St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Faith Formation Programs for Children
Director of Evangelization and Faith Formation
Jane Ann Becicka
Contact Jane Ann Becicka by email, jbecicka@stsdsm.com or call 515-279-4654 ext. 304.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
We are excited to announce that Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is coming to St. Theresa! Through a generous grant from The Catholic Foundation of Southwest Iowa our parish is able to offer this faith formation program for our young learners aged 3-6 years old beginning this fall. This Montessori approach assists children to cultivate a living relationship with Jesus, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and to God the Father. In a calm, nurturing environment, children encounter Jesus in scripture, song and prayer. The class environment, called an atrium, is designed to draw children into the mystery of the Incarnation, Jesus’ role in Salvation, and the connection among themselves, The Good Shepherd, Holy Mass and the Eucharist.
How can you learn more?
– Attend an open house on Saturday, September 6th at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, September 7th at 9:30 a.m. or at 11:30 a.m.
Students ages 3 yrs.-Kindergarten, visit room #114 in the lower level of the school
Students 1st-3rd grade, visit the lower level of the parish office off of the parking lot.
Signs will be posted to direct you. A catechist will be available to answer your questions.
– Check out the the United States Association of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at
https://www.cgsusa.org/discover/
How can you help?
– Become a certified catechist
– Donate materials or prepare materials for the atrium
Sign up with the WFF Registration button below. Registration is limited.
Contact Jane Ann Becicka, jbecicka@stsdsm.com or 515-279-4654 x304 with questions or to become involved.
WFF – Wednesday Faith Formation
WFF is offered to children in grades 2-5. O.C.I.A for children is offered as needed.
Registration is open for the 2025-2026 year.
CLW- Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLW) answers the call to share Scripture with children on their level of understanding. September 7 – April 26, at the Sunday 10:30 a.m. Mass children ages 4-8 are invited to participate in CLW. Children are called forward for a blessing before going with catechists to the parish hall west meeting room to hear, discuss and plan how they can live the gospel message. Children return to their pews during the offertory. Parents or an older sibling are invited to attend with their child. No registration is required.
Contact Jane Ann Becicka at jbecicka@stsdsm.com or 515-279-4654 ext. 304 for more information.
FIRST RECONCILIATION
Preparation for First Reconciliation takes place in the fall of the second-grade year. Preparation focuses on family, peers and community involvement and liturgical catechesis where children and adults learn about sin, conversion, and God’s mercy and forgiveness through symbol and ritual. Parents are required to attend a one-hour meeting held in the Fall. Parents and children attend learning stations prior to the celebration of First Reconciliation which takes place in November. Children must receive this sacrament before receiving the Eucharist for the first time.
Parent Meeting – August 27, 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the parish hall.
Learning Stations – October 29, 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the parish hall.
First Reconciliation – November 6, at 6:30 p.m. in the church.
Contact Jane Ann Becicka at jbecicka@stsdsm.com or 515-279-4654 ext. 304 for more information.
FIRST EUCHARIST
Preparation for First Eucharist takes place in second grade after the celebration of First Reconciliation. As with First Reconciliation, family, peers and community are involved. The focus centers on Eucharist as a sacrament of initiation, the prayers, signs and symbols of Mass, and the call to service. parents are required to attend a meeting, which is sometime after Christmas break. Parents and children attend learning stations prior to the celebration of First Eucharist, which usually takes place in May.
Parent Meeting – January 7, 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the parish hall.
Learning Stations – April 22, 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the parish hall.
First Communion Masses – May 2 at 4:30 p.m., May 3, at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Contact Jane Ann Becicka at jbecicka@stsdsm.com or 515-279-4654 ext. 304 for more information.