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Middle and High School Faith Formation - March 12, 2020

3/12/2020

Religious Education classes and events are cancelled from Friday, March 13 to Thursday, March 19.
Class and event cancellations will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis.
Please stay tuned to MSHS communications via email regarding any changes to the calendar
that may result from updated recommendations related to the coranavirus outbreak.
For parish updates, please visit the website HERE.

CALENDAR AT A GLANCE
Saturday, March 21 - Reconciliation Retreat (2nd Year students preparing for 1st Communion ONLY)
Monday, March 23 - Pizza and Penance
Sunday, April 5 - Wednesday, April 15 - No Classes for Holy Week and Easter
Saturday, April 18 - Eucharist Retreat (2nd Year students preparing for 1st Communion ONLY)
Saturday, April 25 - Middle School BASH
Sunday, May 3 and Wednesday, May 6 - 1st and 2nd year Service Project Posters Due
Wednesday, May 6 - Last class for Wednesday session
Sunday, May 10 - No class Sunday session (Mother's Day)
Wednesday, May 13 - Questions of Faith #3: Does God Answer My Prayers?
Saturday, May 16 - High School Confirmation Retreat (2nd year only)
Sunday, May 17 - Last class for Sunday session
Sunday, May 31 - 2nd year Candidates' Pentecost Project Display in Memorial Hall

MIDDLE SCHOOL BASH
Saturday, April 25 at Bishop O'Connell High School
BASH brings together middle schoolers (grades 6, 7, 8) from parishes throughout the Arlington Diocese for a fabulous day of faith and fun.
First Year students are expected to attend as their First-Year fellowship event. All Middle Schoolers are welcome!

Complete MS BASH permission form HERE by April 20.
Cost $20. Includes transportation, music, games, inspirational speakers, confessions, and Sunday Vigil Mass. (Please refrain from making payment until further notice from our Director of Youth Ministry, Miguel deAngel)
Meet at Good Shepherd at 1:45pm and return at 10:00pm.
Additional details HERE.

SERVICE PROJECTS
Due in class on Sunday, May 3 and Wednesday, May 6
First Year Service Project assignment HERE.
Second Year Service Project Assignment HERE.

Second Year Project posters will be dispayed for the parish in Memorial Hall on Pentecost Sunday, May 31.

QUESTIONS OF FAITH SPEAKER SERIES
Wednesday, May 13, 7:00 - 8:00pm
Does God Answer My Prayers? with Father Tom Ferguson
The third and final event in our 2020 series designed to help teens explore difficult faith questions. Students preparing for Confirmation are expected to attend all three events in the course of their two-year preparation program.

Teen participants and adult volunteers: Please sign up HERE.

MSHS JANUARY 2020

1/3/2020

The NET Ministries Team introduce themselves at the start of the MS Confirmation Retreat.

CALENDAR AT A GLANCE
Sunday, January 5 - No classes
Wednesday, January 8 - Questions of Faith #1: Does God Answer My Prayers? (No classes)
Sunday, January 12 - Sunday classes resume
Wednesday, January 15 - Wednesday classes resume
Sunday, January 19 - No classes (MLK weekend)
Wednesday, January 22 - Sponsor Eligibility Letters due in class (2nd Year Only)
Sunday, January 26 - Sponsor Eligibility Letters due in class (2nd Year Only)
Wednesday, January 29 - No classes (Catechist Appreciation Event)
Saturday, February 1 - Confirmation Retreat (2nd Year Middle School Only)
Thursday, February 6 - Questions of Faith #2: Why Does God Allow Suffering?

QUESTIONS OF FAITH SPEAKER SERIES
Wednesday, January 8, 7:00 - 8:00pm
Does God Answer My Prayers? with Father Tom Ferguson
The first in our series of three events designed to help teens explore difficult faith questions. Students preparing for Confirmation are expected to attend all three events in the course of their two-year preparation program.

Parents are invited to enjoy refreshments and fellowship in Hall 1 while students are with Father Tom.
Teen participants and adult volunteers: Please sign up HERE.
See the Calendar Page for details on upcoming events in February and March.

