Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a long standing and much respected approach to introducing children, three years of age and up, to the God who made and loves them.  CGS is a particular way of journeying with children that is grounded solidly in Scripture and in the Liturgy of the Church, then framed by Montessori educational principles.

It is based on the belief that God and the child are already in a relationship.  There is a deep bond between them that produces in the child a desire to draw near to God.

The task of the adult is to prepare the environment and make presentations that call forth a response — to help the child experience the wonder and joy of discovery.  Together, both adult and child develop the ability to listen as they ask together, “God, who are you and how do you love us?

The environment for CGS is called an Atrium and is filled with materials that are beautiful and concrete “signs” of the invisible reality of God.  In the Atrium, the child gains familiarity with God using the specially prepared materials.

Working with these materials fosters meditation on Jesus’ words from His parables and His life as it is revealed in the Bible, Mass, and the Sacraments.

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