Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Level 1 – Ages 3 to 6

In 2025, St. Mary’s launched Catachsis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) for our youngest children. In 2026, CGS is offered on Sunday mornings with 2 sessions.

Children 3-years old by September 1 along with those up to age 6 will be eligible to be registered.

CGS is a child-centered approach to Christian formation developed in 1954 by Sofia Cavaletti, a scripture scholar and Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori teacher.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is not a progam, but a “Way” and method to emphasize the religious potential for children while fostering their encounter and relationship with God through sacred scripture, liturgy and prayer.

The Atrium is central to CGS, a specially prepared space and environment, where children engage in contemplative work rather than the traditional classroom. The Atrium encourages silence, relection, and prayer with materials that illustrate scripture passages.  Children can choose the practical life activities that allow them to enter into a dialogue with God guided by the Holy Spirit.

We need good people to be trained as CGS Catechists. The trained Catechist Leader’s role is to journey together with the child to unveil the glory and wonder of God that brings peace and joy to our soul.  If you are interested in participating in this new Way, please contact the Religious Education Office at 508-429-6076 or [email protected].

Go to https://www.cgsusa.org/course to learn more about the program and specialized training for a Level I CGS program such as ours.