Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

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- What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?
  ABOUT CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
  Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is an approach to the religious formation of children developed in Rome in 1954. It 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 work with to draw closer to Christ in prayer with guided instruction from a trained catechist. -From the Diocese of Madison's website on CGS
  The presentations (lessons) for the 3-5 year old are focused on the liturgy and liturgical themes, infancy narratives of Jesus’ life, parables, gifts of baptism, and Paschal Mystery.
  God and the child have a unique relationship with one another particularly before the age of six. The growth of this relationship should be assisted by the adult, but is directed by the Holy Spirit within the child. Children need their own place to foster the growth of that relationship. This spiritual growth is best served through tangible but indirect means.
  
  THE CATECHIST
  The catechist’s role is to prepare the environment and to give selected presentations from scripture and liturgy that “call forth” the child’s response rather than “pour in” information.
  
  The catechist listens with the child and together they ask, “God, who are you? How do you love us?” The adult reflects with the child on the questions generated by the presentations with the materials offered to the child to aid the child’s reflection.
  
  The catechists work together in a spirit of unity and harmony, in tune with God’s plan for communion in the history of salvation and in keeping with the themes of unity so strongly expressed in the parables of the Good Shepherd (John 10:1) and the True Vine. They generously offer their talents and experience for the good of all.
- FAQs
  What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)?
  It's a method of leading young children to fall in love with Jesus through use of hands-on materials and age appropriate lectio divina.
  
  Who is CGS for?
  CGS is for children between the ages of 3 and 5.
  How often does CGS meet?
  
  We meet once a week from early September through Pentecost (which happens every year in May or June). We take weeks off during the year for All Saints Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.
  
  Where does CGS meet?
  
  In a prepared classroom called the atrium on the lower level of the school on the St. Cecilia campus.
  
  Does the registration fee include CGS? Yes, no other separate fees are required.
- The Atrium
  The Atrium at St. Cecilia, Wisconsin Dells
  
  THE ATRIUM
  The atrium, or prepared space, is one of the important elements that helps the relationship between God and the child to flourish. After a theme has been presented, the child is free to choose an activity that will make possible the inner dialogue with the Holy Spirit.
  
  How does the atrium help to nourish this relationship?
  The atrium can be compared to a retreat house facilitating recollection and silence.
  The atrium is a place for religious life, for community and worship—not a classroom for instruction.
  The atrium is a place of meaningful work through which the child can have a conversation with God.
  More on the Atrium:
  "In the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, the name “atrium” is owed to Italian educator María Montessori. It refers to the space of the ancient Roman basilicas, between the street and the church. It was a place to prepare to enter the temple. Imagine the pilgrims traveling to Rome, who arrived after days, weeks, even months of being on the road. The atrium gradually gives way to the passage between the things of the world and the place where we will encounter the Lord.
  In the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, the atrium is a place for work, for celebration, and for prayer. The atrium is the child’s prepared environment, a place where God, the Holy One, comes to dwell. A place where the child experiences God dwelling in the Word, God dwelling in all of creation, and God dwelling in our hearts."
  CGS USA's October 2024 Parent Page Newsletter
  
  Work of the Child vs Work of the Adult
  
  The beauty of childhood is that children tend to work for the pleasure of the work itself. It is part of their self construction as a human being. They long to be able to do things by themselves.
  
  The 3-6 year old child will spend hours doing the same task over and over again or sit with the same parable of Jesus over and over again until their work has satisfied the need within. How many times has a parent seen a child drop their toys to engage with kitchen utensils at great length instead.
  
  The work of the adult tends to be more pragmatic, more efficient, more based on the outcome or product of the work. Adults tend to relate to work as drudgery. What a gift it is when adults can be so engaged in their work (think of a hobby that you love to do) that they lose all track of time and become like a child, soaking up the work itself.
  
