Staff Changes - As you may have heard, Christina Steele’s family recently found out they are being relocated to Indianapolis, IN.  We are so grateful for all the joy, enthusiasm, and servant spirit that Christina has brought to our parish, and especially our Faith Formation program, in her 8 years here at Good Shepherd, and we wish her all the best!

For the remainder of the year, Stacy Austin will be solely responsible for the English K-6 program.   This means we really need parent volunteers to assist as hall monitors and substitutes.  Please consider how you can help!  
Stacy (s.austin@gs-cc.org) is your POC for all questions regarding the English K-6 program; however, there will be changes to the on-site Coordinator for some sessions:

• Sunday 7:45am and 9:15am – Stacy Austin
• Sunday 5:00pm – Rosie Driscoll*  
• Monday and Thursday – Stacy Austin

* Rosie is our Middle/High School Coordinator. 

If you have an immediate need or emergency at the 5:00pm session, Rosie is your POC.  If you have a question regarding the English K-6 program, or your child’s participation, please email Stacy Austin for a response.

Calendar - Please check the calendar on the website to confirm the upcoming class schedule!  And please be reminded that we follow Fairfax County Public Schools in the event of inclement weather.

​Mardi Gras - Join us Tuesday, February 13 for a last hurrah before Ash Wednesday.  We will start the evening with a pancake meal provided by the Knights of Columbus followed by Mardi Gras fun.  We will end the evening with ice cream and tips for having a blessed Lenten experience.

Volunteers needed for Mardi Gras.  Please email Stacy, s.austin@gs-cc.org, if you or your teenager want to help!  This is a great family service opportunity.

Children's Liturgy of the Word - Children in grades K-6 are invited to register for Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLW) which takes place during the 9:00 & 10:30 Mass.  There is a critical need for Adult Volunteers in order that we may continue offering CLW at both Masses.    Check the website to register or contact re@gs-cc.org for more information.

Shepherd’s Choir - Our children’s choir sings every 1st and 3rd Sunday at the 10:30 Mass.  Email Anne Shingler, a.shingler@gs-cc.org, if your child would like to participate.

Upcoming Dates to Remember

• February 13 – Mardi Gras
• February 28 – Fifth Graders Presentation of Stations of the Cross
• March 10 – First Communion Retreat (invitation only)

Blessings,
​
Joan Sheppard, Director of FF
Stacy Austin, Coordinator of English K-6
Rosie Driscoll, Coordinator of MS/HS

​Eucharistic Adoration: Each Wednesday our parish has Eucharistic Adoration. Join us December 13 as Fr. Ramon leads and teaches children and their families in this beautiful form of prayer. 

​St. Lucy: The feast of St. Lucy is also on December 13 and we will learn and celebrate this saint.
Meet in Parlor Lounge at 6:00 pm

Reverse Advent Calendar:  Pick up a St. Lucy bag in the commons.  Attached to the bag is a Reverse Advent Calendar.  Each day, as you count down the days until Christmas, add a canned good to the bag.  Return the bag to the Sharing Sunday bin on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.  All food will support the St. Lucy Project. 

Teens can join "Wrap-It-Up" Gift Wrapping and Babysitting
Saturday, December 16, 12 - 4pm
Wrap presents to benefit Alice's Kids or babysit to benefit Good Shepherd High School Work Camp.
Sign up for wrapping HERE. Contact Miguel, m.deangel@gs-cc.org to sign up for babysitting.

Decorate Good Shepherd for Christmas - December 23 and 24​
​Help make our parish beautiful and welcoming for Christmas.
Contact Anne Shingler, a.shingler@gs-cc.org
 
Knights of Columbus "Keep Christ in Christmas" Poster Contest
Students in Pre-K to 8th grade are invited to participate in the annual "Keep Christ in Christmas" poster contest.  All participants receive a certificate.  Local 1st and 2nd place winners receive cash prizes, and their posters may advance to District competition and beyond! Participation is easy:

• Create a poster, approximately 11x17 inches, with participant’s name on the back.
• Complete Part 1 of the Contest Entrance Form, available HERE.
• Turn in posters at the Good Shepherd front desk by December 17, 2017
• Contest rules and more information are found on the form.