NOTE: There are no MSHS Wednesday classes on January 8.

2ND YEAR CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES
UPCOMING REQUIREMENTS
Wednesday, January 22 or Sunday, January 26, 2020: Sponsor Eligibility Letter due.

Sponsors should give their Eligibility Letter directly to the Candidate, who will submit it directly to their catechist. Eligibility Letters should not be sent to the parish office by mail, fax, or email.

Saturday, February 1: Middle School Confirmation Retreat

At Good Shepherd from 11am - 6pm;
Cost $20: cash or check due at check-in table on the day of the retreat;
Includes pizza lunch and 5pm Vigil Mass;
Candidates are required to stay for the complete time of the retreat, including Mass;
The retreat will be facilitated by a team of young adults from NET Ministries.

OPENING YOUR HOME TO YOUNG ADULTS FROM NET MINISTRIES
The young adults who lead our Middle School Confirmation Retreat travel around the country from September to May giving retreats for teens. At each parish, parishioners volunteer to house and feed team members during their stay. It is a wonderful experience! Please contact Rosie for details if you are able to offer two or more young men or young women:

a place to sleep on Friday night, January 31;
breakfast on Saturday morning, February 1;
a ride to Good Shepherd on Saturday morning, February 1.

We also provide a potluck dinner for team members at Good Shepherd after the retreat. Please let Rosie know if you are interested in contributing.

NET Ministries Team 2018

MSHS DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

12/10/2019

Thank you to our Confirmation Reception Volunteers!

CALENDAR REMINDERS
Sunday session:

December 15, 2019: last class before Christmas and New Year holidays
January 12, 2020: Classes resume. NOTE change in original calendar - no class on January 5. Updated calendar HERE

Wednesday session

December 18, 2019: last class before Christmas and New Year holidays
January 15, 2020: Classes resume.

QUESTIONS OF FAITH SPEAKER SERIES
Wednesday, January 8, 2020 7:00 - 8:00pm
Does God Answer My Prayers? with Father Tom Ferguson
The first in our series of three events designed to help teens explore difficult faith questions. All teens are welcome; students preparing for Confirmation are expected to attend all three events in the course of their two-year preparation.

Teen participants and adult volunteers: Sign up HERE.
See the Calendar Page for details on upcoming events in February and March.

NOTE: There are no MSHS Wednesday classes scheduled on this date.

Teens help decorate the Basilica of the immaculate Conception

SERVICE PROJECTS
1st and 2nd Year students should be working on their service projects as part of their formation as a disciple of Jesus.

See the Teen Volunteer Opportunities Page, updated regularly with opportunities available at the parish and with community partners.

Teens are not limited to service at the parish - there are many ways to serve in their communities and in the family, especially over the Christmas vacation.
NOTE: Service activity logs may be signed by a parent as well as by an activity supervisor.

2ND YEAR CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES
Sunday, December 8 or Wednesday, December 11, 2019: Confirmation Name Form due in class.
Wednesday, January 22 or Sunday, January 26, 2020: Sponsor Eligibility Letter due in class.

MIDDLE SCHOOL 2ND YEAR CANDIDATES ONLY
Middle School Confirmation Retreat
Saturday, February 1, 2020 11am - 6pm
at Good Shepherd, facilitated by NET Ministries. Cost $20.

Middle School Retreatants with NET Ministries Team

HIGH SCHOOL 2ND YEAR CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES ONLY
High School Confirmation Retreat
Saturday, May 16, 2020 11am - 6pm
at Good Shepherd, facilitated by Ingrid Sanchez-Seymour, Youth Ministry Director Nativity Parish. $20.

Candidates who do not attend the scheduled retreat at Good Shepherd are responsible for finding a spot at a Confirmation Retreat at another parish. Contact Rosie for a list of parishes.

