Faith Formation at Good Shepherd Catholic Community

Faith Formation is at the heart of our mission at Good Shepherd Catholic Community, guiding individuals and families to deepen their relationship with Christ, grow in their understanding of the Catholic faith, and live as disciples in the world.
We offer a variety of programs and opportunities for parishioners of all ages to journey together in faith, from young children just beginning to explore their beliefs to adults seeking to enrich their spiritual lives.

Our Mission

The goal of Faith Formation is to nurture a lifelong love of God, a vibrant faith community, and a commitment to live out the Gospel in everyday life. Through teaching, prayer, and service, we seek to:

  • Inspire Growth in Faith: Helping parishioners grow in their understanding of Catholic teachings and traditions.
  • Encourage Active Discipleship: Providing opportunities for individuals to live out their faith in meaningful ways.
  • Build Community: Creating a supportive and welcoming environment where everyone feels connected to their spiritual family.

Programs We Offer

Children and Youth

  • Religious Education (Grades K-8)
    A dynamic program that introduces children to the foundations of the Catholic faith, including prayer, sacraments, and Bible stories, in a fun and engaging environment.

  • Sacramental Preparation
    Programs to prepare children and youth for the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation. These programs involve both classroom learning and family participation.

  • Youth Ministry
    Opportunities for teens to grow in their faith through retreats, service projects, social events, and leadership development.

Adults

  • Adult Faith Formation
    Programs and workshops designed to deepen understanding of Catholic teaching, Scripture, and spirituality. Topics may include Bible studies, Catholic traditions, and contemporary issues in faith.

  • RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)
    For those interested in joining the Catholic Church or completing their sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, or Confirmation). This program offers a welcoming pathway to explore and embrace the Catholic faith.

  • Small Faith Groups
    Gatherings for adults to explore faith in a more intimate setting, fostering relationships and spiritual growth through discussion, prayer, and shared experiences.

Family Involvement

We believe that faith is nurtured most effectively within the family. That’s why we actively encourage parents and guardians to participate in their child’s faith journey, offering resources and events that foster faith in the home. From family retreats to service opportunities, there’s something for everyone.

Special Opportunities

Throughout the year, we host special events and programs to enrich the faith lives of our parishioners:

  • Retreats and Missions
  • Vacation Bible School
  • Seasonal Faith Programs during Advent and Lent
  • Service Projects and Outreach Opportunities

Join Us!

Faith Formation is a lifelong journey, and there is always a place for you here at Good Shepherd Catholic Community. Whether you’re new to the faith, returning after time away, or looking to deepen your existing spiritual life, our programs are designed to meet you where you are and help you grow.

For more information or to register for our Faith Formation programs, please contact the parish office or visit our website. Together, let us grow as disciples of Christ, building a stronger faith community united in love and service.

Faith Formation Director of Faith Formation: - Deacon Gary DiLallo

K-5 Faith Formation Classes will be held in Moravia at St.
Patrick, Church after the 8:30 am Mass. Stephanie Montreuil
will be the teacher. The classes will be on the first and third
Sundays of the month.
K-7 Faith Formation Classes at St. Mary’s Schrader Hall at
9:00-10:30 am on Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec. 1, Jan. 5, Feb. 2,
March 2, April 6, May 4, June 1.
Year Two: will be meeting at St. Patrick, Aurora, Church Hall,
Saturdays mornings. No start date yet.
First Penance sessions begins Saturday, at 9:00am at
St. Mary’s Schrader Hall., on Oct. 5, Nov. 2,
Dec.7, First Penance Rehearsal, Dec.14 First Penance

Faith Formation Corner
“Whoever causes one of these little ones* who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a
great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” … See that you do not
despise one of these little ones,” Matthew 18 :6,10
In accordance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People: All Volunteers in the Diocese
of Rochester must complete MANDATORY training: Creating a Safe Environment Training (CASE – Volunteers), and the
appropriate Volunteer Code of Conduct, and a Background Check prior to volunteer service within the Diocese.
These must be renewed every three years. Listed below are the links to some of the Diocese’s websites on
Creating a Safe Environment.
Diocese of Rochester Safe Environment Training Site: Log in to the site
Volunteer-Code-of-Conduct-for-Adults.pdf (dor.org)
USCCB-Ministering-Online-to-Minors.pdf (dor.org)
What Every Parent/Guardian Should Know (dor.org)
Talking to your child about sexual abuse (dor.org)
2002-08-23-Update-on-Safe-Environment-Efforts-003.pdf (dor.org)
It is incumbent upon each of us to insure our children and youth are protected. I am asking all volunteers in our
faith community to insure that you are up to date on your training. Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns
at Gary.DiLallo@dor.org or 315-252-7593. Have a Blessed Week!

K-5 Faith Formation Classes will be held in Moravia at St.
Patrick, Church after the 8:30 am Mass. Stephanie Montreuil
– will be the teacher. There will be 40 Minute classes
twice a month. Schedule coming soon.
K-7 Faith Formation Classes at St. Mary’s Schrader Hall
at 9:00-10:30 am on Sept. 15, Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec.
1, Jan. 5, Feb. 2, March 2, April 6, May 4, June 1.
Confirmation Preparation Sessions:
Year One: will be meeting at Sacred Heart Church,
30 Melrose Road, Sepember 15 at 1:00 PM.
Year Two: will be meeting at St. Mary’s Schrader Hall,
Sepember 15 at 9:00 AM .
Year Two: will be meeting at St. Patrick, Aurora, Church Hall,
Saturdays form 8:00am to 10:30am. No start date yet.
First Penance sessions begins Saturday, Sept. 21, at 9:00am
at St. Mary’s Schrader Hall.

““Faith is the realization of what is hoped for, and evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).
The curriculum for Faith Formation Classes at St. Mary’s and St. Patrick’s is Exploring the Profession of Faith.
The lesson for September began with the Basics, Prayer: before meals, the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be. The first Activity a with worksheet teaches the children about Bible Basics.
The Old Testament begins with the book of Genesis with these famous words, “In the beginning, God…” and relates how
God created this wonderful world we live in.
It tells how our first parents, Adam and Eve, committed the sin of disobedience to God when they ate the forbidden fruit in the
Garden of Eden. This sinful act is traditionally known as “the fall of man” and is the moment sin and death entered the world.
The Old Testament continues with historical books, wisdom books, and the prophets. Good reading.
The New Testament tells the story of Jesus, Our Savior, and the New Covenant that was made with His blood on the cross
for our sins. The books in this section were written by Jesus’ followers, the Apostles, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These books tell the story of His birth, crucifixion and Resurrection.
After the Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles and 21 epistles or letters tell us how the church began. The final book is Revelation, a prophecy about the end times. A must-read book.
There are openings at all our sites. Yes, home school for faith formation is also available. Either way, you can learn more
by joining the Family of Faith.