Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd was born from the joy of the children’s encounter with God. It has been observed that children of the same developmental stage, even those from widely varying cultural backgrounds, respond to elements of the Christian message in the same way. 

CGS is a Montessori-based approach to faith formation. It is theologically sound, systematic, and rich in Scripture, liturgy, and sacred history. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd takes place in an atrium, a sacred, hands-on space in which both children and catechists can hear, ponder, and celebrate the essential mysteries of the Catholic faith as revealed in scripture and the liturgy. Specially designed materials and inspiring presentations help children explore areas of faith formation appropriate to their developmental age.  Scripture, liturgy, salvation history, and sacramental signs provide the content of the catechesis – with a special emphasis on scripture.

The methodology of the Catechesis utilizes Montessori teaching principles to help children develop an informed and genuine relationship with God. This Catechesis was developed in Rome over a fifty-year period by Maria Montessori (famous for the "Montessori Method of Education"), Dr. Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi, and has spread throughout the world.

"That [Catechesis of the Good Shepherd] is the most beautiful homily I have ever witnessed... It is proof that really the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to the children."
- St. John Paul II

St. John Paul II visits the atrium at Our Lady of Lourdes in Rome,
Sofia Cavalletti is to the left (CGS Center for Training)

Here at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, we have Levels I-III atria in both our parish and school faith formation programming under the direction of trained CGS catechist Sandra Trevino. Level I is for ages 3-6 while Level II is for ages 6-9 and Level III is for ages 9-12.

Associations

• National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

• A Little About Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
• 3 Minute Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Video

• About Sofia Cavalletti, who developed the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd