We are happy to offer several faith formation options for the Lakewood Catholic community. Families with children in public school, or non-Catholic schools are invited to consider one of the following faith formation options. Parish School of Religion programs follow the school year calendar, beginning in late August / early September and meeting through early May.
Registration for Parish School of Religion will held on Sunday, August 25, 6 pm – 7 pm at the Saint James Parish Center. Saint Clement and Saint James families are asked to choose an option by this date.
Option 1 – Family PSR – Parish School of Religion: Families with children in grades 1 – 8 will complete the Pflaum Gospel Weekly lessons at home with their children and have quarterly in-person check-ins. The check-ins will take place at Saint Clement Church. In addition, families enrolled in Family PSR will gather with other PSR families several times throughout the year for fellowship and formation activities.
Families who choose this option are asked to attend a parent meeting on Monday, September 9 at Saint Clement Church Hall, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm.
Option 2 – Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori inspired approach to the religious formation of children, rooted in Sacred Scripture, Liturgy and respect for the child’s rich relationship with God.
The children gather in a specially prepared space called an Atrium. A typical session includes prayer, a presentation on scripture or liturgy, and time for the children to work with the prepared materials and quietly ponder the mysteries presented.
The Level I Atrium is prepared for children ages 3 – 6 year old (K).
The Level II Atrium is prepared for children ages 6 – 9, 1st grade – 3rd grade.
Level 1 and Level 2 meet on Wednesday evenings 6:30 pm – 8: 00 pm at the Saint James Parish Center.
Here is link to a short video further explaining the beauty of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfg9RfBk-fY
In addition, families enrolled in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd will gather with other PSR families several times throughout the year for fellowship and formation activities.
A Parent Meeting for parents new to CGS will be held Wednesday, August 28 at Saint James Parish Center, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. Students new to CGS begin September 4, returning students begin September 25.
Option 3 – Classroom PSR Model for students in grades 1- 8, students meet in classrooms with catechists, some grades meet together depending on enrollment. Students study the Sophia Institute program Spirit of Truth. This option takes place at the Saint Luke school building, Mondays 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm.
In addition, families enrolled in the Classroom Model will gather with other PSR families several times throughout the year for fellowship and formation activities.
Classroom PSR begins Monday, September 16 at Saint Luke School Building. 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm.
VIRTUS – Empowering God’s Children To ensure the safest possible environment for children and youth, we will offer the Diocese of Cleveland VIRTUS Empowering God’s Children for all children in Religious Education programs. More details to follow.
Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, Confirmation Preparation for the Sacrament of First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation is in addition to PSR attendance and Catholic school. Students from all three parishes will prepare together for the Sacraments.
A Parent Meeting for parents of children preparing for First Reconciliation will be held on Thursday, September 19 at Saint Luke at 6:30 pm.
For more information please contact Colleen Houk, Parish Catechetical Leader serving the faith communities of Saint Clement Parish and Saint James Parish.
Saint Clement 216 226-5116 pcl.stclementlakewoo@gmail.com
Saint James 216 712-6755 chouk@stjameslakewood.com