenings from 4:30-6pm and 6:30-8pm. This atrium is appropriate for 6-9 year olds (roughly first, second and third graders).
• Level II Transition Atrium will meet Thursdays from 6:30-8pm. This atrium is appropriate for fourth graders who have experience in this type of formation.

To register, or for more information, please contact Holly Mohr at hmohr@maryqueenofpeacepgh.org.

To explore more about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, please visit www.cgsusa.org.

"Tweens" or teens in grades 5, 6, 7 and 8 will meet once monthly beginning Sept 26 from 6-9pm. They will explore Scripture, break into small discipleship groups, learn new prayer forms, and bond through shared activities, such as bocce ball and cooking. To register or for more information, please contact Holly Mohr at hmohr@maryqueenofpeacepgh.org.

First Reconciliation and First Communion are most often received in second grade.  (Please note that participation in first grade CFM is required in order to move on to the second grade group.  The Diocese requires two consecutive years of faith formation prior to reception of sacraments).  Both sacraments take place in the Easter season. Our program emphasizes the close relationship of the two sacraments, noting with theologian and religious educator Sofia Cavalletti that reconciliation always calls for the great celebration that is communion (both in Scripture and in our lives)! Preparation takes place within class sessions, liturgy, and a retreat experience.

Confirmation preparation begins in the fall of ninth grade and is typically received in the spring of ninth grade.  Please see our Youth Ministry/Confirmation Prep page for more information.