Questions? Contact Steve Higgins, higginsssmh8@gmail.com or 703-360-7376.  

Children’s Choir
Children in grades 4-8 are invited to participate in the Shepherd’s Choir.  Rehearsals are every other Wednesday from 5:00-5:45.   Questions can be directed to a.shingler@gs-cc.org.

CLW (Children’s Liturgy of the Word)   
Adult volunteers are needed to assist CLW at the 9:00 and 10:30 Masses.  Enough volunteers will mean only a once a month commitment.  Musicians, homilists, and behind the scenes volunteers bring the Gospel to the children at their level. Teens are welcome to participate.  Sign up here - 9:00 Mass; 10:30 Mass.
 
Visit the Faith Formation page on the parish website for more details, quick links and other helpful information.
Please contact re@gs-cc.org with questions

Blessings, Stacy and Christina

December 11  
4:30 – 5:30 pm; 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Parish Advent Reconciliation  Service  
 
December 12
Last Day of Monday Classes
 
December 13
Adoration and St. Lucy
6 – 7 pm
 
December 14
Last Day of Thursday Classes
 
December 17
Last Day of Sunday Classes
 
Classes resume January 4, 7, and 8 (check your calendar)

See the bulletin and website for Advent and Christmas information and Mass schedules!

Calendar -We DO HAVE class November 5th and 6th !  Please check your calendar on the website for the Thanksgiving and December schedule and when you have class!
​
Holy Day of Obligation – Wednesday is All Saint’s Day which is a Holy Day of Obligation.  Mass Times at Good Shepherd are 6:30 am, 9:00 am or 6:00 pm (7:30 pm Spanish).

All Saint’s Projects - We have had amazing participation this year with the All Saint’s Day Projects!  Your children were so creative and helped teach other children about the beautiful saints of the Church.  We will have the saint projects laid out starting Thursday during class time.  Please have your child pick up their project during their next class.  We cannot guarantee they will be available after Monday, November 6th.    

First Reconciliation Retreat (invitation only) – Don’t forget First Reconciliation Retreat for 2nd year Sacrament preparation is Saturday, November 18, 10 – 12 pm.   

Jesse Tree - This event will be held in conjunction with pancake breakfast after the 9:00 and 10:30 Masses Sunday, November 19.  You will have the opportunity to learn about the Jesse Tree and then make your own!

“Homeless for a Night” Campout - Saturday, November 18 – Sunday, 19 - This is a great family friendly event!  Meet Saturday afternoon, 2 pm, in front of the church to make your shelter.  Bishop Burbidge will celebrate the 5:00 Mass.  After Mass we'll share dinner and listen to a a personal story of one who experienced homelessness.  You will then spend the night in your constructed shelter (although the church will act as a 'homeless shelter' if you are too cold).  The next morning we will have a pancake breakfast.  Join us for this eye-opening event!    Click here for more information and to register!

St. Nicholas Feast and Adoration – A new event this year!  Join us Wednesday, December 6 from 6:00 – 7:15 pm.  Fr. Tom will explain Adoration to  the children before we move into the Church to pray.  After a period of Adoration, we will return to Creedon Hall where the children will enjoy a visit from St. Nicholas, learn about his life, and receive a surprise gift from this great saint!

Breakfast Bag – Thank you to all who volunteered last weekend for SAM weekend!  We made many breakfast bags, but we still have food to be put together into breakfast bags.  We are short protein; we are still asking for donations of bagged tuna, Slim Jims, and individual peanut butter cups, so that we may finish assembling the breakfast bags which will be used for VICHOP this winter.

Time Change – Don’t forget the clocks change Sunday morning.  Your clocks should be turned back 1 hour!

Faith Formation Volunteers
We still have a critical need for volunteers as subs and hall monitors at all RE sessions.  Please email re@gs-cc.org if you can help!

Journey to the Manger
Volunteers needed for Journey to the Manger!  Please email Stacy, stacy@gs-cc.org, if you or your teenager want to help!

Children's Liturgy of the Word
Children in grades K-6 are invited to register for Children’s Liturgy of the Word during the 9:00 & 10:30 Mass.  Adult Volunteers Needed.    Contact Christina at re@gs-cc.org for more information.

