Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
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Catechesis of the Good Shepherd fosters the relationship between God and children in harmony with children’s development. It is grounded in Scripture and the liturgy and framed by the education principles of Maria Montessori.
Beginning in 1954, Sofia Cavalletti, a Hebrew and scripture scholar and member of the Vatican commission for Jewish-Christian relations, and her colleague, Professor Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori trained educator, developed the Catechesis by observing and working with children at the Children’s Centre in Rome, Italy. CGS is an alternative to the traditional parish religious education program and offers sacramental preparation for First Confession and First Communion. Central to the Catechesis is the atrium, a sacred space prepared for the children. A place of beauty, the atrium is designed for being with and enjoying God, listening to God’s Word, and praying. |
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Winter 2022 Catechist RetreatIn January, we held an overnight retreat for CGS catechists to reflect on the year's progress and spend time in prayer.
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About the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Coordinator
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Lauren Franzen has been involved with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program at St. Gregory since its inception in 2015–first as a parent, then an assistant, and for the past two years as a Level 1 Catechist. She has seen the fruits of the program in the lives of her own children and many others in the atrium. She is passionate about building community and creating a loving space for young children to encounter the Christ as the Good Shepherd. