OFFERED CLASSES: Level I for Pre-K 4

Sunday 9:45 - 10:45 AM
Sunday 4:15 - 5:15 PM

“I am the Good Shepherd and I know mine and mine know me, just as the father knows me and I know the father, and I will lay down my life for the sheep. My sheep hear my voice; I know them and they follow me.”  
- John 10:14-15, 27

What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?

Colors, smells, beauty, candles, song -  these are some of the many ways that Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (or CGS) introduces the faith to young children. These things should sound familiar: our Church uses them in our liturgy all the time to draw us ever deeper into the mystery of God's love. Combine this with a fervent devotion to Sacred Scripture, a respect for God's role in the soul's formation, and a knowledge of the capacity and preferences of young children, and you have an educational method that will feed the faith of both student and teacher. 

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a unique formation experience founded on Montessori principles in Rome in 1954, and is now offered in over 54 countries. The goal of CGS is to provide an environment where the child can through his own inner teacher meet the Good Shepherd. This is accomplished by working with special materials, silence, prayer, meditation, and artwork. In this way, the mystery of the child encounters the mystery of God, and forms a lifelong relationship, that will provide a solid foundation for their catholic faith.

What is the Atrium?

The Atrium is a prayer space designed to meet the spiritual and developmental needs of the child.  In the Atrium a child explores prayer, liturgy, and scripture through beautiful handmade materials.  This is a space that can captivate even the most active child and bring him into a closer relationship with our Lord, the Good Shepherd.

Please note:

• The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd  is not considered comprehensive Religious Education & Formation, and on its own, does not meet the requirements for First Communion preparation within the Austin Diocese.  A comprehensive Religious Education & Formation program is a K-12th grade written curriculum that the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has reviewed and approved.

• For First Communion preparation, the diocese recommends that children from should take part in a comprehensive Religious Education and Formation program, and that The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd can be a wonderful way to enrich the older (ages 6-12) child's faith formation. 

Could the Good Shepherd be calling your child to the Atrium?