Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd approach to the religious formation of children 3-12 years old is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. Children gather in an "atrium," a room prepared for them, which contains simple yet beautiful materials that they use in their reflection on God. Learn more about the approach at www.cgsusa.org . 

Following the Montessori approach, children gather together based on their age:

• The Level I atrium is for children 3-6 years old (generally Pre-school and Kindergarten)
  • Sundays 9:45a.m.-11:15a.m.
  • Sundays 11:45a.m.-1:15p.m.  
• The Level II atrium is for children 6-9 years old (generally first, second and third grade)
  • Sundays 9:45a.m.-11:15a.m.
  • Sundays 11:45a.m.-1:15p.m.
  • Mondays 4:30p.m.-6p.m. 
  • Mondays 6:30p.m.-8p.m.
• The Level III atrium is for children 9-12 years old (generally fourth, fifth and sixth grade)
  • Sundays 2p.m.-3:30p.m.
  • Mondays 4:30p.m.-6p.m.
  • Mondays 6:30p.m.-8p.m.  

Each atrium is led by volunteer catechists certified in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Catechists present materials to individuals or small groups in support of each child’s desire to know and love God.

We meet on the third floor of the Newman Center. Children enrolled in Level I need to be at least 3 years old by the first session and must be potty trained.

To access the CGS Family Wiki: http://newmancenter-cgs.pbworks.com/  Please note that this is a secure website and you must have a password to log in. 

Registration

Each child is registered individually.  After you register the first child, it will ask you if you’d like to register a second before you pay.  Payment is made online via credit card or online check.  If you would like to apply for a tuition scholarship, please contact Karen at kbroering@buckeyecatholic.com for the form. 

Please note: all registrations will be automatically WAITLISTED so that I can sort children into atrium according to capacity.  You will be notified via email that your registration has been accepted, at which time your credit card will be charged.  I will be processing registrations on Mondays and Wednesdays starting June 20. 

Registration for new families will begin June 19.

The CGS program is a wonderful opportunity to involve many people and their time and talents. Our materials are largely handmade, utilizing skills of sewing, painting, woodworking and much more. Volunteers to help set up and take down the materials each week are also needed. Check out the Volunteer Opportunities in Faith Formation for additional opportunities and information.

Preparation for Reconciliation and First Eucharist are part of the Level II atrium. Please visit Sacramental Preparation to learn more about the preparation process.

If you would like more information on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd approach to Faith Formation, please contact Karen Broering at (614) 291-4674 x108.