C.L.O.W (Children’s Liturgy of the Word)

What is CLOW?

CLOW is developmentally appropriate (and fun!) proclamation of, reflection on, and activities around the Sunday readings. For children of all ages, dismissed with a blessing before the first reading of the 10 am Sunday Mass, meets in  Reidy Hall  and return before communion.

Who can attend CLOW?

Anyone can come to hear the word. Parents are welcome to come and assist the younger children if they need help sitting to listen to the story being told.  There is no age limit, but we do ask the older children to be good roll models for the younger children still learning how to sit still and keep their hands to themselves.

Who can lead CLOW?

Anyone with an interest in helping to spread the word of the Lord. There must be at least one adult with Virtus training to assure the safety of children. You do not have to be a parent. There will always be someone to help and support you. If you have an interest in helping, please contact the office at 406.542.0321

The handout we give the children at CLOW have some great information. Not all children attend the Sunday 10 am Mass. We have chosen to share with you the Catholic Corner from the handout There is usually an activity for the family to enjoy. We will try to share Catholic Corner every Sunday. There are a few handouts placed in the back of the church before the Sunday 8 am mass.

Great News from Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (C.G.S.)!
We are blest to have two women, Mary and Holly, who have just completed their first 50 hours of catechist training this summer! Congratulations!

Level 1 is for 3-5 year olds. (Must be potty trained)

Level 2 is for 6-9 year olds.

Our atrium schedule will be the same as last year. Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, both Levels 1 and 2, from 4:30p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday morning 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for Level 1 children.
Registration is limited to 12 children per class. Registration fee is $55.00 per child with a maximum of $100.00 for 3 or more. No fee required if you volunteer in atrium for the year. (not your child’s atrium)

To register: use the enterable portal on our website, leave message on phone# 406-541-6040 or email mdexter@sfxmissoula.org

For brand new children the message must include the whole family’s names, ages, birthdates, cellphones numbers and postal address and choice of atrium time and level. For returning children message must include child’s name, age, and choice of atrium time and level.

When: Sessions meet once per week, begin late September and end at Pentecost, 90-minute sessions

St. Francis Xavier’s Catechesis of the Good Shepherd:

“Help me do it by myself.” – Child in Atrium, age 4

Frequently Asked Questions:

2023 CGS trifold

What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd? (CGS)

A Montessori based, hands-on approach to the religious formation of children grounded in Sacred Scripture, Catholic Doctrine, Liturgy and Prayer. It takes place in our Atrium, a prepared environment in the parish’s Loyola Center. Call Michele for a personal tour and explore CGS philosophy and practice at www.cgsusa.org

Age Availability:

Level I CGS (3,4,5). Children must be 3, 4 or 5 years old by Sept. 1st and potty trained.

Level II CGS (6,7,8).

Times Available:

Classes are limited to 12 students per session. Register soon! Consistent attendance (no more than three absences) is required. We will have a waiting list. Inconsistent attendance may forfeit your place.

• Tuesdays: 4:30 – 6:00 pm Level I & II
• Wednesdays: 4:30 – 6:00 pm Level I & II
• Tuesday: 9:30 -11:00 am Level I

Session Schedules:

Sessions meet once per week, begin late September and end at Pentecost. Detailed schedule at www.sfxmissoula.org

Cost: Annual fee is $55/child or family of 3 or more, $100. Cost should never prevent participation, assistance available.

Our Parish Team: 

Director of the Atrium: Michele Dexter

Catechist: Diane Szeckly

Assistant Catechists: Maybe you! Reduced fee available to assistant families.

That Sounds Amazing! How Do We Register?

You may use the enterable form below on this webpage or

Call Michele at 406-541-6040 or send her an email at mdexter@sfxmissoula.org with this info:

• Desired Session Day and Time
• Names & Birthdays of Children
• Guardians full names
• Cell phone numbers
• Emails
• Postal Mailing Addresses

Wonder is very much alive in our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Atrium!

As our program grows, we invite you to consider being a part of something unique and life giving to our youngest children as a catechist or assistant.  We are so fortunate to have a catechist training offered this spring/summer in Kalispell.  The Parish will pay expenses to cover the training and hotel. Please prayerfully consider assisting our children and yourself to a lifelong relationship with God.

Please, come join the team of energetic people with a passion to share our faith!

You are also invited to “An Introduction to Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” with Sr. Mary Michael Fox OP, March 6 at St, Anthony Parish Life Center, Missoula 6:15- 7:00p.m.   I will be there, come keep me company!

Blessings, Michele

Michele Dexter would be happy to answer any questions you may have 406.541.6040 or mdexter@sfxmissoula.org

Infant/Child Baptism Preparation

When: Offered once a month, 11:30 am. Attend one “A” session and one “B” session. Usually Meets on the 2nd Sunday of the Month
“A” Sessions:   For  2023: October 15th,
“B” Sessions:  For 2023:    September 17th, November 12th,
What: Preparation for parents & guardians of children for the Sacrament of Baptism. Two session programs, attend in either order, with reflections to complete between sessions. Designed for all parents/guardians to attend and participate in together. Baptisms scheduled at regular weekend liturgies.

