About CGS

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based faith formation program for our young children. Here at St. Charles, we currently have a brand new Level I Atrium for our 3 to 6 year olds. (The room where CGS takes place is called the "atrium", from the early Christian use of the word to designate the space for catachumens in the Church). Next year we hope to grow to Level II capability, which focuses on Sacramental Preparation for Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist.
 
In the Montessori tradition, the CGS program emphasizes simplicity, beauty, patience, humility, and openness to the Holy Spirit. Rather than try to stuff little spongey brains with doctrinal facts, the method of CGS is to create an environment where the child can fall in love with Christ the Good Shepherd (then later, when they are developmentally more inclined, the doctrinal facts will find fertile ground). 

The children work in the Atrium, and are called to do their best work in accord with their dignity and intelligence as little human beings. Hopefully laying the foundation for a lifetime of a contemplative, intentional approach to work, the children work with a variety of materials, from Practical Life activities like pouring water and flower arranging and care of environment (sweeping, watering plants, etc), to getting to know Liturgical Colors and Altar articles. They also hear and work with materials that help them ponder in their hands-on, child-like way Parables of the Kingdom (Mustard Seed, Precious Pearl...) events from the life of Christ (from the Annunciation to the Passion and Resurrection), Sacraments, and much more.

In CGS we do our best to prepare the child for a life of contemplative prayer and intentional discipleship, beginning with getting to know and love Jesus the Good Shepherd, the Light of the World, Who comes to us as a loooong awaited baby at Christmas, and as the best food and drink at Mass, whose voice we follow. 

Much of the material used in CGS is made, finished, painted, or sewn by parishioners. Catechists put in many hours of training to learn how to guide the child and how to stand out of the way of the Holy Spirit, who goes where He will. 

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a beautiul work that has already brought forth good fruit in our Kindergartners and preschoolers. God willing, many more of our little ones will be able to enjoy this beautiful gift soon!

If you have questions about the program or would like a tour of the space, contact Liz York at [email protected] or 612-961-2580.
See also the National Website for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to learn more.