The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) Level 1program is a faith-based environment for the 3.5-6 year old child that uses over 60 years of research by Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobi as well as the self-teaching principles of Maria Montessori. This combination led to an approach that appealed to the younger child but also evolved from the children themselves. Sofia Cavalletti said, “If we want to help the children 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.” Growth of this relationship should be directed by the Holy Spirit and assisted only as necessary by the adult.
St. Raphael’s Atrium is a prepared environment for the child to foster this relationship with God. The atrium is not a classroom, it is a place for the child to have a conversation with God through hands-on works. The Catechists role is to prepare the Atrium with age-appropriate religious materials and to give presentations from scripture that will encourage the child’s response rather than to teach the child all the information. The Catechist and the child listen and reflect on the presentations together as well as ponder wondering questions that these materials inspire within each of them. The Catechists recognize the young child’s need for independence and the growth in faith these materials and independence in the Atrium lead to.
Children want the opportunity to nurture this growth on their own. This spiritual growth is best served through this hands-on environment, and it captivates the soul of the child. CGS allows the child to build a relationship with God independently in an environment that makes possible a joyful expression of this relationship. The materials in the Atrium are child-sized and beautifully displayed. They invite the children to explore and expand their experiences at their own pace. All the works in the Atrium are integral tools for establishing holy habits in their religious life and the basis for First Communion preparation.
Sunday Classes | Monday Classes | Thursday Classes |
October 8th | October 9th | October 12th |
Novmber 19th | November 20th | November 23rd |
November 26th (no reg CGS-Wreath making) | ||
December 24th | December 25th | December 28th |
December 31st | January 1st | January 4th |
January 14th | January 15th | January 18th |
February 18th | February 19th | February 22nd |
March 10th | March 11th | March 14th |
March 28th | ||
March 31st | April 1 | April 4th |
April 7th | ||
May 5th | ||
May 12th |
There are 4 options for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS):
Sundays 9am
Sundays 10:45am
Mondays 4pm
Thursdays 4pm
*St. Raphael School Children attend CGS during the school day and do not need to register.