The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS/PSR)

Youth Formation

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a fully immersive, hands-on religious formation program for teaching your child important details and education of our Catholic Faith. This program is meant for all children from 3.5 years old up through high school.

Our prepared environment called the atrium is where the children and catechists work together to further their understanding of God's message.

"Our mission is to serve and enable children towards their vocational mission; whether that's as a server, sacristan, in lectoring, etc. This program is inclusive to all children." ~Pattie Jones

There are three atriums:

Level I prepared for children ages 3-6 (Beth Ryan and Maricela Wiltron, Catechists for weekend program. Jenny Berryhill, Catechist for Monday-Thursday school program)

Level II prepared for ages 6-9 (Therese Terndrup, Catechist)

Level III prepared for children ages 9+ and Confirmation Sessions (Pattie Jones and Beth Ryan, Catechist)

Maricela Wiltron assists at all three levels and other youth ministry team members. 

Our hope is that through the child's work, whether it is music, art, reading of the scripture, prayer, care of the atrium or just resting, the child comes closer to the true teacher in Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is intended to be a time to slow down and to take time to explore the riches of our faith which lead us closer to God.

The CGS classroom learning approach is experiential for your child as they learn about their Catholic Faith in a montessori-style of method in a classroom setting, while preparing to receive their Sacraments. By learning about the history of Jesus, the Mass, receiving the Sacraments, and more with a hands-on approach, your child will be able to connect what they're seeing, hearing, and experiencing in the Mass, with what they're learning in the classroom all while preparing to receive their Sacraments.

Learn more about CGS here: https://www.cgsusa.org/discover/cgs-approach/

We'd love to help form your child well in their Catholic Faith! Classes for your child will be held on Sundays either before or after Mass at St. Mary Catholic Church. Registration for the following school year will begin July 31st and is intended for those who are registered parishioners. If you are not currently a registered parishioner, a letter from your previous Director of Religious Education or priest must be obtained indicating your regular Church participation.

Please reach out to Maricela Wiltron, Coordinator of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) and Sacramental Preparation, with any questions to enroll: [email protected] |  614-445-9668