CGS - Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children in PreK through 6th grade (ages 3 to 12 years of age). It is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. Children gather with catechists in an “atrium”, a room prepared for them, which contains simple yet beautiful materials they use to help them absorb the most essential proclamations of the Christian faith.
The atrium is divided into three levels of formation under these general guidelines:
- Level I – 3 to 6 years of age (PreK to K) – Sessions in 2023-2024 will be on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4 to 5:15 pm and Saturdays from 10 to 11:15 am – This level Atrium is located in the Parish Center – The 3-6-year-old child is particularly capable of receiving and enjoying the most essential elements of our faith – the announcement of God’s love especially experienced through Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who died and is risen. The heart of the catechesis for children under six revolves around the Parable of the Good Shepherd who loves the sheep and calls each one by name. The 3-6 year old child enters the mystery of the Eucharist by first learning the names of the articles used on the altar and the gestures of the mass. The child becomes acquainted with the historical character of the liturgy through the events of the Last Supper, Christ’s death, and His resurrection.
- Level II – 6 to 9 years of age (1st to 3rd grades) – Sessions in 2023-2024 will be on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4 to 5:15 pm and from 6 to 7:15 pm and Saturdays from 10 to 11:15 am – This level Atrium is located in the Parish Center.
- Level III – 9 to 12 years of age (4th to 6th grades) – Sessions in 2023-2024 will be on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4 to 5:15 pm and from 6 to 7:15 pm and Saturdays from 10 to 11:15 am – This level Atrium is located on the first floor of the Gleeson Building.
What is the atrium really like? Many of you have had the opportunity to be in the atrium with the children either as a catechist, assistant or visiting parent. For those who haven’t yet had this opportunity, take a few minutes to watch this video from The National Association of CGS. The voices of the current and former children of the atrium mirror many of the comments and reflections we catechists get to share on a weekly basis.
To learn more about our Gile Campus CGS Program, please contact Peggy Plastina, [email protected] or 708-383-3430 x 408.
For information about our Ascension Campus CGS Program, please contact Laura Kelley at [email protected] or 708-848-2703.
CGS – All CGS sessions will begin with a parent meeting on Sunday, September 10 – The meetings will begin at 11:30am after the morning 10:30am Masses. Come and see your child’s atrium (classroom), pick up important documents, and have any questions you may have answered. The meetings will be held at each campus (Ascension campus and St. Giles campus) so that you can see the CGS environment where your children will be throughout the year. Parents may attend with or without their children.
Below are the calendars for 2023-24 CGS classes to be held at the Ascension Parish Center.
Below are the calendars for 2023-24 CGS classes to be held at the St. Giles site.
Students also receive formation for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation at the appropriate age and readiness through the parish Sacrament Preparation program. The formation for all sacraments includes students and their parents in a multi-generational setting which fosters prayer, formation, and service throughout their preparation process.
For Sacrament Formation information, for the Giles campus please contact Alex Ryan at [email protected] or 708-383-3430 x 403.
Sacrament Formation information, for the Ascension campus please contact Terri Monaco at [email protected] or 708-848-2703.