Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children ages three – eleven and 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 use to contemplate and learn about the mystery of God. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd methodology of faith formation consists of three levels for children: Level 1 (ages 3-6), Level 2 (ages 6-9) and Level 3 (ages 9-11). Holy Rosary parish offers Level 1 Atrium weekly sessions for children ages 3-6 on Thursdays from 3:45-5:15PM.  All Holy Rosary parents (Holy Rosary School, Faith Formation, Homeschool) who have children of these ages are welcome to enroll them in CGS. The atrium where the children gather for CGS is located within the Youth Room in the Lake Avenue entrance of the church.

Making a Sacred Place for Children

We believe God and the child have a unique relationship with one another. Children need their own place to foster the growth of that relationship. The growth of this relationship is assisted by the adult, but is directed by the Spirit of God within the child.

Relationships Bloom in Peaceful Spaces

An interpersonal relationship is always a mystery, all the more so when the relationship is between God and the child. We believe there is a deep bond between God and the child which produces in the child the desire to draw nearer to God. The adult, the catechist’s role is to prepare the environment, to offer selected presentations from scripture and liturgy. The catechist listens with the child and together they ask, “God, who are you? How do you love us?” The atrium (or prepared environment) is one of the important elements that helps the relationship between God and the child to flourish.

How CGS Works

The Spiritual Benefits of CGS

2025-26 Registration for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

To register your child for the Thursday CGS session (3:45-5:15pm) at Holy Rosary, complete and submit the online Faith Formation Registration form (located under the Faith Formation tab). You may also register at the parish office. The office is open Monday – Thursday from 8am-4pm and Fridays from 8am-2pm.

CGS begins, Thursday, September11!

 If you have questions or would like more information about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, contact Kathy Olson at the parish office: kaolson@holyrosarycc.org/218-847-1393.