Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a unique method of faith formation that recognizes and fosters the relationship of the child with his loving Creator.
It does so by providing a space that meets the religious needs of the child: a place of order, contemplation, and peace for the child to listen to the Gospel, reflect on it, and respond to it through both prayer and work. The furniture and materials are child-sized, and the lessons are designed to introduce the child to Jesus the Good Shepherd in the same way that He makes himself known to all of us: through Scripture and the Liturgy.
The adult catechist accompanies and guides the child through preparation of the environment and presentations of Scripture and the liturgy that aid the child's reflection on who God is and how He loves us. Each catechist has completed over 90 hours of training.
We invite you to learn more about CGS through a tour of the atrium (the house where CGS classes are held). Contact Beth to arrange a time for this visit.
You can also learn more about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd by reading this article or by visiting the website of CGS USA.
St. Patrick's has offered Catechesis of the Good Shepherd since 2008. We can only continue to do so through the efforts of our catechists. This year, we need both assistant catechists and trained catechists. We will be offering a three hour training for assistants on Saturday, August 24. Training for catechists will be held in summer of 2025. Contact Beth if you are interested.
CGS Level 1 (3-6 year old, potty-trained children) will be offered from 9:45 am - 11:15 am OR 1:00 - 2:30 pm every Sunday.
CGS Level 2 (1st, 2nd, & 3rd graders) will be offered in the morning every Sunday from 9:45 am - 11:15 am.
CGS Level 3 (4th, 5th, & 6th graders) will meet Sunday afternoons from 1:00 - 2:30 pm.
For 3 year-olds and those new to the atrium, we will have a mandatory shortened introductory class period that will last approximately 45 minutes.