CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Faith Formation for Children
OVERVIEW | FORMATION OUTLINE | GALLERY | CATECHIST | TESTIMONIALS
What if Every Child Could Have Time and Space
Specially Set Aside
for an Encounter with Christ?
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a time-tested approach for faith formation. It feeds the deepest needs of children, allowing each one to get to know God personally.
In a retreat-like atmosphere, through the use of special materials designed just for 3–12-year-olds, children hear the Word proclaimed and grow in their relationship with God.
The most essential treasures of the Christian faith, from scripture and liturgy, touch the heart of each child and lead to deep contemplation, prayer, and joy.
This Ministry Provides
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An opportunity for children to fall in love with Jesus, the Good Shepherd, in a prepared space called an atrium.
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Guided presentations to aid meditation on Bible scripture and the mysteries of the Christian faith, facilitated by formed adults (catechists).
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An opportunity for each child's unique spiritual needs and capacities to be respected and nurtured.
There are Three Levels of CGS
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Level I — For children 3–6-years old
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Level II — For children 6–9-years old
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Level III — For children 9–12-years old
May 9, 2025 Reflection of a Priest after visiting an Atrium: After observing what you are doing, I must say, I was deeply impressed. What I witnessed was not just a lesson, but a sacred encounter between the child and God. The peaceful atmosphere of the atrium, the quiet movements, the reverence of the catechist, and most of all the deep concentration of the children revealed something profound; this method truly respects the spiritual nature of the child. I saw children engaged, joyful and interiorly active. They weren't being filled with information, they were being invited into relationship. They were praying with their hands and hearts. It's a catechist that doesn't speak about God as much as it allows the child to encounter God. I left that experience with the greatest admiration and renewed conviction, it is a response to the mystery of God already present in the child.—I am a third order Salesian Cooperator of Don Bosco
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