CGS Sacramental Formation

Program Description

Since parents are the primary educators of their children, St. Gertrude Church is thrilled to collaborate with parents in helping prepare children (generally in second grade) for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion.

During monthly one-hour group parent/child Sacramental Formation sessions during October–April, parents and children will hear Scripture, CGS presentations, and be given the practical knowledge needed to receive the two aforementioned sacraments. These times of catechesis and prayer will become sacred memories for you and your child.

Program Elements & 2022–2023 Session Times

If your child is in second grade and attends a public or private school that does not teach Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS), you need to register him or her for CGS Level 2 and Sacramental Formation. If your primary form of education is homeschooling, you need to register your child for Sacramental Formation, however, participation in CGS Level 2 is also encouraged! If your child attends St. Gertrude School, he or she will be prepared for Reconciliation and First Communion as part of their regular curriculum.

Registration for 2022-2023 Sacramental Formation is now open through August 17, 2022. Here are the session dates and times options (some dates may be adjusted throughout the year):

2nd Sundays, 1:30–2:30 p.m.
2nd Tuesdays, 6–7 p.m.
3rd Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Add the 2022-2023 CGS Sacramental Formation calendar to your calendar to ensure that you never miss a date.

Add Calendar

Retreats
Before each sacrament, we will host a half-day retreat for the students:

First Reconciliation Retreat: January 21, 2023, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
First Communion Retreat: April 29, 2023, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Sacrament Dates

First Reconciliation: January 24, 2023, 7 p.m.
First Communion Rehearsal: May 4, 2023, 6:30 p.m.
First Communion: May 6, 2023, 2 p.m.

Cost

The cost of the program is $25/child.

Contact

Mary Beth Thiemann
Coordinator of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Kristen Eggers
Office Coordinator

Have questions? Interested in learning more? Contact Mary Beth Thiemann at mbthiemann@stgertrude.org or Kristen Eggers at kristen@stgertrude.org, or call (513) 561-5954.