Class Times: Sunday 9:30-10:45 AM or Wednesday 6:15-7:30 PM
Due to small class sizes, some classes are held on only one day. We will do everything we can to accommodate your request for the days/times you have chosen. Childcare is provided for Catechists and adults attending faith formation.
Our Lady of the Black Hills knows that your family is a BUSY family. The catechists that come each week to spend time sharing the Word of God with your children are just like you! There are times when they are unable to be at a class. As parents to children in these classes, we will reach out to you occasionally to stand in for a Catechist. When this happens we try to provide an activity or movie for that day. We also hold many events that revolve around faith formation where we need more help than we have hands. Therefore – we ask that each family help during one class period each semester. That is 2 classes per school year – less than 3 hours total for the year! We also ask that you help with one event for the year. OLBH is grateful to all of you who are willing to give your time, talent, and treasure to our parish to help keep it a Stewardship Parish!
There are two options for Elementary Faith Formation. We offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) which is a Montessori hands on approach to sharing the richness of our Catholic Faith with children for ages 3-6, 6-9, and 9-12. The program is presented in three levels, and includes time in the “Atrium” where children learn through tactile play. CGS emphasizes quiet contemplation and “the enjoyment of God.” If your child is in First grade or above, and has never been in CGS – They will need to register for a Traditional class. The Traditional option is a book led option. The curriculum this year is focused around the Eucharist with a curriculum created and shared by the Rapid City Diocese. Supplemental curriculum will be used in addition as needed. The Class levels for Traditional are: 1st-3rd grade, and 4th-5th grade.
The 6th grade class will focus on study of the Catholic Faith with “Sealed by Fire” from the Sophia Institute, to help them prepare for the Confirmation journey they will make in seventh grade. We will be supplementing this with the curriculum from the Diocese to learn more about the Eucharist. The 7th grade class will utilize the “Chosen” program for Confirmation; they will also complete a Confirmation retreat. Grades 8-12 will travel through the Y Disciple program through the Augustine Institute. YDisciple classes take place in a Host home as small group. We are currently looking for homes close to OLBH parish to host one of these small groups. Please prayerfully consider being a host to this class!
Adults will be led through catechetical studies from the Augustine Institute on Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:45 AM. There will be monthly one night learning opportunities during Wednesday evening faith formation times. Watch the bulletin for details. ChristLife is an additional opportunity to grow in faith and discipleship. Please see the ChristLife page or contact the office at 787-5168.