Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

What is the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd? The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is an approach to the religious formation of children ages three to twelve. It is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. Children gather in an “atrium,” a room prepared for them, which contains simple yet beautiful materials that they use. Of the 74 Parishes in the Diocese of St Petersburg, we are blessed to be one of the 15 parishes that have CGS in their Parish or School!

REGISTRATION IS OFFICIALLY OPEN FOR THE CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD (CGS) PROGRAM!

New Pilot Session: This year, a Level 3 pilot session is being offered specifically for 4th and 5th graders who were previously enrolled in CGS Level 2 or 4th grade Faith Formation last year.

The Atrium Experience: Children are welcomed into a peaceful, prayerful space (The Atriun) to encounter God and deepen their relationship with Jesus through Scripture, liturgy, and hand-on materials.

IMPORTANT DETAILS & DEADLINES

Registration Deadline: Sunday, September 6, 2026

2026 -2027 Schedule and Important Dates:

  • September 13th CGS Sessions Begin

  • November 22 through November 29th No CGS

  • November 29th Advent Wreath Making Event 10:45 AM –

    1:30 PM (In Lieu of Class)

  • December 3rd through 7th Ignatius Book Fair

  • December 20th through January 2nd No CGS

  • January 3rd CGS Resumes
  • January 17th No CGS
  • February 14th No CGS

  • March 25th – April 3rd No CGS

  • April 4th CGS Resumes

  • April 25th Last Day of CGS

  • May 1st From 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM First Holy Communion Retreat

  • May 2nd 9:30 AM First Holy Communion Mass

CGS Sessions for Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 are being offered at the following days and times:

  • Sunday  10:45am-12:15pm

  • Wednesday 4:00pm-5:30pm

  • Thursday  4:00pm-5:30pm

First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion Dates:

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION DATES AND PREP SESSIONS:

Prep Sessions will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday at 6:00pm-7:30pm. Parents choose one of these days each month to attend (one of these days each month must be attended by both the child and a parent, for a total of 4 sessions plus the FHC/Reconciliation Retreat)

  • January 12th or 13th

  • February 16th or 17th

  • March 16th or 17th

  • April 13th or 14th

  • May 1st First Holy Communion Retreat – Both Parents and Children Attend

  • May 2nd – First Holy Communion Mass at 9:30 AM

Important reminder for First Holy Communion Purposes: Attendance in CGS is required for First Holy Communion Prep. Children must participate in this faith formation process throughout the entire year to receive First Holy Communion in addition to their once-a-month sacramental prep sessions beginning in January.

“Rather than determining a year (second grade in many dioceses) when the child will automatically do ‘sacramental prep’ and receive the sacraments, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd places a greater importance on the child’s choosing to receive the sacraments. Not long after the child begins the Level II atrium (for the 6- to 9-year-old) and has come to know the Good Shepherd and the Eucharistic Presence of the Good Shepherd presentations, an invitation is issued in a special, communal prayer celebration and the discernment process begins. The children who sincerely want to receive the sacraments will then consult with their parents, catechist, and priest to decide about when to receive them- that year or wait until the following year.” — Rojcewicz, Rebekah Francisco, Life in the Vine: The Joyful Journey Continues

As the child grows in their faith and at the parents’ discretion as to the most appropriate time for their child to receive the sacraments, the St. Raphael CGS team will continually encourage their full experience of the Eucharist.