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OUR WEEK AT CGS
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- What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?
- Our Week at CGS
- FAQs
- The Atrium
- CGS at St. John Paul II Pastorate
- Contact Information
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ABOUT CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is an approach to the religious formation of children developed in Rome in 1954. 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 work with to draw closer to Christ in prayer with guided instruction from a trained catechist. -From the Diocese of Madison's website on CGS
The presentations (lessons) for the 3-5 year old are focused on the liturgy and liturgical themes, infancy narratives of Jesus’ life, parables, gifts of baptism, and Paschal Mystery.
God and the child have a unique relationship with one another particularly before the age of six. The growth of this relationship should be assisted by the adult, but is directed by the Holy Spirit within the child. Children need their own place to foster the growth of that relationship. This spiritual growth is best served through tangible but indirect means.THE CATECHIST
The catechist’s role is to prepare the environment and to give selected presentations from scripture and liturgy that “call forth” the child’s response rather than “pour in” information.
The catechist listens with the child and together they ask, “God, who are you? How do you love us?” The adult reflects with the child on the questions generated by the presentations with the materials offered to the child to aid the child’s reflection.
The catechists work together in a spirit of unity and harmony, in tune with God’s plan for communion in the history of salvation and in keeping with the themes of unity so strongly expressed in the parables of the Good Shepherd (John 10:1) and the True Vine. They generously offer their talents and experience for the good of all.
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CLICK THE BUTTON ABOVE TO SEE MORE ABOUT OUR WEEK AT CGS!
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What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)?
It's a method of leading young children to fall in love with Jesus through use of hands-on materials and age appropriate lectio divina.
Who is CGS for?
CGS is for children between the ages of 3 and 5.
How often does CGS meet?
We meet once a week from early September through Pentecost (which happens every year in May or June). We take weeks off during the year for All Saints Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.
Where does CGS meet?In a prepared classroom called the atrium on the lower level of the school on the St. Cecilia campus.
Does the registration fee include CGS? Yes, no other separate fees are required.
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The Atrium at St. Cecilia, Wisconsin DellsTHE ATRIUM
The atrium, or prepared space, is one of the important elements that helps the relationship between God and the child to flourish. After a theme has been presented, the child is free to choose an activity that will make possible the inner dialogue with the Holy Spirit.
How does the atrium help to nourish this relationship?The atrium can be compared to a retreat house facilitating recollection and silence.
The atrium is a place for religious life, for community and worship—not a classroom for instruction.
The atrium is a place of meaningful work through which the child can have a conversation with God.
More on the Atrium:
"In the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, the name “atrium” is owed to Italian educator María Montessori. It refers to the space of the ancient Roman basilicas, between the street and the church. It was a place to prepare to enter the temple. Imagine the pilgrims traveling to Rome, who arrived after days, weeks, even months of being on the road. The atrium gradually gives way to the passage between the things of the world and the place where we will encounter the Lord.
In the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, the atrium is a place for work, for celebration, and for prayer. The atrium is the child’s prepared environment, a place where God, the Holy One, comes to dwell. A place where the child experiences God dwelling in the Word, God dwelling in all of creation, and God dwelling in our hearts."
CGS USA's October 2024 Parent Page Newsletter
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AGES
Available to children ages 3-5 ½.
LOCATION
Our atrium (the room used for CGS) is located in the St. Cecilia Parish Center across the street from St. Cecilia Church.
FEES & HOW TO REGISTER
The cost of each child enrolled in CGS is included in your Family of Faith registration fee.
When registering for Faith Formation, be sure to choose which CGS session you'd like.
All sessions are limited to 12 children. First come, first serve.
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TINA EVANS
Associate Coordinator of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd(608) 254-8381
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