Back to Faith Formation

Would you like to help your child enjoy a deeper relationship with God? The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based approach to the religious formation of children, rooted in Sacred Scripture, Liturgy, and respect for the child’s rich relationship with God.

Due to limited space in our atrium, anyone registering after the class is filled will be placed on a waiting list in case a spot opens up.
 

What is CGS?
CGS at Saint John's   
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What is a CGS Atrium?
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Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)

Early Learning Programs for Pre-K: 3-5 years of age

This religious formation program was developed to nurture the child’s relationship with God and is inspired by the Montessori Method.  The “atrium” is a beautiful environment especially prepared for children and contains various articles of liturgy (Mass, Baptism, Sacraments, Prayer) and scripture materials (Good Shepherd, True Vine, Moral Parables, Infancy Narratives, Prayer).  Children have the opportunity to ponder scripture passages or liturgical prayers while interacting with the materials.  

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CGS at Saint John's
Saint John's will be offering The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd method of faith formation for children (ages 3-5). Out of the three monthly meetings, one will be part of "Faith Formation (which has formation for every family member) and two meetings are "CGS only." 

Catechist Training
The catechists who work with the children will participate in nearly 100 hours of formation and will prepare a special environment for the children, which is called the Atrium.  Please join us in praying for the those who are called to this ministry.  To learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd visit www.CGSUSA.org.

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What is a CGS Atrium?
The word “atrium” actually means “portico, or porch entrance to a large house.” The Atrium was a term given to the CGS space by Maria Montessori. It was chosen because in the ancient church, the atrium was a gathering space between the Church Proper and the street. It was the place where the catechumens, those preparing for initiation to the Church, would receive instruction. The Atrium has a similar purpose for our children, as it is a place to help them enter into full, conscious and active participation in the liturgical and communal life of the Church.  The atrium is a “prepared environment”? The prepared environment is a Montessori concept that the environment can be designed to facilitate independent learning by the child. In a prepared environment, children work with materials of their own choice and at their own pace. They experience a combination of freedom and self-discipline in a place especially prepared to meet their developmental and spiritual needs.  

“The atrium may be compared to a retreat house; as such it should be a place that facilitates recollection and silence, even in its external aspects of wall decorations and other furnishings. It is desirable that the atrium be “Mass-centered,” that is, a place where special prominence is awarded to the material relative to the Mass; a place where the baptismal font stands out in the area assigned to Baptism. The Gospel should have a position of honor and be located alongside the parable materials and materials relating to the historical life of Christ.” – Religious Potential of the Child by Sofia Cavalletti, p 56

• Sep 25, Wed.
  • 6:00-7:30pm - Faith Formation: CGS, Family of Faith, Confirmation, Foundations, Transformation, OCIA
• Oct 9, Wed.
  • 6:00-7:30pm - Faith Formation: CGS, Family of Faith, Confirmation, Foundations, Transformation, OCIA
• Nov 6, Wed.
  • 6:00-7:30pm - Faith Formation: CGS, Family of Faith, Confirmation, Foundations, Transformation, OCIA
• Nov 20, Wed.
  • 6:00-7:30pm - Faith Formation: CGS, Family of Faith, Confirmation, Foundations, Transformation, OCIA
• Dec 4, Wed.
  • 6:00-7:30pm - Faith Formation: CGS, Family of Faith, Confirmation, Foundations, Transformation, OCIA
• Dec 18, Wed.
  • 6:00-7:30pm - Faith Formation: CGS, Family of Faith, Confirmation, Foundations, Transformation, OCIA
• Jan 8, Wed.
  • 6:00-7:30pm - Faith Formation: CGS, Family of Faith, Confirmation, Foundations, Transformation, OCIA
• Jan 22, Wed.
  • 6:00-7:30pm - Faith Formation: CGS, Family of Faith, Confirmation, Foundations, Transformation, OCIA
• Feb 5, Wed.
  • 6:00-7:30pm - Faith Formation, CGS, Family of Faith, Confirmation, Foundations, Transformation, OCIA
• Feb 19, Wed.
  • 7:00-7:30pm - Faith Formation: CGS, Family of Faith, Confirmation, Foundations, Transformation, OCIA
• Mar 5, Ash Wed.
  
  • 6:00-730pm - Faith Formation: CGS, Family of Faith, Confirmation, Foundations, Transformation, OCIA
• Mar 19, Wed.
  • 6:00-7:30pm - Faith Formation: CGS, Family of Faith, Confirmation, Foundations, Transformation, OCIA
• Apr 2, Wed.
  • 6:00-7:30pm - Faith Formation: CGS, Family of Faith, Confirmation, Foundations, Transformation, OCIA
• Apr 16, Wed.
  • 6:00-7:30pm - Faith Formation: CGS, Family of Faith, Confirmation, Foundations, Transformation, OCIA
• Apr 30, Wed.
  • 6:00-7:30pm - Faith Formation: CGS, Family of Faith, Confirmation, Foundations, Transformation, OCIA
• May 14, Wed.
  • 6:00-7:30pm - Faith Formation: CGS, Family of Faith, Confirmation, Foundations, Transformation, OCIA