Contemplation and enjoyment of God
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The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd® Method
CGS is a common religious experience involving children and adults in which the religious values of childhood, primarily those values of contemplation and enjoyment of God, are predominant. This experience is shared in a place particularly prepared for the religious life of children called the Atrium.
The CGS Approach
Beginning Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
The Foundational Pillars of CGS
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The Child
The Atrium
The Adult
The Child
God and the child have a unique relationship with one another particularly before the age of six. The growth of this relationship should be assisted by the adult, but is directed by the Spirit of God within the child. Children need their own place to foster the growth of that relationship. This spiritual growth is best served through tangible but indirect means.
“If we want to help the child grow near to God, we should, with patience and courage…seek to go always closer to the vital nucleus of things. This requires study and prayer. The child himself will be our teacher if we know how to observe him.” – Sofia Cavalletti
The Atrium
The atrium (or prepared environment) is one of the important elements that helps the relationship between God and the child to flourish. After a theme has been presented, the child is free to choose an activity that will make possible the inner dialogue with the “Interior Teacher.” How does the atrium help to nourish this relationship? ~ The atrium can be compared to a retreat house facilitating recollection and silence. ~ The atrium is a place for religious life, for community and worship—not a classroom for instruction. ~ The atrium is a place of meaningful work through which the child can have a conversation with God. ~ The atrium was the place in the early church where the catechumens were prepared. For the child, too, the atrium is a place of preparation for involvement in the larger worship community.
The Adult
The catechist’s role is to prepare the environment and to give selected presentations from scripture and liturgy that “call forth” the child’s response rather than “pour in” information. The catechist listens with the child and together they ask, “God, who are you? How do you love us?” The adult reflects with the child on the questions generated by the presentations with the materials offered to the child to aid the child’s reflection. The catechists work together in a spirit of unity and harmony, in tune with God’s plan for communion in the history of salvation and in keeping with the themes of unity so strongly expressed in the parables of the Good Shepherd (John 10:1ff) and the True Vine. (John 15: 1ff) They generously offer their talents and experience for the good of all. (#22 Characteristics of CGS)
CGSUSA
We support catechists, parents, and others in the Church and beyond, as they grow in their understanding of the religious potential of children. CGSUSA sustains the legacy of CGS by forming adults in this method and serving as the resource to the CGS community so that a prepared environment can be created that nurtures the religious life of the child.
Advocacy
Advocacy
Publications
Publications
Formation
Formation
Community
Community
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CNA: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd celebrates 70 years
CGSUSA Featured in Pastoral Liturgy Magazine
CGS in US Catholic: For this educator, creativity is essential to a child’s faith
The hidden meaning behind red vestments on Pentecost
St. Clare Parish (North Palm Beach, FL) expands catechesis program
Catholic schools gain interest in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd formation
CGS at the National Eucharistic Congress: The Congress Family Experience
St. Gerard Majella children encounter God in peace and prayer through Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Outside the Walls Podcast on Catechesis of the Good Shepherd with Dr. Ann Garrido
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd mentioned on The Catechism in a Year Podcast
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
CNA: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd celebrates 70 years
CGSUSA Featured in Pastoral Liturgy Magazine
CGS in US Catholic: For this educator, creativity is essential to a child’s faith
The hidden meaning behind red vestments on Pentecost
St. Clare Parish (North Palm Beach, FL) expands catechesis program
Catholic schools gain interest in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd formation
CGS at the National Eucharistic Congress: The Congress Family Experience
St. Gerard Majella children encounter God in peace and prayer through Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Outside the Walls Podcast on Catechesis of the Good Shepherd with Dr. Ann Garrido
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd mentioned on The Catechism in a Year Podcast
Your Support Matters
“If we want to help the child grow near to God, we should, with patience and courage… seek to go always closer to the vital nucleus of things. This requires study and prayer. The child himself will be our teacher if we know how to observe him.”
– Sofia Cavalletti.