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Looking for a way to nurture your child's faith?
Enroll them in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) program.What is CGS?
CGS is a self-directed Montessori-based approach to children’s religious formation. It is rooted in the Bible
and the Liturgy of the Church and based on the understanding that children, already in a relationship with the Holy Spirit, can grow in spirituality and faith given the opportunity to express that relationship within a structured environment.
Since 1954, CGS classes worldwide have been helping children aged 3 to 12 develop a sacred relationship with God. Classes are held in a simple setting called an “atrium”, a quiet place to hear God speak to their hearts and work with child-sized materials to encourage exploration. These items include a small replica of the altar, the sacred vessels, and vestments used in the Mass.
Each session includes a basic presentation from a trained catechist, and children are invited to choose their work and encouraged to spend their time in self-directed exploration. They may ponder a biblical passage, trace a religious picture, or reenact essential scripture stories using a miniature model. Models include a sheepfold, the manger scene, sculpted apostles around a Last Supper table or other appropriate items. Whatever they choose, children are taught to work using respect and reverence.
CGS is divided into three Levels based on the development of the child. Level 1 serves children ages 3-6, Level 2 children ages 6-9 and Level 3 children ages 9-12.Curé of Ars offers a Level I (ages 3-6) Atrium in the school
and a Level II/III (ages 6-9 and 9-12) Atrium in the Vianney Center.
For more information, visit the CGS website at www.cgsusa.org
If you are interested in the program at Curé of Ars, please contact:
Joni Rundle at 913.649.1337 ext. 107 or joni.rundle@cureofars.com
Prayer tableThe atrium is a place of prayer in which work and study spontaneously become meditation, contemplation, and prayer.
Characteristics of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, #3
Help Us Build Our CGS Program!
Do you love children? Want to renew your own faith? Volunteer to assist with our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program or train to be a catechist! Volunteers are being scheduled now to help for an hour a week during the 2019-2020 school year. Current volunteers say, “I’ve learned so much about my faith” and “This is the best program ever.” Come learn why! New formation classes are beginning this summer if you’re interested in training to be a catechist. See our regional website https://cgsksmo.org/courses/overview to learn more and to register for classes. Scholarships are available! Want to know more? Contact Joni Rundle at joni.rundle@cureofars.com or speak with one of the 28 assistants and catechists currently involved in the program.