Faith Formation Director of Faith Formation: - Jon Robson
Faith Formation Corner– Fall Registration 2026-27
It’s time to register your children or grandchildren for the Family of Faith, First Penance, First Communion and
Confirmation.
Registration forms are available in the back of all the churches, as well as on GSCC website.
Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions at: Jonathan.Robson@dor.org
St. Albert the Great Academy and Tyburn Academy are currently accepting students for the 2026-27 School year.
Call for more information: St. Albert the Great (315)-283-0555, Tyburn Academy (315)252-2937
The Vineyard and the Garden of the Soul
In this Sunday’s readings, vineyards are more than a familiar autumn scene: they reveal God’s care and our responsibility. Isaiah sings of a vineyard planted on fertile ground, cleared of stones, protected, and ended with care. Yet it produces wild grapes instead of the justice and righteousness God desires. Jesus takes up the same image in the Gospel, telling of a landowner who prepares a vineyard and entrusts it to tenants.
Here in the Finger Lakes, we can see how much care a vineyard requires. Wine growers prune, train, and tend their vines so the rows remain orderly and the plants can bear good fruit. That care offers a
spiritual lesson: with God’s help, we must tend the garden of our soul. Prayer, Scripture, the
sacraments, and daily acts of kindness help remove what chokes our growth and cultivate the fruits
God hopes to find in us.
God did not leave the vineyard in Isaiah untended; the owner carefully prepared it. In the same way,
God gives us a world, and a local community entrusted to our care. We can help keep the garden of our neighborhood flourishing through respect, generosity, service, and attention to those who are lonely or in need. The vineyard belongs to its owner, but we, the tenants, are accountable for the fruit.
As we admire the orderly vineyards of the Finger Lakes, may we remember to tend our inner lives and
our shared neighborhood—so that God may find a harvest of justice, love, and peace.
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.