Catechesis of the Good Shepherd & Children's Discipleship
You are your child’s first teacher in the Catholic faith! Praying with your children, taking them to Mass and the Sacraments regularly and being a good example to them are the most important ways to set them on the path to Meet, Know, Love and Serve Christ. At St. Charles Parish and School, we hope to assist you in your vital role by praying with your children and teaching, discussing and reinforcing the traditions and teachings of the Catholic Church with them during our Children’s Discipleship and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) Sessions.
CGS is based on the work of Maria Montessori, a well-known educational innovator. As a scientist, she carefully observed how children learned and developed an incredibly effective method and materials based on those observations. As a devout Roman Catholic, she especially wanted her educational method to be used to bring children to Jesus. CGS was developed using this method, which included experimenting with presentations on different stories from the Bible and components of the Mass (over many decades, all around the world) and gradually discovering which ones resonated with children in each age group.
Children meet in a small group in a meticulously prepared “classroom” called an atrium. These atria are filled with hands-on materials relating to the Mass, the Sacraments and the Bible that children enjoy working with at their own pace. The catechist leading each session has received extensive training to guide the children through this beautiful program where they are not only educated about the facts of their faith but also grow deeper in their love for God and the enjoyment of His presence and His gifts.
CGS is organized into three different age levels. Each level has a unique dedicated space with developmentally appropriate hands-on materials and distinct presentations designed to resonate with the child’s heart, mind, and soul.
Ages 3 (3K), 4 (4K) and Kindergarten attend Level I. Children much be 3 by September 1st and be able to use the bathroom independently unless a parent is able to stay in the hallway during the session to assist your child.
Grades 1-3 attend Level II. This level is especially focused on preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Sacramental preparation is a two-year process which can begin at any time. The child will receive the sacraments during the spring of their second year – often in 2nd or 3rd Grade.
Grades 3-5 attend Level III. This level is for children who have received First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. (Currently we are not able to offer CGS Level III. We do offer Children’s Discipleship using the excellent Faith and Life series by Ignatius Press. This is a comprehensive catechetical program “that combines a solid doctrinal text with a Scriptural presentation.”)
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Calendar
Children's Discipleship Calendar
Classes begin week of September 29!
