This is a sacramental process of initiation of non-baptized adults or adults baptized in another religion wishing to join the Catholic Church. This is a process of discerning with ritualistic stages of conversion leading to sacramental initiation through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist celebrated at the Easter Vigil.
We meet every Monday night at 7:00pm - 8:30pm in the Parish Meeting Room (hallway to right of Church).
Deacon Jim Lawson
717-799-0080
The purpose of our parish Religious Education program is to supplement and support our parents and families in the faith formation of their children. Religious Education is necessary for children of all ages to help them discover and deepen their unique relationship with God. Our parish RE program is specifically designed for students who do not receive Catholic Education through the parochial school system. This ministry is also necessary to prepare children to enter into deeper communion with the Church through the Sacraments of the Holy Eucharist and Confirmation. Our parish RE program provides the Sacramental preparation requirements and retreats for all children of the parish.
Our program is open to al children in grades Pre-K through 8th and uses the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Alive in Christ, and Chosen curriculums. This year we are also introducing the Adaptive Finding God curriculum in our effort to provide accommodations for children with special needs. Our catechesis, aides, hall monitors, and other volunteers devote countless hours to ensure that our students have a wonderful experience of faith formation.
The main session for the 2022-2023 school year is held on Sundays from 10:30-11:45 a.m. An alternate session of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is offered on (TBA). To register for the 2022-2023 school year, please complete the registration form attached and return it to the parish office under the attention of Religious Education.
If you have any questions about our program, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you into our Religious Education family.
In Christ,
Fr. Jim Szobonya, C.Ss.R.
Director of Religious Education
Ms. Faith Nikolaus
Coordinator of Religious Education
[email protected]
717-738-4517
Registration Packet for 2022-23
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a beloved new addition to our parish Religious Education program. Focusing on the developmental stages of the child, CGS aims to prepare an environment that meets the needs of each child and nurtures their unique relationship with God. In this special environment call an atrium, the children are immersed in Scripture and the Liturgy. The catechist's role in the atrium is to proclaim the good news of the Gospel and allow the children to joyfully respond with their own personal meditative work. The atrium is filled with materials such as wooden figurines of biblical stories and child sized altar articles and vestments, which encourage meditation and hands-on learning. The Level I atrium is specifically designed for the 3-6 year old child, who we believe has a particular openness to God.
Our Level I atrium sessions are offered in the OMPH School and through the Religious Education 2022-2023 school year. RE sessions will take place on Sundays from 10:30-11:45 a.m. and on (day and time TBA). Each CGS session can accommodate up to 9 children and will be filled on a first come first serve basis. To register, please complete the form attached and return it to the parish office under the attention of Religious Education. If you have any questions about our CGS program, please feel free to contact:
Ms. Faith Nikolaus
Coordinator of Religious Education
[email protected]
717-738-4517
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC) is a program for children over the age of seven who are in need of preparation for the Sacrament of Baptism. Our RCIC program also serves as personalized sacrament preparation for children who are already Baptized, but are in need of preparation for First Holy Communion and/or Confirmation outside of the norms of traditional Religious Education and sacramental preparation. Traditionally, children prepare for First Holy Communino in 1st and 2nd grades and prepare for Confirmation in 7th and 8th grades. If your child did not receive their sacraments no the "traditional timeline" or if they missed multiple years of formation in Religious Education, the RCIC preparation program might be right for you.
For more information contact
Deacon Jim Lawwon
717-799-0080
Theresa Novotnak
717-738-5061
Vacation Bible School is open to preschool age 4 and potty trained to having just completed grade 4 July 10 - 14, 2022, 5:45 pm to 8:20 pm.
Give kids a grand-new perspective! Go off-road for a Monumental adventure through the colorful canyons and sunbaked trails of the southwest. By exploring God's awesomeness, kids form a rock-solid faith for the road ahead.
Registration forms are in the Narthex and due by June 1, 2022.
For more information, contact Laura Kauffman 717-575-8221.