Shepherd’s Choir
Our children’s choir sings every 1st and 3rd Sunday at the 10:30 Mass!  Email Anne Shingler, anne@gs-cc.org, if you want your child to participate.  They will be starting this month with Christmas Carols for the Christmas Eve Children’s Mass.

Jr. Usher and Jr. Reader
We have room for more Jr. Ushers and Jr. Readers!  If your child is interested in either at the 10:30 Mass, please email re@gs-cc.org

November 1-  All Saint's Day, Holy Day of Obligation
November 18 - First Reconciliation Retreat, 10 - 12 pm
November 18 - 5:00 Mass with Bishop Burbidge for the World Day of the Poor
November 18 – 19 “Homeless for a Night” Campout.  
November 19 -  Jesse Tree Event after 9:00 and 10:30 Masses
December 6 - Visit with St. Nicholas and Adoration, 5:45 – 7:15 pm
December 9 - Journey to the Manger 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Donate October 1 - 27 - soft granola bars or breakfast bars, juice boxes, individual fruit cups, pop top or bagged tuna, Slim Jims, individual peanut butter cups, cheese crackers and other individually wrapped items for SAM Weekend.  The collection bin is in the RE Hallway.

RSVP and Volunteer for SAM Weekend

• Trunk and Treat - Email stacy@gs-cc.org to sponsor your own car
• Teens and Adults - Work the All Saint's Day Games, Bake Desserts, Dress up!

​​ RSVP for SAM Weekend - See the website for details

November 18 5:00 Mass with Bishop Burbidge followed by the the "Homeless for a Night" Camp out
November 19 Jesse Tree Family Event after 9:00 and 10:30 Mass (what is a Jesse Tree, and how to make one)
December 9, 6:00 - 8:00 pm Journey to the Manger ​

Calendar- Please check the calendar as we are not following all FCPS workday holidays.  Note that Sunday, Monday and Thursday have different calendars.  Refer to the calendar for your assigned day.  We will still follow FCPS inclement weather policy. **Sunday and Monday Do NOT meet this week due to Columbus Day weekend.**

Children MUST be escorted to and from class - Children must be brought into the building and taken to the classroom and then picked up at the classroom door. You MAY NOT drop off or pick children up from the circular drive or parking lot.

Non Parent Pick Up Form - Please submit this form if you will have a non-parent adult dropping off or picking up your child.

Communication - 

• Please check and update the contact information that we have on file for your family.   Lists are in the commons at each class period. Please initial after you have checked.
• Faith Formation will send a monthly newsletter and on occasion additional email if needed. Please read all communication for needed information.
• Website - The K-6 Faith Formation page on the parish website has all needed information, including calendars, special events, lessons, newsletters, forms and FAQ’s.  There is additional information to support families in sharing the Catholic faith.
  
• 
  

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD

• Children in grades K-6 are invited to register for Children’s Liturgy of the Word during the 9:00 & 10:30 Mass.  Adult Volunteers Needed.  
• Contact Christina at re@gs-cc.org for more information. and check the website for more information!

​Friday Fun and Faith - New 4-8 grade  group meeting the second Friday of each month from 6-8pm. Food, fun, faith and service.  Planning Meeting - November 8 from 7-8pm.  Adult and Teen Volunteers Needed  
Contact Stacy at stacy@gs-cc.org to help or for more info. 

October 28 All Saints Day Celebration/ Day of Service - see website for details
November 18 5:00 Mass with Bishop Burbidge followed by the the Homeless Campout
November 19 Jesse Tree Family Event after 9:00 and 10:30 Mass (what is a Jesse Tree, and how to make one)
December 9, 6:00 - 8:00 pm Journey to the Manger 

First Day of Class - September 24, 25 and 28

Calendar -Please check the calendar as we are not following all FCPS workday holidays.  Note that Sunday, Monday and Thursday have different calendars.  Refer to the calendar for your assigned day.   We will still follow FCPS inclement weather policy.

