Faith Formation
St. Nicholas
Programs
Atrium - Preschool Ages 4-5 Years

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 full. If you would like to be placed on the waitlist, please contact Nina@stnicholascc.org
Atrium - Kindergarten & First Grade

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 full. If you would like to be placed on the waitlist, please contact Nina@stnicholascc.org
Friend 2 Friend 3rd-5th Grade
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)
Spring
- TBD
Adult Formation
Continuing to grow in faith is a must for any Catholic! We offer retreats, workshops, classes, and certificate courses at St Gabriel at various points throughout the year. For more information, see our bulletin or newsletter, or inquire with the Faith Formation team: annie@stgabepop.org
Small Christian Communities
Can't find a program that fits your personal schedule?
Deepen your faith by forming your own small faith-sharing community and meeting at a time that works for you. Form a bible study group, a prayer group, an Advent or Lent group. SCCs offer flexibility for those with busy life and work schedules.
An SCC is a group of 6-8 of your friends, family, or people with common interests and St. Gabriel offers an incubator-style program led by Deacon Gil.
He begins by guiding you through in-person sessions and providing helpful materials. Once you feel confident facilitating, you’ll have the freedom to establish your own group and set a schedule that works best for you.
Rather join an existing SCC, let us know and will connect you with another group.
Email deacongil@stgabepop.org
Men of Faith
Men of Faith—It’s all in the name!
Join the men of St. Gabriel and Prince of Peace on the 4th Thursday of each month, January through June, for an evening of food, fellowship, and faith-sharing. Together, we pray, learn some tips on being a man of God from special guest speakers, and hear powerful testimonies from men walking their own faith journeys—brothers striving, just like you, to become the disciples God has called us to be.
For more information, click the link below and complete the simple form and Dcn Gil or Frank will reach out to you.
For Catechists & Volunteers
“What is nobler than to rule minds or to mold the character of the young? I consider that he who knows how to form the youthful mind is truly greater than all the painters, sculptors, and all others of that sort.” — St. John Chrysostom
We are always looking for Catechists to teach the faith to the children and adults of our community. If you are a Catechist or wish to be become one or simply would like to volunteer to help assist with our various programs, please reach out to Michael Zosel our Pastoral Assistant for Faith Formation.

Becoming Disciples
“Untilled ground, however rich, will bring forth thistles and thorns; so also the mind of man.”
-St. Teresa of Avila
