What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a distinct approach to catechesis, through which young children develop deep, lifelong relationships with Christ and His Church.  Originally developed in Rome by a Catholic Biblical scholar, the Catechesis uses a rich Montessori approach to engage children as young as 3 in age‐appropriate, hands‐on materials, based on Sacred Scripture and the Liturgy.

What is an Atrium?

The atrium is a place of prayer. Children work with unique, hand-made materials designed to help them learn and grow closer to God. The atrium is a place for the announcement of the Word of God, a place for celebration, and also a place for work. Children learn to meditate and pray using their own words. Children in Kindergarten and 1st Grade will be visiting the Atrium (located in the Church building) weekly. Preschool and Pre-K will receive Catechesis in their regular classrooms.

What Will My Child Learn?

• Quiet movement exercises designed to help young children learn to focus
• Biblical Geography using maps and dioramas of the Holy Land
• The liturgical colors used at Mass & the liturgical calendar (seasons & holidays of the church year)
• The names of all the items used in the church and at Mass (chalice, paten, host, tabernacle, etc.)
• The gestures used at Mass by the people and the priest, including the Sign of the Cross, Sign of Peace, Genuflection, Preparation of the Chalice and more
• Simple parables on the Good Shepherd, Mustard Seed, Precious Pearl, and more
• Simple prophecies from Isaiah and Micah 
• Infancy Narratives (Annunciation, the Visitation, Adoration of the Shepherds, etc.) 
• The Last Supper, Jesus’ Resurrection, and the Sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist

Which Grades Will Be Receiving this Catechesis?

This year we are implementing Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in Preschool, Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade. The children will be led by their classroom teachers in most cases.  In order to keep our Atrium sessions to the recommended size of under 12 children, our teachers will be assisted by other CGS trained catechists, adult volunteers, and junior high student aides and parents who have generously volunteered to help. All adult volunteers will be up to date on their Enhanced Essential 3 requirements.

For more information about CGS, visit www.cgsusa.org, or contact Liz York.