What is the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a rich Montessori approach to spiritual formation.  It engages children as young as 3 years old in developmentally appropriate, hands-on materials based on Sacred Scripture and the Liturgy.  CGS Level 1 serves children ages 3-6.

How is it different?

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd differs from other approaches in several ways.  Children begin CGS in their most formative years, as young as 3 years old.  Unlike “textbook and lecture” approaches, CGS is more like a 1 ½ to 2-hour weekly guided retreat in a deeply contemplative environment, in which children immerse themselves in developmentally appropriate work materials in a beautiful space created just for them.  While CGS begins to educate children’s minds in the Faith, more importantly CGS helps them cultivate deep, lifelong relationships with God that inspire them to want to learn about the Faith.  Hundreds of thousands of families who have participated in CGS since its inception in Rome in the 1950’s have seen the distinctly profound effects of this approach on their children throughout their lives.

A quote from a parent whose children have been in CGS for many years:

“The Atrium is a respite place, a holy place, a place to find the sacred, a place to find God, a place to be with the Good Shepherd.  We bless you Lord for Your goodness and beauty we have tasted through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.”

• August 14,  5:30-7:00pm for Faith Formation potluck social and enrollment.
  • September 4, 4:30-6:00pm in the Atrium (located in school building) Wednesday sessions will gather most weeks
  • September 8, after 8:00 Mass, children and parents new to the atrium meet in the Gathering      Room at 9:00 for individual introductions to the atrium.
  • September 15, after 8:00 Mass, 9:00-9:30 (half hour) first atrium session, all children.
  • September 22 after 8:00 Mass, 9:00-10:00 all children.
  • September 29 after 8:00 Mass, 9:00-10:30, full session, all children.
    
  • June 8, 2025, Pentecost, final session.