What Is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)?

• a faith enrichment program using hands-on manipulatives that are developmentally age-appropriate
• takes place in a specially prepared environment called an atrium, where children can focus on the treasures of our faith - Scripture, liturgy, and sacraments
• environment contains models and other materials to work with as children make the truths of the faith their own
• children are grouped by ages of developmental similarity: 3-6 (Level I). A child of three or four is the ideal candidate for beginning Level I.
• program is designed so that the child will spend three years in levels 1 and 2. Each week the catechist presents a new lesson.

What is an 'atrium'? Why is it not called a 'classroom'?
The Good Shepherd environment is called an atrium because in ancient church tradition the catechumenate would meet in the atrium of the church.  The atrium is a special room prepared with beautiful, hand-crafted, child-size materials. The room is specially prepared for Toddler Atrium, 18 months to 3 years old, and Level I, Ages 3-6.

What Are the Benefits?
In the atrium, children fall in love with God and form a life-long relationship with God. This relationship is lived in the fullness of the Church community, strengthened by the liturgy and sacraments, and with profound reverence for Scripture. Children learn and live the central mysteries of our faith. Children receive a strong foundation for our Mass and Sacramental celebrations.  The CGS experience nurtures the child into greater participation in the Mass.

Levels Offered
We currently offer the toddler atrium (18 months-age 3), level I (ages 3-6) and level II (ages 6-9).  

How Do I Register?
For more information or to register for our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, please contact 
Sr. Emily Lepage at [email protected].