  “Montessori asserted that there are two essential types of work: that of the child and that of the adult, both of which are necessary for the life of humanity” (Gobbi, Nurturing the Whole Child: Montessori Principles Applied to Children). (CGS USA Member Memo September 2025)
  The Significance of Work
  From Gianna Gobbi’s Nurturing the Whole Child: Montessori Principles Applied to Children: “If we succeed in removing obstacles and in both providing for and respecting the work of the child, then great things will happen:
  • The child will develop as nature intends.
  • We will get to see how the human being is formed, the human being who is made ‘in the image of God’ and according to God’s desire.
  • Work will become an instrument of normalization or ‘wholeness,’ both in oneself and in one’s relationship to the group.
  • Work will become joyful for the child, and, once that occurs, we can offer the assistance the child needs.”
- Our Week at CGS - Photo Gallery
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  Ordinary Time: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) started this past week! The children were welcomed back to the atrium (classroom) after having the summer off. The atrium is a place of prayer, where they talk to Jesus and listen to hear what He says to them. They learned how to quiet their bodies and voices in order to hear Jesus while at the prayer table (pictured) whether individually or as a group. It's going to be a wonderful year! /photoalbums/catechesis-of-the-good-shepherd/20240916_183634.jpg _parent
  
  Ordinary Time: This week in the atrium we enthroned the Holy Bible on the prayer table with a procession! The children learned that the Holy Bible is the most important book in the world because it is God's Word written down. It is written for each of the children and everyone in the whole world. The children will be watching at Holy Mass to see how Father reverences the Holy Bible by kissing it after reading the Gospel. They also had the opportunity to reverence the Holy Bible themselves. /photoalbums/catechesis-of-the-good-shepherd/20240920_100059.jpg _parent
  
  Ordinary Time: This week in CGS the children learned the most common liturgical colors and their meanings! Purple: Preparation, Father wears this before the Feast. White: Celebration, Father wears this on the Feast. Green: Growing Time, Father wears this after the Feast. Red: Pentecost and Feasts of Great Love. The children will be watching at Holy Mass to see what color Father is wearing! /photoalbums/catechesis-of-the-good-shepherd/20240920_095406.jpg _parent
  
  Ordinary Time: This week in the atrium the children learned the names of the basic articles used at Holy Mass: altar cloth, paten, chalice, candles, and crucifix. A few children had these names memorized, so they learned ambo, lectionary, missal, tabernacle, ciborium, and sanctuary lamp. Once the children have memorized these names, they will learn corporal, purificator, credence table, cruets, lavabo, bells, and extinguisher. /photoalbums/catechesis-of-the-good-shepherd/unnamed%2043.jpg _parent
  
  Ordinary Time: This week in the atrium the children learned the gesture of the Sign of the Cross. A gesture is a movement that means something, for example, waving hello. The Crucifix is a sign of God's great love for us. The Sign of the Cross is a sign of how close that great love is to us! So close that we can make the sign right on our bodies! Anytime anyone needs to feel the closeness of Jesus, they can make the Sign of the Cross. From now on in the atrium, we will always start our prayer time with the Sign of the Cross. /photoalbums/catechesis-of-the-good-shepherd/unnamed%2045.jpg _parent
  
  Ordinary Time: This past week in the atrium the older children learned the names of some of the vestments of the priest. (From left to right): amice, alb, cincture, stole, chasuble. /photoalbums/catechesis-of-the-good-shepherd/20241026_102531.jpg _parent
  
  Ordinary Time: Over the last few weeks the older children have been learning about the liturgical year using our liturgical calendar. /photoalbums/catechesis-of-the-good-shepherd/IMG_7397.jpeg _parent
  
  Ordinary Time: This past week the children toured the church! They saw many of the things they learned about in the atrium, such as the altar, tabernacle, sanctuary lamp, ambo, lectionary, missal, chalice, paten, cruets, chasubles, cinctures, albs, candle, extinguisher, and more. /photoalbums/catechesis-of-the-good-shepherd/Bulletin%20Page%20Templates%20%20Cover%20Planner%205.png _parent
  
  Ordinary Time: Last week in the atrium the children learned how the sacristan prepares the cruets for Father to use during Holy Mass. After learning how to prepare the cruets themselves (mastering the cruets), the children will learn about how Father prepares the chalice. /photoalbums/catechesis-of-the-good-shepherd/IMG_7561.jpeg _parent
  
  Ordinary Time: Every year, right before Advent begins, the children use our topographic map of Israel to learn about the three most important cities in Jesus' life: Nazareth (where Mary lived), Bethlehem (where He was born), and Jerusalem (where He died and rose). The map helps the children to concretely know that Jesus is a real person, who actually walked and lived in a specific place. /photoalbums/catechesis-of-the-good-shepherd/20231130_163348.jpg _parent
  
