Religious Education: Church-Based

FAITH FORMATION

Faith Formation is the process of becoming a better disciple. It is both a personal and a communal journey that benefits from a life-time of catechesis, prayer, scripture study, worship and plenty of practice. Good Shepherd's Faith Formation efforts foster the religious education of both children and adults through a variety of programs and ministries. Click on the links above to find out more about our programming.

To contact the Faith Formation Office call 238-0649 or e-mail Faith Formation Director Barb Ballenger at dirred@goodshepherd-sc.org.

Adult Faith Formation: Bible and book studies, prayer opportunities and educational programs invite adults to nurture their maturing faith and to be a witness for others. Find out more.

Christian Initiation of Adults: This multi-month process provides education about the Catholic Church's belief, worship and practice while providing a supportive community in which to grow in faith and to discern a commitment to full membership. The program involves weekly Sunday meetings, beginning with a period of inquiry and culminating in the reception of sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday the night before Easter Sunday. A component for children and families is also available. Find out more.

Parochial School:
If you are interested in a full-time Catholic school, Our Lady of Victory Parish in State College link to http://www.olvcs.org/ operates a school for grades K-8. The closest Catholic high school is located in Altoona.

Religious Education of Children: Good Shepherd offers religious education programs for children in kindergarten through 11th grade in both church-based and home-based settings. More than 80 volunteer catechists and aides serve more than 500 children. The program formally runs from mid-September through early May. Find out more.

Sacramental Preparation: Children who have been baptized Catholic prepare for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation as part of the regular religious education program. Children preparing to receive Reconciliation and Eucharist in second grade must have attended a first-grade religious education program. Children receiving the sacrament of Confirmation in 11th grade, must have attended a religious education program in 9th, 10th and 11th grade. If your child needs to catch up on these sacraments, please call the Faith Formation Office at 238-0649.

Welcome Home: For people who are returning to the practice of the Catholic faith, Welcome Home offers information and guidance. The program includes two group sessions a year, as well as one-on-one meetings anytime. For more information contact Charleen Blum at cblum60@windstream.net.

Youth Ministry: With the hiring of our first part-time youth minister, Good Shepherd is offering a growing number of fun, faith-filled programs for youth in junior and senior high. Service, social and spiritual activities are all on the agenda. Visit our youth ministry page to learn more and get involved.



			< Faith Formation & Religious Education>
HOMEPAGE >> --------------------------------- PARISH INFORMATION >> --------------------------------- BECOME A MEMBER >> --------------------------------- DIRECTIONS >> --------------------------------- VIRTUAL TOUR >> --------------------------------- EVENTS CALENDAR >> --------------------------------- MINISTRIES >> --------------------------------- FAITH FORMATION & RELIGIOUS EDUCATION>> --------------------------------- WEEKLY BULLETIN >> --------------------------------- LINKS >> ---------------------------------			ADULT FAITH FORMATION \| CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS \| PAROCHIAL SCHOOL \| RELIGIOUS EDUATION OF CHILDREN \| SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION \| WELCOME HOME \| YOUTH MINISTRY \| PROTECTING GOD'S CHILDREN \| FAITH FORMATION Faith Formation is the process of becoming a better disciple. It is both a personal and a communal journey that benefits from a life-time of catechesis, prayer, scripture study, worship and plenty of practice. Good Shepherd's Faith Formation efforts foster the religious education of both children and adults through a variety of programs and ministries. Click on the links above to find out more about our programming. To contact the Faith Formation Office call 238-0649 or e-mail Faith Formation Director Barb Ballenger at dirred@goodshepherd-sc.org. Adult Faith Formation: Bible and book studies, prayer opportunities and educational programs invite adults to nurture their maturing faith and to be a witness for others. Find out more. Christian Initiation of Adults: This multi-month process provides education about the Catholic Church's belief, worship and practice while providing a supportive community in which to grow in faith and to discern a commitment to full membership. The program involves weekly Sunday meetings, beginning with a period of inquiry and culminating in the reception of sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday the night before Easter Sunday. A component for children and families is also available. Find out more. Parochial School: If you are interested in a full-time Catholic school, Our Lady of Victory Parish in State College link to http://www.olvcs.org/ operates a school for grades K-8. The closest Catholic high school is located in Altoona. Religious Education of Children: Good Shepherd offers religious education programs for children in kindergarten through 11th grade in both church-based and home-based settings. More than 80 volunteer catechists and aides serve more than 500 children. The program formally runs from mid-September through early May. Find out more. Sacramental Preparation: Children who have been baptized Catholic prepare for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation as part of the regular religious education program. Children preparing to receive Reconciliation and Eucharist in second grade must have attended a first-grade religious education program. Children receiving the sacrament of Confirmation in 11th grade, must have attended a religious education program in 9th, 10th and 11th grade. If your child needs to catch up on these sacraments, please call the Faith Formation Office at 238-0649. Welcome Home: For people who are returning to the practice of the Catholic faith, Welcome Home offers information and guidance. The program includes two group sessions a year, as well as one-on-one meetings anytime. For more information contact Charleen Blum at cblum60@windstream.net. Youth Ministry: With the hiring of our first part-time youth minister, Good Shepherd is offering a growing number of fun, faith-filled programs for youth in junior and senior high. Service, social and spiritual activities are all on the agenda. Visit our youth ministry page to learn more and get involved.












			Church of the Good Shepherd PO BOX 8186 \| State College, PA 16805 Phone: 814-238-2110 \| FAX: 814-238-3484 \| E-mail: gsoffice@goodshepherd-sc.org Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.