Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori-based religious education program for preschool through pre-teen. It was developed in Rome by Sofia Cavaletti and Gianna Gobi in 1954 and has since expanded worldwide. The program’s approach to teaching is not to have the child sit, listen and watch, but to understand our faith through touch and action. The children have a hands-on experience completing their “work” in the atrium. The atrium is a special room that is prepared and filled with learning materials that help the children begin to learn the mysteries of God in a way that supports their natural senses of wonder. Catechists demonstrate various presentations to the children about important Bible stories and the liturgy, and the child is then able to reenact and practice those presentations to discover their deeper meanings.

All catechists of CGS must go through a lengthy training process which is necessary to prepare teachers to master the curriculum. To keep this program going, we will need more catechists and assistant catechists trained at the various levels, and who are willing to teach and prepare for a class once per week. Typically there are two-three adults in the atrium each week. 

Whether your child is just beginning or has already begun their journey within St. Ann’s Children’s Ministry, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an additional educational option available to families. CGS follows the LAUNCH schedule and calendar and uses the same drop-off/pick-up procedures.

For more information, email Beth Kosbab at ekosbab@gmail.com. You can also visit cgsusa.org or go to the Archdiocese of Atlanta website. Click here to visit our Facebook page.