We offer the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program for students in grades kindergarten through grade two. This is a scripture and liturgy based program using Montessori principles. As noted on the website of the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd:

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children. It is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. Children gather in an atrium, a room prepared for them, which contains simple yet beautiful materials that they use.

In an atrium the child can ponder a biblical passage or a prayer from the liturgy by taking the material for that text and working with it-placing wood figures of sheep in a sheepfold of the Good Shepherd, setting sculpted apostles around a Last Supper table, or preparing a small altar with the furnishings used for the Eucharist."

Students in grades three through eight further their learning of the Catholic faith and deepen their relationship with God through prayer and the text Finding God published by Loyola Press. Although this text is the primary source, students are offered many additional resources to further their learning in all areas of our faith including the Mass, the sacraments, the Ten Commandments, the liturgical year and the Bible.  Each year builds on the teaching of the previous year.

Our high school class, grades 9-12, is held each Wednesday evening from 6:15 to 7:30 PM in the church hall.  The majority of these students are also preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation.  Preparation for this sacrament does not take place during this regular weekly religious education class but through eight separate sessions over a two-year period.

During the course of our program much emphasis is placed upon preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession), Holy Eucharist (Communion), and Confirmation.  Eligibility to receive the Sacraments includes completion of a minimum TWO YEAR PROGRAM at the Basilica of Saint John or, if you are new to the Basilica, your child must have been enrolled in a religious education program in the parish where you are moving from the year prior to your enrolling in the Basilica of Saint John's religious education program and we must have a letter from the previous parish verifying your child's attendance in class.

First Holy Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of May each year. Children who meet the requirements of having received the sacrament of Baptism and are adequately prepared in all areas including receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation are eligible to receive this sacrament in second grade.

We require that children attend religious education classes for two years prior to receiving First Communion.  The first year of sacramental preparation focuses on learning about the Catholic faith and developing a deep and loving relationship with God.  The second year of their religious education builds on the teaching of the first year and prepares them to receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion.  For more information, contact the Maria at 515-953-9188 or email at; mlkluesner@gmail.com 

Preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation is provided through eight classes over a two-year period.  Students are expected to attend both the weekly religious education classes and the two-year Confirmation Preparation classes prior to being confirmed.  Preparation for this sacrament cannot begin earlier than ninth grade and students cannot be confirmed prior to tenth grade.

Our Confirmation preparation program takes place on eight Sundays over a two-year period.  Students attend the 10:30 Mass as a group, have lunch and then attend a 2-3 hour class.

Students are eligible to receive the sacrament of Confirmation in tenth grade or above.  Students may begin preparation for this sacrament no sooner than ninth grade.  In order to receive the sacrament of Confirmation, students must complete the two-year sacramental program and attend regular religious education classes.  Eligible students must be baptized prior to receiving the sacrament of Confirmation.  Students are required to choose a sponsor for Confirmation.  The Confirmation sponsor must have completed the 16th year of age and be a practicing Catholic.