  Advent: At the beginning of Advent, the youngest children meditate on the Annunciation. We read the Scripture to them directly from the Bible while using the figures to act the story out. Afterward, we meditate together on Mary's yes to the angel. The children are then invited to work with these materials anytime they come to the atrium. The story is also available to them anytime they would like to hear it again. /photoalbums/catechesis-of-the-good-shepherd/unnamed%2048.jpg _parent
  
  Advent: The second week of Advent, the children hear the story of the Birth of Christ and the Adoration of the Shepherds. We read the Scripture to them directly from the Bible while using the figures to act the story out. Afterward, we meditate together on the experience of Jesus' birth, asking the child to imagine what various people in the story experienced. The children are then invited to work with these materials anytime they come to the atrium. The story is also available to them anytime they would like to hear it again. /photoalbums/catechesis-of-the-good-shepherd/20240730_093513%201.jpg _parent
  
  Advent: The third week of Advent the older children meditate on the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth. They revisit the topographical map to review that Mary lived in Galilee in Nazareth. On the map, the children are shown how Mary traveled four days down to the land of Judea to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Then they hear the story from the Holy Bible and see the story acted out with the figures. Afterwards, they meditate on the two women and babies meeting each other and their response to each other. /photoalbums/catechesis-of-the-good-shepherd/20241212_154302.jpg _parent
  
  Advent: Near the end of Advent, the older children meditate on the story of the Adoration of the Magi from Scripture. First we revisit the map of Israel, reminding the children that Jesus was born in Bethlehem and that the Holy Family lived there for a while after Jesus' birth. Then the children hear the story directly from Scripture, while it is acted out with the figures. Afterwards, we meditate together on the gifts of the Magi, Mary and Joseph's response, King Herod's actions, etc. The materials and story are then available for the child to use or hear again anytime they come to the atrium. /photoalbums/catechesis-of-the-good-shepherd/Bulletin%20Page%20Templates%20%20Cover%20Planner%2012.png _parent
  
  Christmas: The final week of the Christmas season, the oldest children in the atrium meditate on The Presentation. They hear the scripture passage directly from the Holy Bible while watching the story acted out with the figures. Afterwards the catechist and the children meditate on who this Child is, the obedience of Mary and Joseph, and the response of Simeon and Anna. /photoalbums/catechesis-of-the-good-shepherd/1000002842.jpg _parent
  
  Ordinary Time after Christmas: During Ordinary Time after the Christmas season, the children meditate on the parable of the Good Shepherd. They hear the parable directly from John 10 while the story is acted out with the figures. Then the catechist and the child ponder together Jesus as the Good Shepherd who gives all of Himself to His sheep, and who exactly His sheep are who are known, loved, and care for. /photoalbums/catechesis-of-the-good-shepherd/IMG_83772.jpeg _parent
  
  Ordinary Time after Christmas: During Ordinary Time between the Christmas Season and Lent, the children meditate on the Parable of the Mustard Seed. This parable is presented to the child three different times, once each year that the child is in the atrium, with a little more richness added each time. The catechist and the child ponder together how the Kingdom of God is like the growth and transformation of the mustard seed. We ponder this power within all living things, including ourselves, and Who puts that power within all living things. /photoalbums/catechesis-of-the-good-shepherd/20250203_164612.jpg _parent
  
  Ordinary Time after Christmas: The week before Ash Wednesday, the children decorate Alleluia cards and bury them. The container of cards is kept in view in the atrium so the children may check on them throughout Lent, quietly waiting for the coming joy of Easter. /photoalbums/catechesis-of-the-good-shepherd/20250309_113631.jpg _parent
  
  Lent: During Lent, with the children who are a little older and have already been shown the Parable of the Good Shepherd presentation (lesson), we medi /photoalbums/catechesis-of-the-good-shepherd/IMG_8529%201.jpeg _parent
  
  Lent | During Lent in the atrium, we ponder Psalm 23:1-3a with the children. First, with all of the children we ponder what a shepherd is and what "The Lord is my shepherd" could mean. The following week we ponder the verse "I shall not want" and how everything we need comes through the shepherd. /photoalbums/catechesis-of-the-good-shepherd/20250324_183117.jpg _parent
  
