Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd honors the child's natural closeness to God. Rather than "teaching" about faith, this religious formation program protects the young child's sense of wonder and nurtures children's innate spirituality with environments that give access to liturgy, the Bible, geography and history.

How it works

Catechesis students are divided into age groups and meet in an atrium, a classroom, but also a sacred space which honors the child's imagination and spirit. Each atrium is led by volunteer catechists trained both in children's spiritual development and liturgy and bible study. Each Sunday, children engage in presentations followed by response work.

Presentations include listening to and reading Scripture, and seeing and reenacting narratives through the movement of figures in small settings.

Response work includes

• art
• song
• journal writing
• collaborative celebrations and projects.

Prayer is modeled and encouraged with practicing quiet, listening to presentations, participating in individual and group reflection, and noting the value of our work as a form of prayer. Parents join their children in the work and prayer of the atrium a few times each year. 

Program history

CGS began in 1954 with the observations and experience of Sofia Cavaletti, a Bible scholar, and her colleague, Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori teacher.

Join us!

Email Sarah Jennings, Children's Formation Coordinator, if you have questions or would like to volunteer.