High School Retreatants 2019

Archives Available Below: May 2015 - February 2019

12/9/2019

Middle and High School Faith Formation - February 2019 Newsletter

2/4/2019

FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS
February 3: No Sunday classes (FCPS long weekend)
February 6: No Wednesday Classes (Catechist Appreciation Event)
February 10: Parent Meeting for parents of 2nd Year Confirmation Candidates
February 16-17: High School Lock-In
February 17: No Sunday Classes (President's Weekend)
February 21: Questions of Faith: Why Does God Allow Suffering?

LOOKING AHEAD:
March 6: Ash Wednesday - No Wednesday classes
March 9-10: Parish Mission: Making Room for God
March 17: Confirmation Name Form Due(2nd year only, Sunday classes)
March 27: Confirmation Name Form Due (2nd year only, Wednesday classes)
March 28: Questions of Faith: Is There a Conflict Between Science and Religion?

Confirmation Parent Meeting
Sunday, February 10, 7:45 - 8:45pm (in English, after the 6:30pm Mass)
For parents of 2nd Year Confirmation Candidates scheduled to receive the sacrament of Confirmation in the fall of 2019. At least one parent must attend.

Questions of Faith Speaker Series: Why Does God Allow Suffering?
Thursday, February 21, 7:00 - 8:00pm
At our second session of the Questions of Faith Speaker Series, Father Ramon will help students understand why a loving God would allow human suffering. Sign up HERE.
Note: Students must attend 2 of the 4 sessions offered each year. See the complete calendar on the electronic sign-up and on the MSHS Calendar Page.

Lenten Parish Mission
Making Room for God:
Decluttering and the Spiritual Life

Saturday, March 9, 6 - 7:30pm
(After the 5pm Mass. Includes dinner, speaker for adults, and activities for ages pre-K, K-6, and teens.)
OR
Sunday March 10, 10 - 11:30am
(After the 9am Mass. Includes breakfast, speaker for adults, and activities for ages pre-K, K-6, and teens)

This year's Lenten Parish Mission is designed to help parishioners of all ages "make room for God" in their lives. Families can attend on either Saturday evening after the 5pm Mass or Sunday morning after the 9am Mass.

Adults will enjoy guest speaker Mary Elizabeth Sperry, author of Making Room for God: Decluttering and the Spiritual Life, as she helps us explore the relationship between physical and spiritual clutter and offers practical tips for decluttering our lives.
Pre-K and K-6 Children will enjoy an age-appropriate activity that will help them learn to make room for God.
Teens will have an option to either volunteer to set up, serve, and clean-up the meal, or to participate in an activity that will help them clear what clutters their minds and hearts in order to make room for God. Note: Teens can sign up to volunteer on one date and participate at the other.

Sign up to participate: Saturday, March 9

Sign up to volunteer: Saturday, March 9

Sign up to participate: Sunday, March 10

Sign up to volunteer: Sunday, March 10

Service Projects 2018-19

All MSHS students do a service project each year of their Confirmation preparation.

The First Year Student project is available HERE.
The Second Year Student project is available HERE.

Visit the Teen Volunteer Opportunities Page regularly to learn about ways to serve in the parish and with Good Shepherd community partners.

Highlights include the Mardi Gras Celebration and the Parish Mission, with many more opportunities to come during Lent!

YOUTH MINISTRY EVENTS
Visit the Youth Ministry Pages for details on upcoming events for Middle and High Schoolers!
February Highlight:

High School Lock-In: Saturday, February 16 - Sunday, February 17. Start with 5pm Mass on Saturday, followed by dinner, games, a sleep-over, and Sunday morning Pancake Breakfast.

