Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is an approach to faith formation where children are formed in a sacred spaced called the Atrium. It is through this environment that they prepare for a fuller and more conscious participation in their Catholic faith.

ATRIUM: A EUCHARISTIC BEGINNING introduces children to a relationship with Jesus through hands-on learning in a sufficiently supported and well-prepared catechetical environment.  A child’s natural interest for a spiritual relationship is discovered through group activity and independent work.  Seasonal song and role play with liturgical words and gestures complements free-choice work to develop awareness of God as well as others who share the sacred space.

UPDATED  AS OF AUGUST 13, 2026

2026-27 SCHEDULE - 4-5 yrs ~ Mondays, 10-10-45a, Parish Hall - Atrium Room

• Oct 5, 19
• Nov 2, 16, 23, 30
• Dec 7, 14 
• Jan 4, 11, 25
• Feb 1, 8, 22
• Mar 1, 8, 15, 29
• Apr 5, 19
• May 3, 10 

THIS SESSION IS NOW OPEN

For registration and questions about Atrium learning sessions, please contact Michael Zosel at michaelz@stnicholascc.org.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is an approach to faith formation where children are formed in a sacred spaced called the Atrium. It is through this environment that they prepare for a fuller and more conscious participation in their Catholic faith.

ATRIUM: PRE-SACRAMENTAL PREP bridges the initial recognition of words and gestures to an awareness of the values and understanding of a relationship with God.  Participation gives the foundation needed to prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Communion in their 2nd grade year. 

UPDATED  AS OF AUGUST 13, 2026

2026-27 SCHEDULE - K-1st grade ~ 

Mondays, 3:30-4:45p, Parish Hall - Atrium Room

• Oct 5, 19
• Nov 2, 16, 23, 30
• Dec 7, 14 
• Jan 4, 11, 25
• Feb 1, 8, 22
• Mar 1, 8, 15, 29
• Apr 5, 19
• May 3, 10 

THE SESSION IS NOW  OPEN 

For registration and questions about Atrium learning sessions, please contact Michael Zosel at michaelz@stnicholascc.org.

Forming in Faith and Building Friend ships through the Wisdom of the Bible

UPDATED AS OF AUG 13, 2026

 Monday’s 3:30-4:40pm

• 3rd grade formation in Room 2
• 4th & 5th grade formation in Room,  3

Not all of us are called to be artists or athletes, musicians or A+ students, but we are all called to be friends. Friendship exists where there is love and affection and trust and encouragement. Friend 2 Friend takes the wisdom from the gospel, guided by the liturgical year, to teach the Christian understanding and values of friendship.

As part of our Families in Faith program, Friend 2 Friend presents the foundations of our Faith in a spiraling curriculum, with deepening layers of complexity. Guided by proper and complete formation, our children can help be prepared for healthy decision-making and a life with Christ.

Fall:

• Oct 5, 19
• Nov 2, 16, 23, 30
• Dec 7 

Winter:

• Jan 4, 11, 25
• Feb 1, 8, 22
• Mar 1, 8, 15, 29
• Apr 5, 19
• May 3, 10

CLICK HERE for the Circle of Grace Waiver Form

For registration and questions about 3-5 grade  Friend 2 Friend learning sessions, please contact Michael Zosel at michaelz@stnicholascc.org.

Click below to go to our Youth Ministry page and learn about our parish family's offerings for 6th - 12th graders!

Please join us for Bible study! 

(On break for summer.  Back to every Friday starting September)

Coffee with Deacon along with Reflections 

Every Wednesday, 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

~ in the Parish Hall

Deacon Mikhail

(253) 851-8850

deaconmikhail@stnicholascc.org

Adult Formation for Fully Initiated Catholics

Fall session topic: Catholic Social Teaching (8 WEEKS)

1. Introduction

2. Life and DIgnity

3. Family, Community and participation

4. Rites and Responsibilities

5. Support for the poor and vulnerable

6. Dignity of work

7. Solidarity

8. Care for God's Creation

Winter session topic: Moral Formation (8 WEEKS)

Families in Faith is an All-Ages Catechesis model with weekly learning sessions offered for ages K-Adult in an environment appropriately prepared for each age group. 

 -> 3pm - Hospitality

 -> 3:30-4:40pm - Learning Session

 -> 5pm - Vigil for the Sunday Liturgy  

2026 - 27 schedule: 

Dates TBD

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

For registration and additional information please email: michaelz@stnicholascc.org

The Marriage Ministry encourages married and engaged Catholic couples to invest in their sacrament through a variety of activities and programming. This ministry also serves to create a community within Parish Family 52 that supports and promotes the beauty of sacramental marriage. For more information contact Lisa at lisa@stnicholascc.org.

Spiritual Direction

“Spiritual direction is a continuous process of formation and guidance, in which a Christian is led and encouraged in his special vocation, so that by faithful correspondence to the graces of the Holy Spirit he may attain to the particular end of his vocation and to union with God”  ~ Thomas Merton 

Saint Nicholas's team of trained Spiritual Directors accompany individuals at every stage of the spiritual life. They can help discern the voice of the Lord and where He is calling. Spiritual direction is for anyone and everyone hoping to grow their spiritual lives. If you are interested in meeting with one of our directors please reach out to us!

Salia Ricciardelli - saliar@hotmail.com

Deacon Mikhail Alnajjar -  deaconmikhail@stnicholascc.org

Exercise your Faith by Professing It, Defending It, and Declaring It

Help facilitate the Process of Faith Formation!

INTERESTED?

A variety of volunteer options are available to meet the availability of your schedule and serve as a religious education formation minister. Please let us know which areas interest you and how you would like to contribute to the nurturing of our faith community:

WHAT WE OFFER

• Mass companion
• Small Group Facilitator
• Intercessor
• Catechist
• Assist Sponsors/Godparents
• Support hospitality opportunities
• Help maintain spiritual bookshelf
• Assist at Retreats

       SUPPORT:

• Baptism
• First Communion
• Confirmation
• New Catholics 
• Faith Formation (3-12th gr)
• Faith Formation (Atrium, 4yrs-1st gr)

(Religious Education Volunteer Sign up FORM button here)

Questions?  Contact Michael Zosel at michaelz@stnicholascc.org.