Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
What is it?
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a unique faith formation program for children, providing a specially prepared environment called the Atrium. Designed as a place of worship rather than a traditional classroom, the Atrium invites children to grow in their relationship with Jesus and their understanding of His love for them.
Using hands-on materials that reflect the essence of the Christian message, CGS draws from Scripture and liturgy to foster a deep bond between each child and God. The program encourages children to explore their faith at their own pace, with adults guiding them through presentations and stepping back to allow God to work directly in the child’s heart.
CGS is an international movement present in 37 countries, originating in 1954 in Rome through the efforts of Dr. Sofia Cavalletti, a Hebrew Scripture scholar, and Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori educator.
Program Levels
- Level 1 (ages 3.5–6): Introduces young children to the love of Jesus and the foundational elements of the faith through age-appropriate hands-on materials and scripture.
- Level 2 (ages 6–9): Builds on the foundation of Level 1, deepening the child’s understanding of Scripture, liturgy, and their relationship with God.
Children may begin their journey at either level based on their age. For Level 2, no prior participation in Level 1 is required.
How to Join
- Level 1: Available for children aged 3.5–6.
- Level 2: Available for children aged 6–9 (no exceptions).
Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
How to Volunteer
The program is seeking volunteers to help lead and supervise sessions. Training is provided, and schedules are flexible to accommodate availability.
What They Need from Volunteers
- Session Leaders: Teach and lead activities during the program.
- Support Helpers: Assist with supervising children and facilitating crafts or activities.
- Flexible Scheduling: Volunteers can contribute based on their availability.
The Children’s Liturgy of the Word provides a meaningful way for children to grow in their faith while supporting families in the worship experience. By joining this ministry, you can make a lasting impact on the youngest members of our parish.
What They Need from Volunteers
- Atrium Assistants: Help prepare the environment and assist during sessions.
- Craft and Material Preparation: Assist with creating and maintaining the hands-on materials used in the Atrium.
Support Roles: Volunteers with Montessori or catechetical experience are especially welcome.
Additional Resources
- Bishop William McGrattan’s Endorsement: Watch Here.
- Informational Videos:
Video 1
Video 2 - Podcast: CBC Tapestry
- CGS Website: Visit the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd website for more information.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd offers children a joyful and contemplative space to encounter Christ and deepen their faith at every stage of their spiritual journey.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program for children ages 6-9 years old will be offered at St. Peter’s parish! Children must be between 6 and 9 years old (no exceptions).
Please contact Paula at paula.sabatini@st-peters.ca for more information and inquiries about registration for the Fall session.
Dear Parents and Children,
Welcome to the Atrium!
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me … for to such belongs the Kingdom of Heaven”. One such place where this can happen is in an atrium, a specially prepared spiritual environment, where children grow in their knowledge of Jesus and His love for them. It is in this space, a place of worship rather than a traditional classroom, where children ages 3 – 12 experience Christian formation known as Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS).
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an international movement present in 37 countries. The vision for this faith experience began in Rome in 1954 with Dr. Sofia Cavalletti, a Hebrew Scripture scholar and her co-worker, Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori educator.
It presumes that a deep bond exists between God and each child.
Drawing on the most essential elements of scripture and liturgy, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd helps children to name, explore and deepen this relationship as the foundation for their lives and prepares them for involvement in the larger worshipping community.
Hands-on materials, which represent the essence of the Christian message, are used by the children to explore and deepen their experiences at their own pace. In addition to preparing the environment, the adult’s role is to present works that call forth the child’s response and then step back, allowing God and the child to work together.
If you would like to learn more about this faith formation for children, please contact Paula Sabatini at paula.sabatini@st-peters.ca
Click HERE for Bishop William McGrattan’s endorsement of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
Two other videos which talk about the program:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwO_CWLKwOE&feature=em-share_video_user
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3F3jP0cf0nA
And a podcast:
http://www.cbc.ca/radio/tapestry
Main website for CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
