From September through May, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level I (ages 3-6) is held on the first and second Sundays of the month at the 11:00 am Mass, and on 3rd Sundays at the 9:00 am Mass. The children gather at Mass and process to the Atrium with their catechist.
What Is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) provides a sacred space, called an Atrium, for the faith formation of children from ages 3 to 12 (6th grade). The focus of the program is to deepen the child's existing relationship with God; to encourage the formation of a personal prayer life; to participate fully in the liturgical and sacramental life of the Catholic Church; and to develop a deeper understanding of Catholic identity and tradition. CGS responds to the child's silent plea at every age: "Help me come closer to God by myself."
CGS is based on the belief that God and the child are already in a relationship and provides a place where that relationship can grow through the assistance of trained catechists. Specially designed materials and inspiring presentations help children explore areas of faith formation appropriate to their developmental age.
This method of handing on the faith to children follows the rhythm of the life of the Church, according to the liturgical seasons and key events in the life of Jesus Christ. CGS is rooted in Sacred Scripture, Catholic doctrine, and the Liturgy of the Church, utilizing the educational principles of Maria Montessori.
CGS is based on the belief that God and the child are already in a relationship and provides a place where that relationship can grow through the assistance of trained catechists. Specially designed materials and inspiring presentations help children explore areas of faith formation appropriate to their developmental age.
This method of handing on the faith to children follows the rhythm of the life of the Church, according to the liturgical seasons and key events in the life of Jesus Christ. CGS is rooted in Sacred Scripture, Catholic doctrine, and the Liturgy of the Church, utilizing the educational principles of Maria Montessori.
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Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is based on these principles:
• God and the child have a unique relationship with one another especially before the age of six.
• Growth of this relationship should be assisted by the adult but is directed by the Spirit of God.
• Children need their own place to foster the growth of that relationship.
• The child's spiritual growth is best served through tangible but indirect means.
• God and the child have a unique relationship with one another especially before the age of six.
• Growth of this relationship should be assisted by the adult but is directed by the Spirit of God.
• Children need their own place to foster the growth of that relationship.
• The child's spiritual growth is best served through tangible but indirect means.
Four Reasons to Put Your Children in CGS
1. CGS encourages the child to experience a greater participation in the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
2. CGS provides the child a peaceful, quiet place of prayer in our loud and busy world.
3. Even the youngest child can fall in love with God.
4. CGS increases in the child a natural wonder and curiosity about the Kingdom of God.
1. CGS encourages the child to experience a greater participation in the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
2. CGS provides the child a peaceful, quiet place of prayer in our loud and busy world.
3. Even the youngest child can fall in love with God.
4. CGS increases in the child a natural wonder and curiosity about the Kingdom of God.
Program Levels
The CGS program is divided into three levels. Each level consists of age-appropriate materials, which deepen each year, entering the children further into the mysteries of the Catholic Faith.
• Level I is for ages 3 to K (age 6).
• Level II is for 1st to 3rd graders (ages 6 to 9).
• Level III is for 4th to 6th graders (ages 9 to 12).
The CGS program is divided into three levels. Each level consists of age-appropriate materials, which deepen each year, entering the children further into the mysteries of the Catholic Faith.
• Level I is for ages 3 to K (age 6).
• Level II is for 1st to 3rd graders (ages 6 to 9).
• Level III is for 4th to 6th graders (ages 9 to 12).
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What Is an Atrium?
An Atrium is a carefully prepared environment where the great truths about our faith are placed before the children to satisfy their spiritual needs in age-appropriate ways. It is like a retreat center for children, providing a place where they can form a personal relationship with Jesus, the Good Shepherd. It is a place of community and worship -- not a classroom for academic study. It is a place to be with and enjoy God, to listen to the Word, and to pray.
The Level I Atrium is located in the Gathering Space of the Parish Center.
The Level II Atrium is located in the NCS Elementary School.
The Level III Atrium is located in the Upper Room of the Parish Center.
The Atria are used during Sunday morning Masses, the school day, retreats, and the Parish School of Religion (PSR).
Parents are welcome to sit in on their child's class at any time.
The Level I Atrium is located in the Gathering Space of the Parish Center.
The Level II Atrium is located in the NCS Elementary School.
The Level III Atrium is located in the Upper Room of the Parish Center.
The Atria are used during Sunday morning Masses, the school day, retreats, and the Parish School of Religion (PSR).
Parents are welcome to sit in on their child's class at any time.
The Catechists
Catechists are volunteers who are facilitators, not teachers. They are trained to prepare the environment and give presentations with specific materials that assist the children in drawing closer to God. In a prayerful, retreat-like atmosphere, the children are given the opportunity to work with the materials independently in order to meditate on the sacred mysteries of our faith.
Catechists are volunteers who are facilitators, not teachers. They are trained to prepare the environment and give presentations with specific materials that assist the children in drawing closer to God. In a prayerful, retreat-like atmosphere, the children are given the opportunity to work with the materials independently in order to meditate on the sacred mysteries of our faith.
Do You Feel Called to Help with The Atrium Ministry?
The Atrium is a community in which children and adults together live a religious experience, which facilitates participation in the wider community of family, the Church, and other social spheres. This ministry is open to all grandparents, parents, and teens who would like to help facilitate the catechesis of young children.
If you have questions about any aspect of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, or if you would like to volunteer, please contact: Jim Tokarsky, Coordinator of Religious Education, at 419-668-6044, ext. 230, or email him at jimt@stpaulchurch.org.
The Atrium is a community in which children and adults together live a religious experience, which facilitates participation in the wider community of family, the Church, and other social spheres. This ministry is open to all grandparents, parents, and teens who would like to help facilitate the catechesis of young children.
If you have questions about any aspect of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, or if you would like to volunteer, please contact: Jim Tokarsky, Coordinator of Religious Education, at 419-668-6044, ext. 230, or email him at jimt@stpaulchurch.org.
