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Membership Types
Types of Membership
We encourage individuals, churches, schools and other organizations to join the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd so that we can continue to build the network of those who support this work of Christian spiritual formation for children. We offer two types of membership: Individual Membership and Organization Membership.
Individual Membership
An Individual Member is any/all individual persons (catechist, formation leader, aide, director/coordinator, clergy/religious, passionate parent/grandparent)
Contributing Member
Connects catechists and others, who appreciate the gift that CGS offers the child, to those throughout the country who also wish to nurture the child’s relationship with God. Anyone serving the child through this work is encouraged to join CGSUSA at this entry-level.
Companion Member
Allows the adult to accompany the child in their relationship with God. The companion level allows those who seek to offer additional support to the mission of CGSUSA, beyond the entry-level of membership.
Supporting Member
Strengthens the network that connects catechists to one another and supports the continued development of catechist resources. Gifts at this level support the full cost of membership.
Visionary Member
Ensures the vision and work of CGSUSA can be shared with others who are committed to this method of spiritual formation of the child. If you have the heart for and capacity to give more, we ask your prayerful consideration of membership at this level.
Organization Membership
Organization Members are any entity (church/parish, school, regional group, diocese, etc.) that either offers CGS and/or supports those who serve the children as catechists, aides, or formation leaders) Share the CGSUSA Organization Membership Flyer with your church or school community.
Sponsor
Supports the full cost of membership and affirms in a visible way, to families and communities, that the spiritual life of the child is important. Any churches, schools, or regional groups are encouraged to join at this entry level.
Collaborator
Lives and serves the catechesis we receive, its vision of the child, its materials, its environment, and its sources. Collaborator members proclaim the gift of CGS to the community.
Partner
Answers the call to accompany the workers in the vineyard – the catechists, formation leaders, and others who serve in CGS – by helping to reduce the financial burden on individual catechists.
Benefactor
Works with CGSUSA to offer formation, ongoing education, and to deepen others’ understanding of the spiritual life of the child. Benefactor members are signs to the Church and beyond that, the religious values of childhood, especially contemplation and joy, are worth cultivating.
Notice regarding clarification to Organization Membership
It is important to clarify that an Organization Membership is not a “group” membership. Historically, groups of catechists have maintained membership through an organization (typically a church or school) and have relied on a primary contact for access to CGSUSA resources, especially the online Materials Manual. Because the online Materials Manual is a resource for those formed catechists – individuals who have participated in a CGSUSA catechist formation course, and that the materials manual is an extension of their album page – this feature is simply for Individual Membership. An Organization Membership will continue to be an avenue for those churches, schools and regions to show their support of CGSUSA.