CGS on Weekends
Levels 1 and 2 of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd are offered on the weekends to children who do not attend STM school. Registration is open to children from the parish first and then later to those outside the parish. Class size is limited to 12 children.
CGS has three levels which correspond to the developmental needs of the children.
Level 1 is every two weeks on Saturday from 9:30-11:00. Levels 2 & 3 are offered alternating Sundays from 8:30-10:15. The special room for CGS, called the Atrium, is located to the left of the stairs on the second floor of the school. It is known as “The Mother of the Good Shepherd” Atrium.
CGS has three levels which correspond to the developmental needs of the children.
- Level 1 is for children between ages 3-6, Preschool through Kindergarten are in Level 1.
- Level 2 is for children ages 6-9. At this time, Level 2 is offered to 1st through 3rd Grades.
- Level 3 is for children ages 9-12 and is offered for 4th thru 6th Grades.
Level 1 is every two weeks on Saturday from 9:30-11:00. Levels 2 & 3 are offered alternating Sundays from 8:30-10:15. The special room for CGS, called the Atrium, is located to the left of the stairs on the second floor of the school. It is known as “The Mother of the Good Shepherd” Atrium.
Sometimes you may hear your child talk about their time in the Atrium but many times you may not. One of the crucial aspects of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is that, although an adult gives the children a presentation, the Holy Spirit is actually the Teacher. We allow the Holy Spirit to work at His pace to help the child understand the theological lesson of each presentation. Since we don't know when the child will understand the concept of the presentation, asking them what they learned in the Atrium may not bear fruit. The best questions would be "What did you work with in the Atrium?" “What song did you sing?” “Did you pray today?”
One way the children express their interior life is through artwork. We will keep their artwork in a special folder in the Atrium and send it home with the child twice a year; before Christmas break and at the end of the year. When you get it, be sure to ask them about the work and art in their folders. Of course, very young children may have less developed work than older children.
You may also come and observe one of your child’s CGS session during the school year. Please contact the CGS coordinator, Kathy Pflug, as soon as possible, at least one week before if you are interested in observing a session. She will schedule a time and provide guidelines for observing in the Atrium before you arrive. We will only schedule one observer per session. Because the first few sessions will be spent helping the children learn about life in the Atrium, we do not schedule observations during these initial sessions.
As CGS continues to flourish, we will likely have a need for additional catechists and assistants. If you are interested in helping in the Atrium, contact the CGS coordinator to find out more.