Christian Chastity Lesson - October 2, 3 and 6- The diocese requires all children in grades 1-6 to attend this lesson.  The lesson plans for each grade are on the website.  If you do not want your child to attend, please fill out and submit the opt out form. Your child should not attend the day of the lesson if you opt out. 

Children and Youth in grades K - 8 MUST be escorted to and from class - Children must be brought into the building and taken to the classroom and then picked up at the classroom door. You MAY NOT drop off or pick children up from the circular drive or parking lot. 

​Non Parent Pick Up Form -Please submit this form by the first day of class (office or electronically) if you will have a non-parent adult dropping off or picking up your child.  Please contact re@gs-cc.org if a teenage sibling will be picking up.

Communication -Faith Formation will send a monthly newsletter and on occasion additional email if needed through an email software program.  If you are not receiving email, please let us know (or check your spam folder).   You can also read all newsletters from the main Faith Formation Elementary website.

Website - The K-6 Faith Formation page on the parish website has all needed information, including calendars, special events, lessons, newsletters, forms and FAQ’s.  There is additional information to support parents in sharing the Catholic faith with your children, and how you and your child(ren) can serve the parish.  
 
Please contact re@gs-cc.org with questions!

All Saints Day Celebration -Teens and adults needed - must enjoy working with kids and having fun!  Please contact stacy@gs-cc.org if you are interested in helping to plan the event.  More details below!

• October 20 6:00 - 9:00pm  building games & prep (pizza and fun!)
• October 26 6:00-9:00 pm Baking for Bake Sale (pizza and fun!)
• October 28 We need help with set up and at the event

           Sign up here to volunteer for all jobs

Friday Faith and Fun Adult and Teen Volunteers needed for this new 4-8 grade group meeting the second Friday of each month from 6-8 pm. Food, fun, faith and service. 

• Planning Meeting - November 8 from 7-8 pm - Sign up here!

Children’s Mass - Join us for our bi-monthly Children’s Masses the first and third Sunday's each month at 10:30 am Mass.  After attending training on  Sunday, Sept 24, 4:30 - 5:15 pm, or  Thurs., Sept. 28 ,6:15 - 7:00 pm, children can serve as Jr. Ushers (4th grade and higher) or Jr. Readers (greeting only - for 6th grade and higher).  Please just show up for training or email Stacy or Christina for more information!

• Altar Servers - Children 4th grade and higher can attend training Sun., Sept. 24, 3:30 - 5:30 pm.
• ​Shepherd’s Choir (our new children's choir for 4th - 8th grade) will meet the Wednesday prior to the first and third Sunday of the month from 5:00 -6:15 pm and perform at the 10:30 Children's Mass.   No sign-up necessary; just show up!  Contact Anne Shingler for more information.  Download the Fall Schedule now!
• Cherub choir for grades 1-3 will meet in November and December to perform at  Christmas Eve Mass.  Email Anne Shingler for information.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLW)
Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLW) is an age-appropriate Liturgy of the Word offered for school-age children (Grades K-6) at the 9:00 and 10:30 am Masses (CLW will begin October 1).

During this special time, volunteers lead the children through prayers, songs and readings that are simplified for children.  They study the same Scripture readings as the rest of the assembly, but they are taught a simplified main message from the readings and are encouraged to share that message with their parents.

Participation is free!  New for this year, we do require all families register their children so that we know names and have emergency contact information for each child.   We will be printing laminated name tags.  When you come to Mass, stop in the Narthex and pick up your child/children’s name tags and they are all set!  We will retrieve it from them before they return to Mass.  Please click here to register!

Being part of the CLW is a rewarding experience that serves all of our parish children.  All families participating in CLW are asked to volunteer approximately once per quarter.  Continuation of CLW is dependent upon an increase in adult participation in this ministry.  Please email christina@gs-cc.org for more information or join us for an information meeting Wednesday, September 20, 7 pm.

Catechists & Assistants Openings -We still have need for Catechists and Assistant Catechists.  If these roles are not filled by the first day of class, it will delay the start of these specific classes listed below.  Please prayerfully consider helping this rewarding ministry! Contact re@gs-cc.org for more info!

