CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Cultivating the Imagination and Deepest Desire of the Child
CONTEMPLATION AND ENJOYMENT OF GOD
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a faith formation program that invites children into a living relationship with Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Rooted in Scripture, liturgy, and prayer, it takes place in the Atrium—a quiet, retreat-like space prepared for prayer, work, and discovery.
Here, children work with hands-on materials drawn from the Bible and the liturgy. Led by the Holy Spirit, they return to these themes at their own pace, entering into deeper prayer and understanding. The Atrium nurtures the whole child—mind, heart, and spirit—preparing them for worship in the greater Church and for a lifelong friendship with Christ.
Delight in the Discovery of the Infant and Toddler
Toddler Level
The Toddler Level of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is designed for children ages 18 months to 2 years—old enough to walk and carry a tray, ready to begin exploring in new ways. In the Toddler Atrium, a specially prepared environment, even the youngest child’s spiritual life is gently nourished through prayer, work, and joyful celebration, guided by a catechist. Parents also share in this experience, finding time to observe, grow, and deepen their interactions with their child in a setting that supports both discovery and grace.
JOIN IN THE WONDER OF THE 3-6 YEAR OLD CHILD
Level I Atrium
The theme for this level is Jesus, the Good Shepherd—the one who loves His sheep and gives everything for them. Children are gently introduced to Jesus in this tender image and come to discover who the sheep are in His flock. At the heart of this level is the child’s joyful discovery of God’s gift of Himself, a foundation that will support all future growth in faith and moral understanding. This stage can truly be described as a time of joy and wonder in the lives of the children.
CELEBRATE THE GROWTH OF THE 6-9 YEAR OLD CHILD
Level II Atrium
The theme for these years is Christ, the True Vine—a beautiful image that highlights both our relationship with Him and our responsibility within His Kingdom. Children are introduced to the sweeping History of the Kingdom of God, which helps them see how God’s loving plan has unfolded across time for the sake of all humanity. As they glimpse this vast, cosmic story of salvation, they also begin to recognize that they themselves have a part to play in it. This is also the stage where a growing moral awareness begins to take root and blossom, nurtured by the work they encounter.
HONORING THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE 9-12 YEAR OLD CHILD
Level III Atrium
The theme of Level III is God’s great plan of love as it unfolds in the Bible and throughout human history. Children are invited to explore how the Kingdom of God grows—and how people either collaborate with or resist that growth. Guided by the framework of Creation, Redemption, and Parousia, they take a deeper look at scripture, especially the treasures of the Old Testament. Many of these sacred history lessons connect beautifully with what they are also discovering in school. This stage is often marked by a natural intellectual curiosity about the world and my place in it—and here, that curiosity is nurtured in the light of faith.