  Lent: During Lent the children who are a little older are given the presentation (lesson) of the Eucharistic Presence of the Good Shepherd. Together we enjoy Jesus, Who reveals Himself as the Good Shepherd. He calls each of us by name to the Best Food, the Best Drink: all of Himself. /photoalbums/catechesis-of-the-good-shepherd/IMG_8963%201.jpeg _parent
  
  Lent: After enjoying Jesus as the Good Shepherd Who gives all of Himself in the Holy Eucharist, the oldest children in the atrium ponder this again. The wooden materials visually represent the Good Shepherd's sheep as members of the church. We especially ponder the special role of the priest as both a sheep of the flock and the one to say the words of the Last Supper, "This is My Body. This is My Blood." /photoalbums/catechesis-of-the-good-shepherd/IMG_9103.jpeg _parent
  
  During the Easter season in the atrium, we focus on the gifts of Baptism. We use hands-on materials to show the children the gifts of the Light, white garment, the Word, water, and the Sacred Oils. A very special thank you to Kwik Trip #1118 on Broadway for donating beautiful fresh flowers to our atrium every week this Easter season! Please stop by there and tell Henry, the manager, thank you! /photoalbums/catechesis-of-the-good-shepherd/IMG_9406.jpeg _parent
- CGS at St. John Paul II Pastorate
  AGES
  Available to children ages 3-5 ½.
  LOCATION
  Our atrium (the room used for CGS) is located in the St. Cecilia Parish Center across the street from St. Cecilia Church.
  FEES & HOW TO REGISTER
  
  The cost of each child enrolled in CGS is included in your Family of Faith registration fee.
  
  When registering for Faith Formation, be sure to choose which CGS session you'd like.
  
  All sessions are limited to 12 children. First come, first serve.
  
  Registration opens on July 1, 2025 for returning CGS families. New families will be able to register July 8, 2025.
- Contact Information
  TINA EVANS
  Associate Coordinator of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
  (608) 254-8381
- Session Calendar
  Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - Tuesday Session
  
  Tuesday, November 11, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  
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  Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - Thursday AM Session
  
  Thursday, November 13, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  
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  Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - Thursday PM Session
  
  Thursday, November 13, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  
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  Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - Tuesday Session
  
  Tuesday, November 18, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  
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  Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - Thursday AM Session
  
  Thursday, November 20, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  
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- Quotes from the Atrium
  After listening to John 8:12, a group of children is asked what they heard. A five-year-old girl freely responds, "If we follow Jesus, then we won't be in darkness."
  A five-year-old, after noticing Father is wearing purple, eagerly tells his mother that the liturgical year is beginning over again! From working with the liturgical calendar in the atrium, he knows that the year begins at the start of Advent, when Father switches from wearing green to purple.
  After hearing the following parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field." (Matthew 13:44) a five-year-old exclaims, "Oh, it's like the parable of the precious pearl, where he goes and sells all that he has to gain it!"
  A 3-year-old knows that when Father is wearing white, we are celebrating a Feast Day, and purple is for preparing for a Feast!
  A 4-year-old knows that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, only leads His sheep to the best, freshest, tastiest water and grass. She knows she, herself, is one of His beloved sheep.
  After hearing from the Holy Bible: "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit." (John 12:24) a five-year-old comments, "If the grain of wheat didn't die, then it couldn't have given much fruit. It's the same with us."
  A 3-year-old can identify all of the basic articles used at Holy Mass by sight and name.
  In the atrium we contemplate the mixing of the wine and water in the chalice. The children are instructed to watch for when Father does this at Holy Mass.
  
  The wine and water become Jesus. The children notice how the two are thoroughly mixed and can no longer be separated. The children are asked who Jesus would want to be so close to that He could never be separated from. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 456-464, 738, 795,1149,1153,1345)
  
  When asked this, a four-year-old said, "Me! And everyone. Her and him and him and him and her." (pointing at the other children in the atrium).
  
  At another time, when asked, a five year old answers, "Me! Because He loves me so much!"
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- OUR WEEK AT CGS
  
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  CGS 2024-2025 23 Photos
  
  More Photo Albums

ABOUT CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

THE CATECHIST

What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)?

Who is CGS for?

How often does CGS meet?

Where does CGS meet?

The Atrium at St. Cecilia, Wisconsin Dells

THE ATRIUM

More on the Atrium:

The Significance of Work

AGES

LOCATION

FEES & HOW TO REGISTER

TINA EVANS

Contact Tina Evans, Associate Coordinator of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd