The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori-based approach to the religious formation of children, rooted in Sacred Scripture, Liturgy, and respect for the child’s rich relationship with God. St. Mary Church and St. Michael Parish invite children, ages 3 to 6, to register (spots are limited).

• Tour (guardian & child) the Atrium will be held at St. Mary Church, Holy Family Hall:
  • Sunday, August 25, after the 9:30am Mass 
  • Tuesday, August 27, 5:00pm
• CGS will begin:
  • Sunday, September 8, 8-9:15am
  • Thursday, September 12, 9-10:30am
• To register:
  • Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Registration
• For more information, please contact Susan Breton: [email protected].

Thursday, 9:00am - 10:30am
September 12, 19, 26
October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
November 7, 14, 21
December 5, 12, 19
January 9, 16, 23, 30
February 6, 13, 20, 27
March 6, 13, 20, 27
April 3, 10, 24 (April 17 is Holy Thursday)
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
June 5, 12, 19

Sunday, 8:00am - 9:15am
September 8, 15, 22, 29
October 6, 13, 20, 27
November 3, 10, 17, 24
December 1, 8, 22
January 5, 12, 19, 26
February 2, 9, 16
March 2, 9, 16, 23
April 6, 13, 27
May 4, 11, 18
June 1, 8, 15Online registration requires credit card payment in full.  If you need an adjusted payment schedule or financial assistance, please contact Susan: [email protected].
 

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Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

What is the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS), Level 1, is Montessori-based approach to the religious formation of children, ages 3 to 6 years old rooted in Sacred Scripture, Liturgy, and respect for the child’s rich relationship with God. The child between the ages of 3-6 is characterized by a natural attraction to God and prayer. This is the time when the child’s relationship with God takes root and begins to grow. 

The key Scripture for this time is the Parable of the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-21), which speaks to the child’s heart that God loves and cares for His sheep, protecting them and leading them to good pastures. 

The child is also introduced to the Mass through the articles of the Mass (chalice, paten, altar) and the gestures (actions) of the Mass. It is a time for enjoying God and our relationship with Him.

The Atrium

What is the Atrium?
The atrium is like a retreat house for the young child.  The word ‘atrium’ means ‘portico, or porch entrance to a large house’.

The Atrium was a term given to this space by Maria Montessori. It was chosen because in the ancient church, the atrium was a gathering space between the Church Proper and the street.

It was the place where the catechumens, those preparing for initiation to the Church, would receive instruction. The Atrium has a similar purpose for our children, as it is a place to help them enter into full, conscious and active participation in the liturgical and communal life of the Church. 

What is a prepared environment?
The prepared environment is a Montessori concept that the environment can be designed to facilitate independent learning by the child.

In a prepared environment, children work with materials of their own choice and at their own pace. Children experience a combination of freedom and self-discipline in a place especially prepared to meet their developmental and spiritual needs.