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Giving to CGSUSA

A child's drawing of two hands warming over food in a bowl with orange heat lines coming from the fingers.

“Love giving, love responding; this is the child’s joy. And ours, because in sharing the child’s spiritual journey we discover that the face of love God turns toward the child is the same that is looking at us.” 

Patricia Coulter 

Our Story

 

Through their joy, their wonder and awe, their capacity for love and prayer, and their radical simplicity, they offer us adults a glimpse of what it means to fall in love with God. This has been the work of CGSUSA for over 40 years: to advocate for the child’s joy.

 

Our Impact

 

Each year, CGSUSA provides formation courses, publishes new books for continued study and contemplation, and continues to support catechists and religious leaders across the nation and the world in helping children find their own path to God’s love.

 

    • We are a membership association of over 5,000 active members.
    • Our catechists serve an estimated 140,000 children in over 6,500 atria in churches, schools and independent Catechesis of the Good Shepherd ministries across the US and the world.
    • We are offering over 300 formation courses a year, led or co-led by more than 150 CGSUSA Formation Leaders.
    • Since 2018, almost 9,000 catechists have received CGS catechist certificates, averaging approximately 1,800 catechists formed in our method each year.
    • CGS catechists volunteer an estimated 36,000 hours per month serving the religious potential of children with love and joy.

 

Our Giving Priorities

 

Our mission is to support catechists, parents, and others in the Church and beyond, as they grow in their understanding of the religious potential of children. In fiscal year (July 1-June 30) 2023-2024, 281 donors gave $196,500 to CGSUSA’s Annual Appeal. We use philanthropic support to enhance our impact in the following areas:

 

    • Catechist Formation
    • Technology
    • Formation Leader Discernment, Training and Continuing Education
    • Outreach and Atrium Development
    • Infant/Toddler Formation
    • International Resources and Support for Religious Communities
    • Publications, Events and Educational Resources
    • Mustard Seed Growth (support to dioceses, regional groups, etc.)

 

 

Our Leadership 

 

It takes an experienced, dedicated team to harness the power of philanthropy to drive meaningful change. We draw on a deep commitment to the religious potential of children, which drives us to advocate for their spiritual needs. Please contact Erin Miller, Stewardship Coordinator, for information today.

2024-2024 Annual Appeal

I am the Vine, and you are the branches. If you abide in me and I in you the same bringeth forth much fruit.

2024-2025 Annual Appeal

 

This year, we seek to raise:

  • $140,000 to support CGSUSA’s mission, vision and purpose
  • $15,000 to support the Tina Lillig Memorial Fund
  • $5,000 in tribute gifts, honoring catechists, formation leaders, and members
  • $5,000 in memorial gifts honoring those who have gone on to eternal life
  • $80,000 in celebration of our 40th Anniversary, Between Memory and Hope
Ways to Give
Membership
Adult Courses
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Welcome to CGSUSA

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.

The CGS Approach

Find an Atrium

CGSUSA
CGS in the Home
CGS in the Parish
CGS in the School

Discover CGS

What is the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd? The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd was born from the joy of the children’s encounter with God. It has been observed that children of the same developmental stage, even those from widely varying cultural backgrounds, respond to elements of the Christian message in the same way.

CGS in the World
CGS and Ecumenism

Roman Catholic Tradition

Episcopal Tradition

Orthodox Tradition

History
32 Points of Reflection
CBP en Espanol
Children with Disabilities
Justice and Solidarity

Learn with CGS

In Catechesis of the Good Shepherd adults are given the opportunity to embrace a method of catechesis (or religious education) that will deepen one’s relationship with God. Catechist formation in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is both instructive as well as experiential. It captivates both the head as well as the heart.

Courses for Adults
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Good Shepherd and the Child Podcast

The Journal
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Connect to CGSUSA

We read in the Gospel of Mark that Jesus sent his disciples out in pairs, two by two; the journey was not meant to be a solitary one. It is essential for us as catechists to support one another as we prepare materials, work in the atrium, and observe the child. We come together in unity, as members of CGSUSA, to share the joy of this work.

Become a Member
Member Benefits
Individual Membership
Organization Membership
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CGSUSA Leadership: Staff & Board

40th Anniversary Celebration Event

CGSUSA Vendor Members - Digital Source List

Support CGSUSA

Through their joy, their wonder and awe, their capacity for love and prayer, and their radical simplicity, children offer us adults a glimpse of what it means to fall in love with God. This has been the work of CGSUSA for over 30 years: to advocate for the child’s joy.

CGSUSA
Leadership: Staff and Board of Trustees
Advocacy

Giving to CGSUSA

Donor Stories

Annual Appeal

Ways to Give

TLM Memorial Fund
Tribute Gifts
Sustainable Giving