Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Stella Maris Family of Parishes
About the
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)
This is a Montessori-based Catholic faith formation that nurtures the child’s relationship with God through a prepared environment and personal invitation to read Scripture and understand the Liturgy.
Our Mission
“The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch, but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ.”
- St. John Paul II in his Apostolic Exhortation On Catechesis in Our Time
Stella Maris Atrium
A joyful space in between the church and the home where children (and adults) can grow and rest in relationship with Christ.
Environment: Everything in the space is prepared at the child's level. This is a place uniquely made for them.
Materials: Each material is prepared with the children's intuitive work in mind and time tested.
Catechists: Adults (or teens) trained to respond in this unique environment. Jesus is the primary teacher here.
Our Aim
Through Catechesis (faith formation) in the Atrium, in union with parents and the whole family of parishes, we work to prioritize the relationship that already exists between every child and God and through the prepared environment to ENJOY that relationship. This reality is our model. Christ reminds us all through this catechesis "Unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven." -Matthew 18:3. We seek to transform as a whole family of parishes to become first and foremost children in a loving relationship with God.
Level 1
Children Ages 3–6
"He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” – John 10:3
Children in this age range absorb what is modeled and are naturally filled with wonder and awe. These children joyfully encounter the Good Shepherd and discover and rest in His unconditional love and care. They come to know Jesus as the light of the world.
in the Atrium your child might learn:
- The Parable of the Good Shepherd
- Gestures of the Mass
- Liturgical Colors
- The Model Altar
- Baptism
- Infancy Narratives
- Kingdom of God Parables
- Geography of Israel
- Last Supper (Cenacle)
- The Land of Jerusalem
- The Empty Tomb
- Practical Life Work
How can you assist this good work?
PRAY: There will be many invitations to pray, both individually and alongside the children, as in the Liturgy of Light at the end of the year. Email us to be added to the prayer chain.
TEACH: Training is a retreat. Our goal: to provide training for you with a two year commitment to teaching/helping in the atrium. This is personally formative and life-giving work.
DONATE: We need everyone’s help. Donate something small from your home, purchase from our registry or donate monetarily.
*Monetary Donations through St Thomas More: Select “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” in place of “Sunday Offering” - Checks may be made to St Thomas More parish with “CGS/Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” on the Memo line.
CREATE: Give your time to hand-make a CGS material. Use your talents for the church. Many talents are needed to build this Atrium space, both physically and artistically.
Parent Resources
How can we bring this home?
VISIT THe
ATRIUM
Come stop by and see! This catechesis is not just for children and parents but will bless each and every one of you. It is an opportunity for our whole family of parishes to come together to make something beautiful that will last for generations.
FOLLOW ALONG WITH US