Overview
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Christian faith-formation approach, inspired by Maria Montessori’s principles of education. It was created in 1954 in Rome by Dr. Sofia Cavalletti, a Hebrew and Scripture scholar, and Professor Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori-trained educator. It responds to the child’s plea to “Help me come closer to God by myself.” The goal is to help children develop a profoundly personal relationship with God, where the Scripture and Liturgy are at the center of the Catechesis. Learn more by viewing this VIDEO.
With specially designed materials and inspiring presentations, children explore different topics appropriate to their developmental age, such as:
The Life of Christ
The Kingdom of God
Sacraments and Liturgical Season
Moral Formation through Parables and Maxims
The Atrium is a prepared environment where “the Mystery of the Child meets the Mystery of God”. Young children have natural ability to enjoy relationship with God in a deep way. In the Atrium, the children work, pray, sing, contemplate, marvel and celebrate the Mystery of God.
For more information about CGS, please visit www.cgsusa.org
Programs
At Christ the King, we offer the CGS to two age groups: Level 1 is for preschoolers, ages 4-6 and Level 2 is for CCD first and second graders.
CGS Level 1 Calendar for 2025-2026 – Sunday Pre-School
CGS Level 2 Calendar for 2025-2026 – CCD grades 1 -3
Register for Sunday Preschool (Ages 4-6)
Register for CCD (Grades 1-3)
Staff
Emily Daley (Director of Religious Education), a CGS-trained catechist and parishioner, leads the program.
Megan Volmer – Primary Catechist for Level 1 (Sunday Pre-School)
Volunteers are needed, Please contact Emily Daley if you are interested in learning more about volunteering.