Schedule of Youth Groups:

Middle School Youth Group - Wednesdays 6:15-7:15pm (when MSHS classes meet)
High School Youth Group - Sundays 4:30 - 6:30pm

Contact Director of Youth Ministry, Miguel deAngel, m.deangel@gs-cc.org

Middle and High School Faith Formation - December Newsletter

12/1/2018

CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS
December 2: Safe Environment Lessons in Sunday Classes
December 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception - Holy Day of Obligation
December 10: Pizza and Penance
December 12: No Classes; Masses and Celebrations of Our Lady of Guadalupe
December 13: Parent Meeting for students in their 2nd Year of First Communion
December 19: Youth Ministry trip to decorate the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
December 22 & 24: Decorate the parish for Christmas Masses
December 23 - January 2: No Classes

Service Opportunities and Parish Events During the Advent and Christmas Season
Students and their families are invited to celebrate and to serve during the special seasons of Advent and Christmas. See the parish Advent Brochure and the Teen Volunteer Opportunities Page for details. Highlights include:
November 24 - December 9: The Giving Tree
December 1 - 24: Reverse Advent Calendar
December 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception - Holy Day of Obligation
December 10: Pizza and Penance
December 12: Masses and Celebrations of Our Lady of Guadalupe (no Wednesday classes)
December 15: Christmas Blanket Service Project
December 15 - 23: Las Posadas
December 19: Youth Ministry trip to decorate the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
December 22 & 24: Decorate the parish for Christmas Masses
December 27: Parish Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
December 31: All-Day Adoration
January 1: Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God - Holy Day of Obligation

Note: The Journey to the Manger event scheduled for December 8 is cancelled.

Required Service Projects 2018-19

First Year Student project is available HERE.
Second Year Student project is available HERE.

Students: Visit the Teen Volunteer Opportunities Page to learn about ways to serve in the parish and with Good Shepherd community partners.

Mark your Calendars for 2019 Special Events
See the MSHS Calendars Page for required events outside of class for First and Second Year students, including the Questions of Faith MSHS Speaker Series (all students) , Middle School Bash (1st Year), and Confirmation Retreat (2nd Year). Additional details and SIgn-Ups will be available in January.

Parent Meetings
Thursday, December 13, 6:30 - 7:30pm: For parents of Second Year First Communion students
Sunday, February 10, 7:45 - 8:45pm: For parents of 2nd Year Confirmation Candidates

YOUTH MINISTRY EVENTS
Visit the Youth Ministry Pages for details on upcoming events for Middle and High Schoolers!
Schedule of Youth Groups:

Middle School Youth Group - Wednesdays 6:15-7:15pm (when MSHS classes meet)
High School Youth Group - Sundays 4:30 - 6:30pm

Contact Director of Youth Ministry, Miguel deAngel, m.deangel@gs-cc.org

Middle and High School Faith Formation - November Newsletter

10/31/2018

CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS
November 4 - No Classes
November 17 - 18 - Homeless for a Night Camp Out
November 21 and 25 - No Classes
November 28 - Safe Environment Lessons in Wednesday Classes
December 2 - Safe Environment Lessons in Sunday Classes

ALL STUDENTS
Diocesan Safe Environment Lessons: Formation in Christian Chastity (Middle School) and
Tricked: Inside the World of Teen Sex Trafficking (High School)
The Arlington Diocese requires all students to take an annual Safe Environment class. The age-appropriate lesson is designed to educate youth about making safe and healthy decisions as they navigate their environments. This required class takes place for both Middle and High School during our students' regular class times on November 28 (Wednesday Classes) and December 2 (Sunday classes).

Click HERE for details on the content of grade level lessons.

After reading the content of each lesson, parents who choose to have their child opt out of the class and teach the material at home must submit an OPT-OUT FORM directly to Rosie in the parish office or in the designated bin across from the Nursery in the RE hallway no later than Sunday, November 18. Please do not give Opt-Out Forms to your child's catechist.

Please contact Rosie with any questions.

Attendance Policy and Drop-Off/Pick-Up Policies
If you have not already done so, please review Good Shepherd's policies for MSHS class attendance and drop-off and pick-up HERE. Thank you in advance for your cooperation both with class attendance and with drop-off and pick-up from classes.

If you have not already submitted a Permission for Non-Parent Transport, please complete and submit directly to Rosie or in the designated bin in the RE Hallway (across from the Nursery).

