CHILDREN'S FORMATION
CHILDREN'S FAITH FORMATION
CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
"Where a child can fall in love with God"
Our parish supports and offers the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) program. CGS is one of the most important experiences in forming disciples. It is a formation in contemplation and deep relationship with Jesus. The spirituality of the children and the adults that is nourished in the CGS Atrium environment has the potential to permeate the entire community, and to assist the family in living their faith more authentically.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children, rooted in Sacred Scripture, Liturgy, and respect for the child’s rich relationship with God. CGS has been called the meeting of two mysteries: the mystery of God and the mystery of the child. Its focus is on the personal relationship of Jesus, who is the fullest manifestation of the mystery of God, and the child. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, knows and calls His sheep by name to a life-long journey of growth and transformation. While CGS has its roots in the work and educational principles of Maria Montessori, its development, as we know it today, began in Rome in 1954 with Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi.
WHAT IS AN ATRIUM?
An Atrium is the room in which the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd takes place.
“The atrium is the meeting ground of two mysteries: the mystery of God and the mystery of the child.”
Why is it called “atrium” anyway? The word “atrium” actually means “portico, or porch entrance to a large house.” The Atrium was a term given to this 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.
What 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
LEVEL I (AGES 3-6 YEARS OLD)
Level I encourages children to develop their innate potential for a faith-filled relationship with God. They encounter Jesus, the Good Shepherd who loves them, cares for them, and knows them by name. Catechesis includes Scripture, Mass gestures, prayers, artwork, and music.
LEVEL II (AGES 6-9 YEARS OLD)
The goal for children in Level II is to help deepen the child’s relationship with Christ and the Catholic faith. Through the moral parables and teachings of Jesus, along with a more intense exploration of the Mass the child grows in a desire to remain close to Christ. It is during this level that the children discern if they are being called to prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist.
LEVEL III (AGES 9-12 YEARS OLD)
In Level III the 9-12 year-old listens to the Old Testament and explores the history of God’s plan for salvation, linking all people together in communion. They begin to ask, “What is the Kingdom of God, and what is my place in it?” It is a primary question which lays the foundation for discerning our individual roles in His Kingdom.
2025–26 CGS OFFERINGS
Wednesdays: 4:00PM – 5:15PM and 6:00PM – 7:15PM*
Thursdays: 4:00PM – 5:15PM
2nd & 4th Fridays: 9:00AM – 10:30AM
*CGS runs in conjunction with Faith on Fire, a night of faith formation for all ages.
HISTORY OF CGS AT THE CATHEDRAL
CGS began at the Cathedral several years ago with two dedicated catechists and a passion for CGS. With the help of active disciples we’ve grown our spaces to include two dedicated atria each for Levels I and II as well as a Level III atrium; all located downstairs in All Saints Hall.
OUR CGS TEAM
We have an amazing team of CGS trained catechists and assistants dedicated to fostering the child’s relationship with the Lord! If you would like to join our team or are interested in learning more about CGS please contact Holly Baughman at (605) 342-0507 or here.
TRAININGS
We are always looking to expand our CGS team! If you are interested in training, please see the flyer below, and if you are ready to register, click the button under the flyer.
If you have any questions, please contact Holly Baughman at (605) 342-0507 or here.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Visit the national Catechesis of the Good Shepherd website here.