Pre-Registration Is Required with Katy McKinnon kmckinnon@sfxmissoula.org  

First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion – 2023 Parent Handbook

Notice to parents :  If you have a second grader (or older) who would like to receive their First Reconciliation and First Communion this spring there is a ONE and ONLY PARENT MEETING scheduled for Sunday August 27,2023. Meeting will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (between the masses) in the Loyola center, Dave Thomas room.

1. Sign up commitment from parents
2. First Reconciliation and First communion Handbook
3. Class dates for Reconciliation and Communion

All Classes meet Sundays 9 am to 9:55 am in the Dave Thomas Room of the Loyola Center (1st room to the right as you enter the building on the cornor of Pine Street and Owen) Parents please see handbook for details. 2023 Parent Handbook

August 27, 2023 Sunday. 9am to 9:55 am Mandatory  parent only meeting.

September 10 Class #1 for First Reconciliation

September 24

October 8

October 22

November 12

December 3 with parents

December 4, 2023 6:30 pm in the church Sacrament of First Reconciliation

January 7 Class #1 for First Holy Communion

January 21

February 11

March 3

April 14

April 21, 2024 1:00 pm in the church Sacrament of First Holy Communion

If needed due to a large class an additional date of April 28, 2024 at 1:00 pm will be added.

Information on 2024 Confirmation Preparation 

Date May 19, 2024 at 3:00 pm at Christ the King

Meets 6 – 7:00 pm at Christ the King

Jan. 14: Parents & Students Information session
Jan. 28: Session 2
Feb. 11: Session 3
Feb. 25: Session 4
March 10: Session 5
March 24: Dinner with Sponsors & Students
May 19: Confirmation Mass with Bishop Vetter

Please register with the Director of jr. high and high school youth ministry Jack Peed jpeed@ctkmsla.org

Fr. Kirby Longo klongo@ctkmsla.org 406.697. 5828 and Fr. C. Hightower, SJ will be teaching the  Class hightowersj@sfxmissoula.org

Information on 2024 Confirmation Preparation

 Please register with the Director of Jr. High & High School Youth Ministry Jack Peed jpeed@ctkmsla.org

Legendary Lodge Camps affirm the great Truths of the Catholic Faith for campers during a week-long adventure of fun and friendship. Salmon Lake is the setting for creating memories, building friendships and experiencing God’s profound love.

See the New Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/legendarylodge

 2024 Dates

• June 16-21: Junior High #1
• June 23-28: High School #1
• July 7-12: 5th/6th Grade Boys
• July 14-19: High School #2
• July 21-26: Junior High #2
• July 28-August 2: 5th/6th Grade Girls

Anyone interested in exploring becoming Catholic are warmly invited to attend our RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Info Night on September 20, 2023 at 7pm in the Loyola Building. Come, ask questions and listen as we share the RCIA journey which the church offers to all interested! This is ideal for those adults never baptized, baptized in another religion or for those who were baptized Catholic and never confirmed.

2023/2024 Calendar 

Becoming Catholic (RCIA) & Adult Confirmation Preparation

When: Monthly Community Gatherings, variable times & activities

What: A facilitated spiritual journey, with individual, small group and large group components, where the whole parish acts as companion and guide to adults who wish to join the Catholic faith and deepen their relationship with Jesus through the sacraments: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.

Contact:  Erin Turner  eturner@sfxmissoula.org 

Women’s Scripture Study

Sessions offered in the Fall and the Spring

Spring Session lead by Jonathan Choe, nSJ

Women’s scripture class starts February 8th at 10:00 am, Dave Thomas Room in the Loyola Center. Continuing on the topic of Church History from the Fall.  We will be using the book ‘A Concise History of the Catholic Church’ by Thomas Bokenkotter. 

An invitation to join “CHALLENGE” – a commitment of just 10-15 minutes a day to pray and meditate on scripture. Then reflect in prayer, with a small support group based off of the ‘SEEL retreat’ which will meet weekly from Noon to 1:30pm in the dining room of the Parish office beginning September 19, 2023 “Challenge” is great if you’re not ready for the ‘SEEL retreat’, or if you have already experienced the SEEL retreat and would like to continue in a small faith sharing group. More information will be given at our first gathering. Facilitators: Beverly Frohlich 406.240.2704 and Patricia Baker 307.851.8339

Men’s Groups

Catholic Men’s Spirituality Group – every first Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm
 Meets in the parish office building . Questions: Eric Reiber 406. 370.1777

When: Option #1 Weekly, Friday Morning, 6:30am, Upstairs Meeting Room of Parish Center Option #2 Monthly, First Wednesday of Every Month, 7pm,  Come to one or both!

What: An opportunity for Catholic men, and men interested in Catholic faith, to gather and explore faith, masculinity, fatherhood, being a man, husband, servant, leader, and follower of Jesus. Prayer, discussion, learning, fun.

LGBTQ Outreach Ministry

When: Variable meetings and special events; watch for announcements. Contact Fr. Hightower hightowersj@sfxmissoula.org 

What: Our parish LGBTQ+ ministry, a work for, with and increasingly led by LGBTQ+ Catholics, is
inspired by the Catechism of the Catholic Church 2358:
“They must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God’s will in their lives…”