Service Projects
In order to live the faith they are learning about in the classroom, students are required to complete a service project in each of the two years of Confirmation preparation:

First Year Students complete a project that includes a minimum of 6 hours of service and completion of a poster presentation in class. The assignment and service log are available HERE.
Second Year Students complete the Pentecost Project, which includes a minimum of 10 hours of service and completion of a poster that will be displayed for the parish on Pentecost Sunday. The assignment is available HERE.

Students: Visit the Teen Volunteer Opportunities Page to learn about ways to serve in the parish and with Good Shepherd community partners. If you have any questions about whether your service outside the parish "counts" for your project, contact Ms. Rosie.

Save the Dates
Visit the MSHS Calendar Page and mark your calendars with required events in 2019. These are:

For All Students:
Questions of Faith - MSHS Speaker Series (students choose 2 of the 4 options)

Sunday, January 27, 7:45 - 8:45pm: Does God Answer My Prayers? - Father Tom Ferguson
Thursday, February 21, 7:00 - 8:00pm: Why Does God Allow Suffering? - Father Ramon Baez
Thursday, March 28, 7:00 - 8:00pm: Are Faith and Science in Conflict? - Father Ed Bresnahan

Sunday, May 19, 7:45 - 8:45pm: TBD

For 1st Year Middle School Students Only:
Saturday, May 11, 3:30 - 9:00pm: Middle School Bash

For 2nd Year Students Only:
Saturday, January 12, 11:00am - 6:00pm: 2nd Year Confirmation Retreat - High School Only
Sunday, February 10, 7:45 - 8:45pm (after the 6:30pm Mass): Meeting for Parents of 2nd Year Confirmation Candidates (Middle and High School):
Saturday, April 27, 11:00am - 6:00pm: 2nd Year Confirmation Retreat - Middle School Only

YOUTH MINISTRY EVENTS
Visit the Youth Ministry Pages for details on upcoming events for Middle and High Schoolers!
Highlights include:

Middle School Youth Group - Wednesdays 6:15-7:15pm (when MSHS classes meet)
High School Youth Group - Sundays 4:30 - 6:30pm
"Homeless For a Night" Camp Out - Saturday, November 17 - Sunday, November 18

Contact Director of Youth Ministry, Miguel deAngel, m.deangel@gs-cc.org

Middle and High School Faith Formation - September Newsletter

9/1/2018

CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS
September 9 - Youth Ministry Kick-Off
September 15 - MSHS Volunteer Training
September 23 - Sunday Classes Begin; HS Youth Group
September 29 - MSHS Opening Mass
October 3 - Wednesday Classes Begin; MS Youth Group
October 7-8 - High School Lock-In
October 20 - Confirmation 2018
October 21 - Diocesan High School Rally

Welcome! We are excited to embark on a new year of Middle and High School Faith Formation!
We invite you to read this MSHS Newsletter every month to stay informed of Good Shepherd's
Middle and High School Faith Formation program, as well as opportunities for teen service and fun.
Questions? Contact MSHS Coordinator, Rosie Driscoll at r.driscoll@gs-cc.org

MSHS COMMUNICATIONS
We use several methods of communication to keep Middle and High School families informed:

Website: Please visit the Teen Faith Formation Pages of the parish website for complete information about the MSHS program, including calendars, curriculum, policies/requirements, teen volunteer opportunities, and more.
Monthly Newsletter: Parents receive a text and an email each month with a link to the Monthly Newsletter that highlights important information and upcoming events.
Email: Parents will receive emails with important reminders as needed. If you are not receiving these emails, please contact Rosie to make sure we have your correct email address.
Text Messages: Parents receive text messages when we need to communicate information immediately, such as in the case of class cancellations, and to direct you to important information as needed. If you are not receiving text messages, please contact Rosie to make sure we have your correct cell phone number.

Thank you in advance for staying apprised of communications from Middle and High School Faith Formation!

OPENING MASS FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL FAMILIES
Saturday, September 29 at 3:00pm (Please note the time change)
We kick off a new year of Faith Formation with an opening bilingual Mass for MSHS students and families. All students should attend with at least one parent; all family members are welcome!

