Welcome to Children's Faith Formation!

2025 Classes are offered Sundays from 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM Sept through May.
​Spring 2025 schedule here
​Contact [email protected] for more information

Guiding Principles

We believe that each child is a unique and created being, inherently connected to a divine relationship with God. As adults, our role involves not only observing and respecting this inherent bond, but also actively nurturing it through prayer and guidance. Both families and the larger church community play pivotal roles in upholding their commitment to the spiritual growth of children.  A thriving community requires the unwavering support, proper training, and dedication of volunteers who generously invest in the children's spiritual journey.  Importantly, the intertwining of generations—children, youth, and adults—engaging in purposeful, Kingdom-driven work together, fosters a holistic environment that strengthens both the faith and the bonds within the community.

Class Offerings

Calvary's faith formation program is inspired by the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, an educational approach to religious formation for children, inspired by the teachings of Maria Montessori and informed by her concept of the "planes of development." This approach recognizes that children go through distinct stages of development, each with its own unique characteristics and needs. These stages are divided into three planes: the first plane (ages 0-6), the second plane (ages 6-12), and the third plane (ages 12-18). More about the Planes of Development here.
Level I
The Good Shepherd
​Ages 3-6 or Pre-K through Kindergarten. 
The theme for this level is the Good Shepherd who loves his sheep and gives everything for them. The child is introduced to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and discovers who the sheep are. The enjoyment of the gift of God’s own self to the child is the foundation of further religious insight and moral development. This Level could be characterized as a “time of joy and wonder” in the lives of the children.

Level II
The True Vine
Ages 6-9 or 1st through 3rd grade.
​The overall theme for these years is the image of Christ as the True Vine, focusing on both relationship and responsibility. The History of the Kingdom of God is an important framework for introducing and illustrating God’s work and planning on behalf of humanity. As the children begin to discover the vast cosmic history of God’s plan of salvation, they begin to realize that they have something to contribute to it. Moral sensitivity/awareness begins here and grows as the work is presented.

Level III 
Joyful Journey
Ages 10-12 or 4th-7th grade
​Joyful Journey incorporates creative, developmentally appropriate lessons organized in the categories of Self, Society, and Spirituality. Bible study, prayer, service projects, activities, reflection, and discussion are part of the weekly lessons.
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Youth Confirmation Prep
AGES 13+ or 8th - 12th grade
Offered every two years, Youth Confirmation Preparation provides an introduction to Episcopal beliefs and practices for those preparing for confirmation in the Episcopal Church and for all those who want to know more about the essentials of the faith. Students will engage in thought-provoking discussions, prayer, and bible study. See more here.
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"Come sow the seeds of faith." ~Matthew 13
Calvary Episcopal Church
315 Shady Ave
Pittsburgh PA 15206
www.calvarypgh.org