• Sunday, 7:45  - Grades 4 & 6 Lead Catechist
• Monday, 5:00 -  Grade 6 and Sac Prep 1, Assistant Catechist
• Thursday, 5:00 -  Grade 4 Lead Catechist​    

Saturday, October 28 1:00-4:00 pm

• Day of Service - Help the homeless and homebound - assemble breakfast bags and other family service projects 
• Homeless Walk 
• Carnival - Games and activities for the kids, including: saint bingo, balloons and face painting.
• Bake Sale -Proceeds  go to Emergency Assistance.
• Trunk or Treat -Learn about our parish ministries as the kids get treats.  Vote for your favorite trunk.  (If you would like to sponsor a trunk contact stacy@gs-cc.org) 
• All Saints Day Parade -Have the kids come in Saint costumes, parade at 2:30 - prizes awarded October 28-29 following All Masses
  

​​Saturday, October 28 - Sunday, October 29 - Ministry fair after all Masses!

Join us in Creedon Hall for refreshments and activities.Teen and adult volunteers needed.   
Donations for Breakfast Bags Needed!
​
Contact re@gs-ccc.org with questions.

​

Dear Parents, 

Welcome to our K-6 Faith Formation program at Good Shepherd.  We are excited to work with you and your child(ren) this year!

Placement letters were sent out in early August.  If you did  not receive a placement letter, please contact re@gs-cc.org.  If you need to request a change in your class time, please fill out the change request form and submit it between September 2 and September 10.  We cannot guarantee a change in the class placement, but will do our best.  

Final class lists will be posted in the RE hallway after Mass the weekend of September 16-17.

We are still in critical need of volunteers - 4th and 6th grade, 7:45 am, and 4th grade, 5:00 pm, Thursday.  These specific classes starting on time will be contingent on these Catechist roles being filled.  If you want to find out more about volunteering, please contact re@gs-cc.org ASAP. 

In lieu of a parent meeting, we will be sending program information via email.  You will receive the newsletter on September 7 with detailed information. We ask that you read that email in it’s entirety as there will be information about first day procedures, upcoming events and policy and procedures.  The newsletter as well as more detailed information and other helpful links are available on the Faith Formation Elementary page of the parish website.

We look forward to seeing you when classes start on September 24, 25 and 28.  Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns. 

Blessings,
​
Christina and Stacy

Dear Families,

The first day of summer is here!  Because faith formation never ends, here are a few events and other information you can use this summer.  Please see our summer website for more information.

Vacation Bible School
Join us Tuesday, July 25 – Friday, July 28. We will be traveling to Rome to visit the underground Church.  Kindergarten is full, but there are spots still available.  We still need teen volunteers!  Please check the website above to register!
 
Children’s Choir Summer Camp
Join Choir Director, Anne Shingler, for this fun summer camp, August 14 – 18.   See the website above for details.
 
Faith Formation at Home
Have you been  FORMED yet?  If not, please sign up now - www.formed.org!   It's free and easy - just enter Parish Access Code: TWR8NG and take advantage of the many child, teen, adult, and family faith formation opportunities.  There are movies, cartoons, mp3s, books, and video Bible studies.  It's a great way to continue building faith throughout the summer.
 
 Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)
Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) is an age-appropriate Liturgy of the Word offered for Kindergarten through 6th graders.  Beginning September 10 CLOW will be at the 9:00 AND 10:30 morning Masses and registration is required.    Please visit our website listed above for details on how you can register your child and volunteer!
 
2017 – 2018 Registration
Registration closes July 31.  Please drop by the office Monday – Friday, 10 – 4 pm, if you still need to sign up.  Letters will be mailed out in 2 weeks for those who registered before June 30. There are still some Catechist/Assistant Catechist roles that need to be filled.  Please email us at re@gs-cc.org to inquire.
 
Have a great summer!  We will see you in the fall.
 
Blessings,
 
Stacy and Christina

Good Afternoon!

A reminder that RE WILL MEET Monday, May 15 and Wednesday, May 17.  There was an error in the Weekly Shepherd.  

We hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day, and we look forward to seeing you this week!

Remember that RE registration will reopen during Faith Formation classes May 21, 22 and 24 if you still need to register.  Email re@gs-cc.org with questions.

Blessings,  Stacy and Christina