CLASSES BEGIN
Sunday, September 23 and Wednesday, October 3
Please note that Wednesday classes start a week later than the rest of Faith Formation classes due to a conflict with Back-to-School Night at Carl Sandburg Middle School.

Click HERE for the complete calendar of classes and MSHS events for 2018-19 and mark your calendars with events that are required outside of class meetings.

ATTENDANCE AND DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP POLICIES

MSHS students may miss no more than 4 class sessions in the year. If there is a significant conflict in your child's schedule with MSHS classes, you must make a choice between competing commitments.
In order to maintain a safe environment, we exhort parents to follow MSHS policies for drop-off and pick-up. Note that Middle School students must be escorted to the classroom door by a designated adult and picked up from the classroom door by a designated adult.
Please read the complete policy for attendance and drop-off and pick-up HERE.

YOUTH MINISTRY
Coordinator: Miguel deAngel, m.deangel@gs-cc.org
Visit the Youth Ministry Pages for details on events for teens! Upcoming highlights include:

Youth Ministry Kick-Off
Sunday, September 9, 3:30 - 6:30pm
Kick off the new school year with food and fun! Bring a friend and meet some new ones!

Youth Groups

Middle School Youth Group meets on Wednesdays from 6:15 - 7:15pm starting on October 3.
High School Youth Group meets on Sundays from 4:30 - 6:30pm.

TEEN VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Because service is an integral part of living as a disciple of Jesus, students must complete a service project in both the 1st and the 2nd year of preparation to receive the sacrament of Confirmation:

First Year Service Project
Second Year Pentecost Project - Coming Soon

Students may visit the Teen Volunteer Opportunities Page for ideas on how to serve at Good Shepherd and in the community.

ADULT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
There is no better way for us to model discipleship for our teens than to follow God's call to serve. In the MSHS program there are ongoing and one-time ways for parents to get involved and support our teens. Stay tuned for direct messages from Rosie regarding volunteer needs, and please consider serving in any way you can.

Middle and High School Faith Formation - May/June Newsletter

5/17/2018

CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS
May 20 -
1st Year Service Projects Due (Sunday classes);
Last day of Sunday classes
Pentecost Project Display in Memorial Hall
May 24 -
1st Year Service Projects Due (Thursday classes);
Last day of Thursday classes
June 7 - Registration for 2018-19 classes opens
June 9-10 - Registration for classes continues after all Masses.
June 21 - First round of Confirmation Interviews.

ALL STUDENTS
Last Day of Classes:
Sunday, May 20 and Thursday, May 24

Registration for 2018-19 Faith Formation Classes:
Registration opens on Thursday, June 7 from 6:30 - 8:30pm.
Registration continues after all Masses on June 9 - 10.
Click HERE for complete information on registration for 2018-19 classes.

Pentecost Project Display
All are invited to come see the Pentecost Project Poster Display in Memorial Hall on May 20, Pentecost Sunday. The posters on display were created by our 2nd Year Confirmation Candidates to describe their service projects and what gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit they shared and received by loving and serving others as disciples of Jesus.

Summer Service Opportunities at Good Shepherd:

Vacation Bible School, July 23 - 27. Sign up HERE . Contact Stacy at vbs@gs-cc.org
Middle School WorkCamp, July 29 - August 1. Complete application HERE. Contact workcamp@gs-cc.org

Note to current 1st year students: These summer service projects count for your 2nd Year Confirmation Service Project.

FIRST YEAR STUDENTS
Service Projects Due
Due May 20 (Sunday classes) and May 24 (Thursday classes)

Students who do not complete and submit their Service Project by the due date will be required to choose one of the following make-up options:
1. Vacation Bible School (see above)
2. Middle School WorkCamp (see above)
3. Develop a service project in consultation with Ms. Rosie

SECOND YEAR STUDENTS
Confirmation Requirements are now past due.

In order to be eligible to receive Confirmation on October 20, any missing requirements must be submitted directly to Ms. Rosie before the Candidate's scheduled Confirmation Interview in the summer.
Candidates who have not submitted all of their requirements may not proceed to the Confirmation Interview and are therefore no longer eligible to receive Confirmation on October 20.

