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.

2025-26 SCHEDULE - 4-5 yrs 

• Sundays, 10-10-45a, Parish Hall - Atrium 
• Sept 21 - Open House (after all masses) 
• Sept 28 - Kick-off Sunday (meet friends and learn the routine) 
• Oct 5, 12, 19, 26 
• Nov 2, 9, 16, 23 
• Dec 7 
• Jan 11, 18, 25 
• Feb 1, 8 
• Mar 1, 8, 15, 22 (last session) 

THE SESSION IS NOW CLOSED. 

For questions about Atrium learning sessions, please contact Nina Potter, PA for Faith Formation at nina@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. 

2025-26 SCHEDULE - K-1st grade

• Saturdays, 3:30-4:45p, Parish Hall - Atrium 
• Sept 20 - Open house (after all masses) 
• Sept 27 - Kick-off Saturday (meet friends and learn the routine) 
• Oct 4, 11, 18, 25 
• Nov 1, 8, 15, 22 
• Dec 6 
• Jan 10, 17, 24, 31 
• Feb 7, 28 
• Mar 7, 14 (last session) 

THE SESSION IS NOW CLOSED. 

For questions about Atrium learning sessions, please contact Nina Potter, PA for Faith Formation at nina@stnicholascc.org

Forming in Faith and Building Friendships through the Wisdom of the Bible

 Saturday’s 3:30-4:45p

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:

• Sept 27 -Kick-Off Saturday
• Oct 4, 11, 18, 25
• Nov 1, 8, 15, 22
• Dec 6

Winter:

• Jan 10, 17, 24, 31
• Feb 7, 28
• Mar 7, 14 (last session)

CLICK HERE for the Circle of Grace Waiver Form

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

Two choices are presented concurrently as part of our Families in Faith Saturday afternoon programming, September 27, 2025, through March 14, 2026.

A JOURNEY THROUGH CATECHISM (18 WEEKS)

Great theologians such as Dr. Edward Sri, Jeff Cavins, and Fr. Mike Schmitz will take you on a pilgrimage to 40+ locations across the globe to uncover the engaging story of Catholic Teachings.

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  

Our 2025-26 schedule is as follows:

Sept 27 - Kick-off Sunday (Meet and greet/video trailer)

Oct 4, 11, 18, 25

Nov 1, 8, 15, 22

Dec 6

Jan 10, 17, 24, 31

Feb 7, 28

Mar 7, 14 (last session)

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED

For additional information please email: nina@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 PA for Faith Formation: Nina Potter at nina@stnicholascc.org