What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)? 
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a method of helping children enter into a relationship with God. It was developed based on the educational principals of Maria Montessori, an expert who studied early childhood development in depth and greatly valued the dignity and immense potential of the child for learning. 

How did CGS get started? 
Two women, Gianna Gobbi and Sofia Caveletti, started using this method in the 1950s in Italy. Through extensive experience praying with children and observing them work in the "Atrium" they identified which Scripture passages seemed to resonate the most deeply with the children. One of these passages was the parable of the Good Shepherd. They wondered why the children grasped onto this particular story so much. By listening closely, they heard the children saying they loved the story "because the Good Shepherd knows my name!" Developing this personal loving relationship with Christ is what CGS is all about.

Where does CGS happen? 
CGS takes place in a room called the Atrium. This is what the entrance space in Basilicas was called in ancient times. The Atrium is "more like a church than a classroom." (Religious Potential of the Child, 1992). It is a place where the children learn to contemplate God. At Mater Dei, the Atrium is located in the basement of Immaculate Conception Church.

What happens in the Atrium? 
The children are presented with short Scripture passages which they ponder with the trained adult catechist. Some of the presentations have materials that go along with them. For example, for the story of the Annunciation, the children listen to the Scripture and are then presented with figures of Mary, the angel Gabriel, and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove. After hearing the Scripture, the children are invited to work with the materials. This leads them to internalize the Scripture and contemplate it in a personal way. Similar presentations are given with materials to teach about the Mass. This helps the children understand what is going on at Mass and become more engaged as they make connections between what they absorb in the Atrium and what they see in Mass on Sunday. 

What is the curriculum?
The content for CGS presentations is based on Scripture and liturgy. Scriptural topics include the prophecies of the Old Testament, the Parables of the Kingdom of God, and the Gospel narratives surrounding the Annunciation, Nativity, and Epiphany. The presentations based on the liturgy introduce children to the liturgical colors and the sacred items used at Mass, such as the paten and chalice, as well as the gestures that occur during Mass such as the sign of the cross, genuflection, and the Epiclesis. We also incorporate time in song and at the prayer table, and special celebrations surrounding liturgical seasons.

Serving children with special needs
One of the beautiful things about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is its individualistic nature and its ability to meet children where they are developmentally and spiritually. This makes CGS an excellent opportunity for children with special needs. If your child is older than the standard Level 1 age of 3-6 years old, but has special needs, CGS may still be a good option for them. Please contact our lead CGS catechist, Linsey Hoard, at linsey.hoard@materdeisc.org to discuss how CGS could benefit your child.

CGS Classtimes for 2023-2024
CGS Sessions are held on Wednesdays as indicated in the schedule. Level 1 sessions are offered at 4:15 p.m. or 6:15 p.m. The Level 2 session is offered at 6:15 p.m. only. 

Click here for the CGS Schedule.

To register your child, please go to our sign-up page.

Additional Information: https://www.cgsusa.org