​Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Where a child can fall in love with God! 

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is an approach to faith formation for children ages 3 - 12.
The focus of the program is to deepen the child’s existing relationship with God; to encourage the formation of a personal prayer life; to participate fully in the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church; and to develop a deeper understanding of Catholic identity and tradition. CGS is rooted in the educational principles of Maria Montessori, and was founded by Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi in Rome and has spread to almost every continent. 

What is an Atrium?

An Atrium is the room in which the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd takes place.
“The atrium is the meeting ground of two mysteries: the mystery of God and the mystery of the child.”

 

• Level I ​

Level I encourages children to develop their innate potential for a faith-filled relationship with God. They encounter Jesus, the Good Shepherd who loves them, cares for them, and knows them by name. Catechesis includes Scripture, Mass gestures, prayers, artwork, and music. Level One is for children three years old through kindergarten.

•  Level II 

The goals for children in Level II is to help deepen the child’s relationship with Christ and the Catholic faith. Through the moral parables and teachings of Jesus, along with a more intense exploration of the Mass the child grows in a desire to remain close to Christ. It is during this level that the children discern if they are being called to prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Eucharist.

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•  Level III 

In Level III the child listens to the Old Testament and explores the history of God’s plan for salvation, linking all people together in communion. They begin to ask, “What is the Kingdom of God, and what is my place in it?” It is a primary question which lays the foundation for discerning our individual roles in His Kingdom.

Six reasons to put your kids in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

1. CGS helps the child to understand and participate in the Mass.
2. CGS gives your child a peaceful and quiet place of prayer in our loud and busy world.
3. The younger the child starts (we accept them at 3) the easier it is for them to fall in love with God.
4. CGS assists the child in wonder and curiosity about the Kingdom of God.
5. CGS gives parents an opportunity and the time for their own spiritual formation.

Holy Week Materials
Below is a shared activity with parents and children in our CGS Program. Level 1 will be Entry into Jerusalem, The Last Supper, and Resurrection. Levels 2 is all files up to Resurrection. Please click on the file names below. 

For Level 3 kids, there is also a timeline file. In this file, we invite you to explore the various Gospel accounts of the Passion. The different gospel readings were given through the lens of the gospel writer, as we each see many things through our past experiences.

What are the similarities? What are the Differences? Which one appeals most to you and why? Try making a chart and writing down your answers as you read!

The Entry into Jerusalem
The Last Supper
Jesus in the Garden of Olives
The Trial Before Caiaphas
The Trial Before Pilate (Part 1)
Jesus Before Herod
The Trial Before Pilate (Part 2)
Crucifixion
Resurrection
​The Passion Death and Resurrection of Jesus (Timeline)​