2023-2024 Faith Formation Calendar 

Parish children, ages 3-12 grow in faith through Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) religious program.  The CGS curriculum is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the Church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. In CGS, we follow the child into the depths of his or her existing relationship with God.  A prepared environment called an “atrium” contains simple, yet beautiful, materials for the child to use.  Led by the Holy Spirit, the true teacher in the atrium, the child discovers and experiences both religious education and spiritual formation.

The CGS program is divided into three levels.  Level I is for pre-school-kindergarten.  Level II 1st- 3rd grade including First Reconciliation/First Communion prep; and Level III is 4th-6th grade.  Each level consists of developmentally appropriate materials, which deepen each year, entering the children further into the mysteries of the Catholic faith.   

In order to continue offering our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, we need more catechists.  
We can help you with training. For more information about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd you can visit the
CGS USA’s website or read The Faith of a Child by Ann Garrido at America Magazine. The “atria” are located in Benedict Hall basement, level B1.

If you have questions, please contact Sandi Gardner in the Office of Faith Formation or 704-332-2901