Parish History

Educating the Children

The first teacher of the Catholic faith, Jesus, not only taught his disciples and followers, but called the children too. The tradition of spreading the Good News and teaching young and old has survived centuries. The Religious Education department at Good Shepherd has been teaching parish children for 50 years. During the first three years, 1947-50, the Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters taught the children in grades one through nine. By the 49-50 school year 342 children were enrolled in classes. A high school program was added in 1950. As the parish grew so did the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine program. Satellite centers were set up at Mixter and Crowley Schools in 1960 to reach the 1,500 children enrolled in CCD classes. Eventually preschool classes were added for four and five year olds. The nineties saw the addition of Vacation Bible School.

Since opening its doors in 1950 the parish school has taught the faith along with reading, writing, and arithmetic. From Sr. Irmina to the present principal, Mr. Thomas Caruso many changes have occurred but the philosophy, as stated in the mission statement "...to serve as an extension of the educational ministry of Christ the Good Shepherd Parish by providing a complete program in academic curriculum and faith formation appropriate to the learning abilities of children...", has remained constant.

In 1955 when the parish wanted to purchase an organ for $6,100, half the cost was funded by the school children's weekly paper drives. By 1968 the Parent Teacher Guild was formed and helped with fund raising endeavors, like the Morley candy drives and Christmas cookie walks. Enrollment peaked in 1961 with 1,548 students.

Christ the Good Shepherd has always prided itself in encouraging children to reach for their potential, academically, spiritually, and athletically. Children have always scored well on standardized tests. Many local high school salutatorians and valedictorians started out at Good Shepherd. Dean's lists from many universities include Good Shepherd grads. Thousands of graduates are now productive members of society and leaders in the Catholic Community. It is impossible to quantify the quality of education at Good Shepherd.

The spirit and dedication of the teachers has persisted. The first school staff, primarily the Sisters of St. Joseph, put their hearts and souls into teaching. Among the last of the nuns were Sr. Maurelia, who greeted all the children in the library as she shared the joys of reading, and Sr. Angellette, who taught first grade. By 1985 the Sisters were completely replaced by lay teachers, who brought different dimensions of caring. In 1980 Mrs. Rita Kozma brought the first kindergarten experience to Good Shepherd. Fr. Redwick proudly officiated at kindergarten graduation the following June. Computer and art classes entered the curriculum in the mid 1980s. Hundreds of students labored over science projects, then beamed with pride at the Detroit Science and Engineering Fair ribbons. Kids went to camp with their teachers and student counselors from Aquinas High School. Many students flew for the first time on the popular Washington, D.C. 8th grade trips in the 1980s, and stood before the Capitol Building for the class photo.

Boys and girls learned sportsmanship playing for the Green and White at Good Shepherd. Proud parents watched C.Y.O. championship teams bring home trophies. The same pride and enthusiasm was shared by all, including assistant coach Fr. Joe Gembala, when a winless football team finally scored a touchdown. No child has ever played for the school team that has not heard, "when you do your best, you are a winner."

Mr. Tom Caruso, who walked the halls at Good Shepherd School as a student, teacher, and principal, wrote in the 1997 yearbook: "Many things have changed during the lifespan of our school during the past fifty years within our parish. One constant that was present when our school was founded and continues today is that our school focuses on the essential philosophy of the education of a child should be centered on FAITH and FAMILY. CGS School believes that parents are the primary educators of the child and that the parents are the living examples of faith in God and service to the faith community. Our school has always operated with the intent of offering education centered in the belief of the Good News of Jesus Christ focusing on the individual growth and development of each child in mind, body and spirit."

Nurturing the Community