Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Grades Pre-K - 3rd)
About the program
WHAT IS CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD (CGS)?
CGS is a Montessori-based Catholic faith formation program where children can grow in their relationship with God through a deep engagement in Scripture and liturgy.
GOD AND THE CHILD
CGS is based on the belief that God and the child are already in relationship. Our work as adults is to provide a place for the child and God to come together and grow.
THE ATRIUM AND MATERIALS
The atrium is a specially prepared room where children can come to know Jesus, the Good Shepherd. The atrium is prepared with materials that children work with as a way of meditating upon the essentials of our faith found in Scripture and in liturgy. Examples of materials found in the atrium include small clay figures of Jesus and the disciples used to meditate on the Last Supper; detailed interactive maps of the Land of Israel and the City of Jerusalem to help situate Jesus as a real person in time; Jerusalem Mustard Seeds and beautiful pearls to help ponder the Parables of the Kingdom of God; and a small Baptismal font and Paschal candle used to explore the significance of Baptism.
HISTORY
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based religious formation program for children, beginning at the age of three. It seeks to create and facilitate a sacred, “hands-on” space for children called an atrium, in which both the children and their catechists can hear, ponder, and celebrate the most essential mysteries of the Catholic faith as revealed in the Scriptures and the Liturgy. Originally developed in Rome by Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi fifty years ago, the Catechesis continues to spread world-wide.
CONTACT
We offer two levels of CGS on Wednesday evenings: level one for three year-olds to kindergartners, and level two for 1st-3rd graders. Contact Erin McCutchen (715-685-1722) for more details
family of faith (k-8th)
Formation in family of faith is directed toward kindergarten through 8th graders and adults, especially parents of this age group. Childcare is available for preschool and toddlers. We meet 9am-12pm the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month. (Includes Mass, Breakfast & Formation.)
A Family of Faith supports the development of strong Catholic families in which children learn the joys of following Jesus Christ and the truths of our faith through the witness of Christian life given by their parents. Studies tell us that parental involvement in the faith-life of their child is by far the most important element in ensuring that a child develops into a practicing Catholic. This family model of faith formation is an amazing opportunity to catechize the whole family and help parents lead their children to Heaven.
Each month everyone will learn the same topic, but have different age-appropriate activities to choose from to make it applicable to all ages within the family. Parents will have guidance and family discussion questions/prompts to empower them to guide their children through hands-on learning and engage in forming their children’s faith.
*Home-school Option Available – This curriculum is designed for families, so is perfect to adapt to a homeschool setting. We are more than happy to help support you if you want to do faith formation from home this year!
