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Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
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Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is an approach to the religious formation of children which can serve children from 3-12 years of age.
This faith formation program originated in 1954 with the founding of the Children’s Center or Atrium in Rome, Italy. Inspired by Maria Montessori’s Principles of Education, it now extends to many countries all over the world. Atria can be found in home, parish and school settings.
See below for more detailed information about Levels I, II, and III.
If you would like more information about CGS, please go to CGS USA. If you have questions, or if you are interested in learning more about assisting with the program, please contact the principal's office at
651-501-2220.
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CGS
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RelationshipCGS is based on the conviction that God and the child are already in relationship. The child has a deep need to experience, and a special capacity to enjoy, the presence of God.
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EnvironmentThe Atrium is the environment which helps the relationship between God and the child to flourish. It can be compared to a retreat house facilitating contemplation and silence.
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Our Work is Our PrayerBelieving the child has a tremendous capacity for prayer, we prepare the space in a particular way to be both sacred and peaceful. We use various presentations and materials to engage the child in a deeper understanding of both Liturgy (Mass) and Scripture.
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Adult RoleThe task of the adult is to help the child live fully their encounter with God. When helped to do so, this experience becomes formative in the child’s whole person and generates great joy.
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The AtriumAt Transfiguration School, students visit the Atria once per week for 75 minutes. At present, we have four beautiful Atria and several committed catechists which allow us to split the classes in half during their CGS sessions. Catechists receive 90 hours of specialized formation training in CGS for each level.
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Level I
Level I is for Preschoolers (4/5-year-old class) and Kindergarteners. The controlling image is the Christ the Good Shepherd who loves his sheep and gives everything for them (gift). The Good Shepherd knows His sheep and calls them by name. The child gradually and individually comes to discover the identity of the shepherd and the sheep. It’s through the enjoyment of this gift that the child begins to fall in love with the Good Shepherd. Numerous hands-on materials convey the essentials of the faith on topics such as Geography of Israel, Liturgical Colors, The Altar, Infancy Narratives, Kingdom Parables, and the Cenacle. The Holy Bible is revered as the most important book in all the world and Scripture is proclaimed regularly in combination with the developmentally appropriate Atrium materials.
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Level II
Level II is for 1st and 2nd Grades. The children continue the reflection on the moment of gift, and they are invited to respond to this gift. The gift of the Christ in the Eucharist being the pinnacle of their Level II Atrium experience. Taken directly from Scripture, the Maxims of Jesus and the Moral Parables are used to guide their sacramental preparation over the course of many weeks. They also develop a richer understanding of the Holy Mass as previous learning from Level I (Altar Work & Gestures) is expanded upon and new connections to Liturgy are realized. Two controlling images are Christ the True Vine and History of the Kingdom of God. As the child has a better grasp of time, they begin to understand God’s plan of salvation (using hands-on materials) and gradually discover they have a unique place in it! For the 2nd Graders, the Atrium experience is an important part of their sacramental preparation.
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Level III
Level III is for 3rd, 4th and 5th Graders. The presentations and individual work choices increase in length, detail, and sophistication as the child matures. The controlling image is the Plan of God and several Old Testament Scripture studies (Creation, The Fall, The Flood, Abraham, Moses) are used to ponder His plan in greater detail. The children quickly become adept at navigating the Bible. Given a hunger for new knowledge, the older child enjoys going deeper with the Liturgical Calendar, Holy Mass, Virtues, and Sacraments. They are encouraged to use their reasoning mind to ponder the Calls/Missions of the Prophets, more Maxims, Miracles of Jesus, and more challenging Parables. The children are invited to plan and execute Communal Prayer with their peers in the Atrium which may include a Gospel, Psalm, prayers (intercessory, memorized, spontaneous) and/or sacred music.
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FAQs
- What are these "materials" being referenced above?
- What do you mean by a "presentation"?
- My child will have "work time" during CGS?
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What are these "materials" being referenced above?Materials are the hands-on objects found in the Atrium which are often handmade and very beautiful. The most important thing about the materials is that they are closely linked to the Bible and the Liturgy (Mass). The materials are used to meditate on the stories of our faith and to reflect on the traditions of our worship. A few examples may include: porcelain figures of Mary and the angel for the Annunciation, real mustard seeds from the Land of Israel for the Parable of the Mustard Seed, and a small Baptismal font and real Paschal candle to explore the sacrament of Baptism.
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What do you mean by a "presentation"?Presentations are offered to convey the essentials of the Catholic faith according to the child’s developmental level. A presentation is made by the catechist, usually for a small group of children. The Word of God may be proclaimed or an aspect of the liturgy introduced. Concurrently, the child receives a demonstration of how to use the associated materials. A brief discussion is led by the catechist which usually involves pondering questions for the child to contemplate. After a presentation, the child will be free to choose that material, among many options, during their work time in the Atrium.
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My child will have "work time" during CGS?Yes! The work of the child is very different from the work of the adult. The child is encouraged to repeat a work of his/her choosing at a quiet location within the Atrium. It is a time of great silence and contemplation allowing the child to listen to God. Their work is their prayer.
