St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
315 N. Constitution Ave.
New Freedom, PA 17349
Religious Education:
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Our parish offers the children of the parish an opportunity to participate in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. This catechesis brings together children as young as 3 years old into the presence of Jesus through his/her experiences in the Atrium. The Atrium is a carefully prepared room which is located in our school building. What is different with this catechesis is it is based on the Montessori principles of educating the whole child, physically and spiritually.
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Level I and Level II Atrium sessions are Sunday mornings, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: Ages 3-6
Level I Atrium
Children ages 3-6 (Kindergarten) attend Level I Atrium sessions.
The themes presented help the children become aware of God's great love for them by listening to the Word of God in the Bible and living the liturgical seasons of the Church. The Atrium is therefore a holy place, so it becomes a bridge or a path to the holy place of the Mass. The children ponder the deepest mysteries of our faith and respond with joy.
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Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Levels I and II) meets:
Sundays from 8:45am - 10:15am
OR
Wednesdays from 6:00pm - 7:30pm
OR
Thursdays from 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: Ages 6-8
Level II Atrium, Sacrament Preparation
Children ages 6-8 (Grades 1-2) attend Level II Atrium sessions.
The children continue contemplating the great mysteries of our Catholic faith by reading and meditating on the prayers of Mass and examining the moral parables of Jesus as they prepare to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.
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Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Levels I and II) meets:
Sundays from 8:45am - 10:15am
OR
Wednesdays from 6:00pm - 7:30pm
OR
Thursdays from 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Religious Education Department
Sr. Jane Keller, Director - srjkeller@sjbnf.org
Mrs. Belinda Siperko, Admin. Assistant - bsiperko@sjbnf.org