GIFT faith formation

growing in faith together

as a family

GIFT - Growing in Faith Together

Registration for the 2025-26 year is open.

Sessions begin the week of September 21. See full calendar for details.

Cost: $100 per child.

Contact Gayle Registration now open! GIFT Calendar

What is GIFT?

Growing In Faith Together (GIFT) is our process for helping children and families grow in their faith and relationship with God. Some call it religious education, faith formation, or CCD, but growing in faith is a lifelong process, so we began using GIFT to help remind us that our faith is a gift from God and together we can help each other grow closer to God. GIFT includes several formats for various ages and stages to help everyone to keep growing in faith and relationship with God, while also encouraging a wider sense of community throughout the parish. GIFT is intended for families with children in preschool – grade 8 enrolled at public or non-Catholic private schools, but all family members, as well as Catholic school families, are welcome. Preparation for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion take place within the GIFT programs over two years in accordance with the diocese’s requirements. 


What does it look like?

For children age 3 through kindergarten, we are offering Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) which uses Montessori-inspired principles to introduce the life and teachings of Jesus, liturgy, and prayer to young children. CGS meets weekly with two options of sessions, either Wednesdays, 1:30-3pm or Thursdays, 4-5:50pm.


For children in grades 1-5, we offer our GIFT family and children’s program, which includes family sessions once a month, where parents attend with their children, and weekly sessions of children’s only classes by grade. Family and children’s sessions are offered on Sundays, 10-11:15am.


Grade 6-8 (Middle School) follow a youth group style model with twice a month meetings on Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30pm, starting with a meal, games, and time for small and large group discussions about faith and life.


Support GIFT

There are many ways to support the GIFT program! First, please pray for the GIFT process, the families participating, and the leadership team. Or if you like working with kids and teens and want to get involved, please contact Gayle (for any questions about Grades 1-8 or First Communion Preparation) or Noreen (for any questions about Grades 9-12 or Confirmation Preparation).

need more answers

Explore the GIFT FAQs below

  • More details about GIFT Registration fees

    Registration Fees for GIFT Faith Formation (including CGS:age 3-Kindergarten, GIFT:Grades 1-5, MS: Grades 6-8) are as follows: 1 Child is $100, 2 Children is $200, 3 Children (or more) is $300 (Max. fee per family).  Payments are made by card online during the registration process. No family will be denied attendance in faith formation due to an inability to pay registration fees in advance. Paying by cash or check, setting up payment plans, scholarships and/or waivers are also available. Please contact Gayle to discuss scholarships and/or fee waivers. 

  • Are First Communion and First Reconciliation Preparation part of GIFT?

    Yes, preparation for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion take place within the GIFT program.  Prepartion can begin as early as Grade 1, but any child over grade 1 who has not yet received First Reconciliation and First Communion can begin.  We follow a two-year preparation process in accordance with the diocesan requirements.  Check the appropriate box during registration and you will be contacted with additional information.


  • Why this type of GIFT model?

    Research shows that parent involvement in their children’s faith lives is one of the largest indicators for faith sustained through adulthood. Our process includes more interaction between children and their parents, as well as with their peers, and other members of our faith community, not just to learn about our faith, but to actively live it and recognize that all relationships need to be continually fostered for growth.

  • Ages 3 thru Kindergarten - CGS and/or Sunday School

    Children ages 3 - kindergarten may register for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Program or attend Sunday School or Children's Liturgy during the 9 am Mass. Registration is required for the CGS program, however, registration is not required for Sunday School or Children's Liturgy, visit the CGS and Kids pages for more information.

  • High school/Confirmation Preparation

    High School Youth Ministry and Confirmation Preparation meet throughout the year.  See the calendar or visit the Teens or Confirmation pages for more information.


Need to reach us?

Register for GIFT, contact Gayle, or download the 2025-26 GIFT calendar