CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
The Child
God and the child have a unique relationship with one another particularly before the age of six. The growth of this relationship should be assisted by the adult, but is directed by the Spirit of God within the child. Children need their own place to foster the growth of that relationship. This spiritual growth is best served through tangible but indirect means.
“If we want to help the child grow near to God, we should, with patience and courage…seek to go always closer to the vital nucleus of things. This requires study and prayer. The child himself will be our teacher if we know how to observe him.” – Sofia Cavalletti
The Atrium
The atrium (or prepared environment) is one of the important elements that helps the relationship between God and the child to flourish. After a theme has been presented, the child is free to choose an activity that will make possible the inner dialogue with the “Interior Teacher.” How does the atrium help to nourish this relationship? ~ The atrium can be compared to a retreat house facilitating recollection and silence. ~ The atrium is a place for religious life, for community and worship—not a classroom for instruction. ~ The atrium is a place of meaningful work through which the child can have a conversation with God.
The Adult
The catechist’s role is to prepare the environment and to give selected presentations from scripture and liturgy that “call forth” the child’s response rather than “pour in” information. The catechist listens with the child and together they ask, “God, who are you? How do you love us?” The adult reflects with the child on the questions generated by the presentations with the materials offered to the child to aid the child’s reflection. The catechists work together in a spirit of unity and harmony, in tune with God’s plan for communion in the history of salvation and in keeping with the themes of unity so strongly expressed in the parables of the Good Shepherd (John 10:1) and the True Vine. They generously offer their talents and experience for the good of all.
Level T
Toddler Ages 18 months - 3 Years
Level I
Ages 3-6 Years
Level II
Ages 6-9 Years
Level III
Ages 9-12 Years
Not currently offered at SPM
What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is an approach to the religious formation of children which can serve children from 18 months-12 years of age.
This faith formation program originated in 1954 with the founding of the Children’s Center or Atrium in Rome, Italy. Inspired by Maria Montessori’s Principles of Education, it now extends to many countries all over the world. Atria can be found in home, parish and school settings.
See below for more detailed information about Levels T, I, II, and III.
If you would like more information about CGS, please go to CGS USA. If you have questions, or if you are interested in learning more about assisting with the program, please contact the office.
32 Points of Reflection on Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
How can my family get involved in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?
List of Services
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Register your children ages Toddler (18 months by September 1) to Grade 3List Item 1
Registration opens and closes in the summer annually. If you are wanting your child to join an atrium session outside of this registration window, contact us to see if there is an opening. Register for CGS online:
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Become a CatechistList Item 2
Lead Catechists are those that have completed their CGS Traning for associated level they are leading.
Assistants are those that may or may not have completed their CGS Training for the associated level in which they are assisting.
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Attend CGS TrainingList Item 3
Our next training is for Level I which will be held on four weekends throughout 2026.
Part 1:
January 2-4, 2026
February 27-March 1, 2026
Part 2:
May 15-17, 2026
August 28-30, 2026
Fridays and Saturdays 8:30-4:30; Sundays: 9:30-4:30; additional time for materials making as needed
CGS EVENTS & TRAINING
Level I Catechist Training
Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.Calendar 25-26
Download our 2025-26 Calendar of for CGS
Sacramental Prep
Sacramental Prep forms can be found here
Parent Pages & Resources
August Newsletter
