Children and Family Ministry

*For more specific information on the 2022-2023 Religious Education Program for infants through eighth graders, please contact Holly Mohr, our Director of Religious Education. 

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 2022-2023:

• Infant and Toddler Atrium (0-3 year olds, plus a parent) in-person Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:30-11:30am
• Level I Atrium (3-6 year olds) in-person Wednesday evenings from 5:30-7:30pm
• Level II Atrium (6-9 year olds) in person Wednesday evenings from 5:30-7:30pm
• Level II Transition Atrium (4th graders with previous experience in the atrium) in person Wednesday evenings from 5:30-7:30pm

Location: Education and Community Centery - 403 Grandview Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15211

To explore more about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, please visit our webpage.  

• First and second grade virtual: on Zoom Wednesday evenings at 5:30pm
• Third and fourth grade virtual: on Zoom Tuesday evenings at 6:00pm

"Tweens" or teens in grades 5, 6, 7 and 8 will meet once monthly 4-7pm. They will explore Scripture, break into small discipleship groups, learn new prayer forms, and bond through shared activities, such as bocce ball and cooking.
Location: Administrative Center 81 S 13^th St. Pittburgh PA 15203

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.