Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

“Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Mark 10: 14
- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)
  
  (Ages 4-5 and Kindergarten: Level 1)
  
  The CGS approach is born from the joy of children encountering God! It is centered on the unique relationship of the young child with God, which is assisted by adults and directed by the Holy Spirit. This relationship between children and God is fostered in a unique and sacred environment where their spiritual growth is expanded through the use of child-sized, tangible items that involve all of the senses.
  
  The heart of the catechesis for young children in CGS revolves around the Parable of the Good Shepherd. Through discovery and reflection, the child “hears” Jesus announce that He is the Good Shepherd, who calls them by name. Children then feel safe to explore this message, listen, and respond to His call. The materials used help to make this mystery of God more concrete for the young child. The sacred gathering space is called an “Atrium” and items are used to explore the mystery of the Eucharist (the liturgy) and Scripture. These gifts are received from God and then responded to with the assistance of a catechist-led presentation.
- The activities the child undertakes in the CGS Atrium are considered “work” and are a serious and prayerful response to God. The environment of the Atrium is a quiet and respectful one where prayer and reflection can take place, much like how we act in Church. The items used on the altar are explored, as are the gestures of the liturgy, the events of the Bible, and the life of Christ."
- What to expect at CGS
  
  A CGS session lasts 1-1.25 hours and is held weekly with a trained adult catechist and assistant(s)
  
  Children 4 years and up are welcome to register; preference is given to parishioners and readiness will be determined by the CGS catechist (signs of readiness include: must be potty trained, must be able to separate well from parent, etc.)
  
  Parents are encouraged to view the CGS Atrium, separate from their child, as a silent observer prior to volunteering as an assistant
  
  Adult volunteers and catechists are needed and E3 compliance and other training is required
  
  CGS sessions follow the Faith Formation calendar and have in-person sessions from October through May.
Watch This Video and Learn More About CGS
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who attends Level I CGS? (4-6 year olds)
  Weekly Level I CGS Atrium sessions will be offered for children ages 4 through 6 years old. Children must be potty trained and able to follow simple instructions.
  
  The Level I CGS Atrium nurtures the 4-6 year old child in his or her relationship with Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
  
  “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” -John 10:11
  
  The child hears that the Good Shepherd knows his sheep, calls them by name, searches for the lost and celebrates the found. The reality in this image meets a deep need in the child for a relationship. Presentations about the life of Jesus and his teachings help make the mystery of God concrete for the child.
- What happens in the CGS Atrium?
  A session in the CGS Atrium at St. John’s is 1 hour and 15 minutes long.
  
  Because the CGS Atrium is a sacred space, children are encouraged to use soft voices and walking feet. While in the CGS Atrium, we encourage behavior as if we were in the church.
  
  We begin gathering around the prayer table for worship time. Then the children work on activities to help them develop their relationship with God.
  
  Children receive presentations of a part of the Bible or Liturgy given to them by a CGS trained Catechist. There are 52 developmentally appropriate presentations in Level I that can be given over three years.
  
  A significant amount of time follows to allow children to freely choose and to work independently with the materials, which are a close link to the biblical and liturgical sources, in order to explore and deepen their experience of the presentation at their own pace and rhythm.
  
  We end our CGS Atrium time together around the prayer table for closing prayer, then each child is called by name to line up for dismissal.
  
  A CGS Atrium can be compared to a retreat house facilitating recollection and silence. A place for religious life, meaningful work through which the child can have a conversation with God. A place for preparation in the larger worship community.
- Where is the CGS Atrium located at St. John the Baptist?
  The CGS Atrium is located in Room 204. For more information: contact Joan Walerius at [email protected]
- Where do I register?
  You can register now! All registrations are requested by October 7. CLICK HERE!