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Renovation of Parish Offices (Lower Level)St. John’s Religious Education program is growing rapidly with the increase of children in our parish (see chart below). The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) Program has grown so much that all hallways, corners and spaces of the rectory lower level are used for this ministry. A component of the program is forming the full family. Thus, while the children are in religious education, the parents attend an adult catechesis session on how to live the faith as the domestic church. We currently don’t have space to support this need. These space challenges certainly call for a re-imagined look at how the lower level of the rectory can be better utilized to serve the program needs. The plans include a renovation of existing catechesis rooms and repurposing of half of the floor which is currently used for maintenance, storage, and for the Garden Door Ministry. Plans also include plumbing, electrical, heating and air upgrades where needed.
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“As one of the first families to start the beginning of the “St. John’s baby boom”, we were praying for some sort of children’s program that would help form the faith of our children. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd has been an answer to that prayer! It is a wonderful Montessori-based program that introduces children to different Bible stories, liturgical living, and invites them to have their own encounters with God through quiet, contemplative work. Our children have learned so much, as have we!” -Lindsey & Scott Knust, St. John Parishioner with 4 kids enrolled in CGS Program
“The CGS method allows adults to work along side the child, as we are all children of God. It has been humbling, and I’ve learned so much being in front of God and the children this way as a catechist in Level II of the program. To watch them come alive in front of Jesus’ words is powerful. This is even more true for me also as a parent of children in CGS. Watching my daughter light up during Mass as she makes a connection (like the color of the priests vestments that day), or singing “Alleluia!” at home, or the profound, joyful silence she has after time in the atrium are all humble, beautiful moments of His Presence.” -Caitlin & Mark Bedwell, St. John Parishioner with 3 kids enrolled in CGS Program
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