Catch the Spirit
The Spirit of Faith, Knowledge, and Service
This simple phrase defines the atmosphere and goals that have that have been established for the students and families of Good Shepherd Catholic School. Within our school, academic excellence is further enhanced by Catholic values which foster the growth of our students as truthful, generous, and joyful people capable of becoming leaders in the Church and our community.
Spirit of Faith
At Good Shepherd, we believe that creating a strong Catholic faith foundation is important. Opportunities are provided to help students develop a personal relationship with God. This includes weekly liturgy, preparation for Sacraments and daily prayer.
In our Little Rams program and Kindergarten, children encounter Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd, a loving caretaking and protector. Children hear simple versions of Bible stories and learn basic prayers of praise and thanksgiving. They also learn the events in the life of Jesus.
In first grade, children are introduced to God as the Creator of all things on Earth and in heaven. They learn that God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and that humans respond to him with love and gratitude. Students learn of their responsibility to respect life, themselves, and other people.
Second Grade is the year that children prepare to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance) and First Eucharist (Holy Communion). They learn more about the life of Jesus and their parents are invited to help them develop a close relationship with Jesus. Children understand the gifts of free will and forgiveness through the Sacrament of Penance and learn that frequent participation in the Holy Eucharist strengthens the life-long bond with Christ that began at their Baptism.
Building on their new relationship with Jesus through Reconciliation and Eucharist, children in the third grade, learn about living as part of a faith community. They study the seven sacraments of the Church and how God instituted them to bring his people closer to him.
In fourth grade, children study basic morality. They learn the lessons and rules Jesus gave his people to help them to be happy. Students explore the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes as well as practice the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.
Acknowledging children’s growing ability to enter into relationships with others, fifth grade students concentrate on deepening their personal relationship with Jesus. They study the sacraments again, now from the perspective of people in a loving, respectful relationship with God.
In sixth grade, students encounter the mystery of God through his involvement with people in history. They study how God reveals himself through the Old and New Testaments. They learn about Jesus as the fulfillment of the promises of the Old Testament and the fulfillment of the longings of the human heart.
In the seventh grade, the students look closely at the Gospels and study the sacraments as expressions of their reciprocal relationship with Jesus. They explore the emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual growth they experience as adolescents.
In the eighth grade, students learn how the choices they make affect their relationships with one another. They study Church history and learn lessons of leadership and social responsibility.
As I have loved you, love one another. -John 13:34
