Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
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Register for CGS!For the 2024-25 schoolyear, we are offering Level 1 (ages 3-6) and Level 2 (ages 6-9). Both levels will meet on
Wednesdays from 3:45 - 5:15 pm at the St. Lawrence Parish Office (1607 N. West St., Carroll).
We will have a parent meeting on Wednesday, August 28 and classes will start Wednesday, September 4.
You do not need to be a member of the St. John Paul II Parish to register.
Click here to register! -
What is the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is an approach to the religious formation of children that originated in Rome in the middle of the 20th century. It's based on the beliefs that:
- God and the child have a unique relationship with one another, particularly before the age of six
- There is a deep bond between God and the child which produces in the child the desire to draw nearer to Him
- Growth of this relationship should be assisted by the adult but is directed by the Spirit of God
- Children need their own place to foster the growth of that relationship
- The child’s spiritual growth is best served through tangible (hands-on) but indirect means
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Who is it for?
CGS takes place in a special environment called an Atrium. There are four separate Atria for four age groups:
- Toddler - Children up to age 3
- Level 1 - Ages 3 - 6
- Level 2 - Ages 6 - 9
- Level 3 - Ages 9 -12
Our parish currently has a Level 1 Atrium and a Level 2 Atrium. Any child in the parish who meets the age guidelines may register for CGS in the fall. -
What happens in the CGS Atrium?
Level 1 - Ages 3 - 6
The 3-6-year-old child is particularly capable of receiving and enjoying the most essential elements of our faith—the announcement of God’s love especially experienced through Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who died and is risen. Materials on the life of Jesus Christ and his teachings help to make the mystery of God concrete for the child. The heart of the catechesis for children under six revolves around the Parable of the Good Shepherd. Jesus announces that he is the Good Shepherd who calls each one by name. The sheep listen to the voice of the Shepherd and follow him.
The 3-6 year old child enters the mystery of the Eucharist by first learning the names of the articles used on the altar and then through the most important gestures including the preparation of the chalice, the epiclesis and offering, and the sign of peace. Through the experience of seeing these gestures, presented one by one, the Mass emerges as the Sacrament of the Gift. The child becomes acquainted with the historical character of the liturgy through the events of the Last Supper, Christ’s death, and His resurrection.
Level 2 - Ages 6 - 9
The elementary age child is captured by the image of the True Vine. “I am the vine, you are the branches, whoever remains in me, and I in him, will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.” The proclamation responds to the deep need of these children to better know his or her relationship with God, family, friends, and the larger community. Moral parables offer a model for comparing their behavior with that of the Pharisee, the Tax Collector, or the Good Samaritan. The elementary children see the parts of the Mass—the Liturgy of the Word, the Preparation of the Gifts, the Eucharistic Prayer, and the Communion—as one unified prayer made of many smaller prayers. Children prepare for the celebration of First Communion (or Solemn Communion) through a series of communion meditations focusing on the relationship with Jesus. Preparation of personal missals filled with illustrations and prayers is also part of this preparation which helps to deepen their love and understanding of the Eucharist. -
How can I learn more?
- The website for CGS in the United States is: https://www.cgsusa.org. You can find articles, podcasts, books, and other resources there.
- Visit our newsletter archive (below) to read about CGS in our parish.
- Contact one of our catechists to ask questions or schedule a time to observe in the Atrium.
- Find CGS on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/@cgsusa. Below is a great introductory video.
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Current Schedule
We currently have Level 1 (ages 3-6) and Level 2 (ages 6-9) available at the following time:
- Wednesdays from 3:45 - 5:15
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Registration
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Newsletters