Sign Up for Summer Confirmation Interview

Candidates must sign up for a Confirmation Interview HERE.
Information on how to prepare for the Confirmation Interview will be coming soon.

Calendar of Required Confirmation Events in the Fall
Please see the complete Calendar of required Confirmation events HERE.

Middle and High School Faith Formation - April Newsletter

3/29/2018

CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS
April 5 - Thursday Classes Resume
April 8 - Sunday Classes Resume
April 21 - Middle School Bash
April 22 - Confirmation Requirements Due (Sunday classes)
April 26 - Confirmation Requirements Due (Thursday classes)
May 3 - 1st Year Service Projects Due (Thursday classes)
May 6 - 2nd Year Service Projects Due (Sunday classes)
May 10 - 2nd Year Service Projects Due (Thursday classes)
May 20 - 1st Year Service Projects Due (Sunday classes); Last day of Sunday classes
May 24 - Last day of Thursday classes

ALL STUDENTS
Classes Resume after Easter Holiday:
Thursday, April 5 and Sunday, April 8

Classes End for the Summer Holiday:
Sunday, May 20 and Thursday, May 24
Note change in Sunday calendar from the original end date in June!

Registration for 2018-19 Faith Formation Classes:
Registration opens on Thursday, June 7 from 6:30 - 8:30pm.
Registration continues after all Masses on June 9 - 10.

Summer Service Opportunities at Good Shepherd:

Vacation Bible School, July 23 - 27. Contact Stacy at vbs@gs-cc.org
Middle School WorkCamp, July 29 - August 1. Contact workcamp@gs-cc.org

Note to current 1st year students: These summer service projects count for your 2nd Year Confirmation Service Project.

FIRST YEAR STUDENTS
Middle School Bash!
Saturday, April 21 at Bishop O'Connell High School
Meet at Good Shepherd at 2:00pm; Return to Good Shepherd between 9:30 - 10:00pm

Thanks to the students and chaperones who signed up! Don't forget to submit your permission form and payment before April 21. All details can be found HERE.
If you neglected to sign up and can go, please sign up HERE no later than April 3.

Service to Parish Project - REVISED!
We have revised the Service Project requirements for First Year classes.
PLEASE SEE THE REVISED PROJECT ASSIGNMENT HERE
Due May 3 (Thursday classes) and May 20 (Sunday classes)

Stay tuned to the Teen Volunteer Opportunities Page for additional upcoming opportunities.

SECOND YEAR STUDENTS
See the Confirmation Candidate Packet for details on the following requirements:

Confirmation Name Form, Sponsor Eligibility Letter, and Sponsor Interview Due:
Sunday Classes: April 22
Thursday Classes: April 26
We ask Candidates or a parent to arrive 15 minutes before class begins to submit all required paper work directly to Ms. Rosie in the Commons. Read all instructions carefully. In addition, please:

Do not give paper work to your catechist. Only Ms. Rosie can accept Confirmation paper work.
Do not submit paper work early or late. All paper work will be accepted before class on the designated date.

Pentecost Project Due:
Sunday Classes: May 6
Thursday Classes: May 10
Candidates will turn in their poster projects in class and share their service experiences with their classmates.

Sign Up for Summer Confirmation Interview
Candidates may sign up for their Confirmation Interview HERE.
Candidates who do not submit their Confirmation requirements on time in April and May are not eligible for the Confirmation Interview or eligible to receive Confirmation on October 20.

Calendar of Required Events for Confirmation
Please see the complete Calendar of required Confirmation events and paper work deadlines HERE.

YOUTH MINISTRY EVENTS
New High School Youth Group Time - Starting April 8
High School Youth Group has a new time! Join us on Sundays from 4:30 - 6:30pm!

Middle School Youth Group
Meets on Thursdays, 6:15 - 7:15pm when classes are in session. Join us!

Visit the Youth Ministry Page for details on upcoming events. Contact Miguel, m.deangel@gs-cc.org

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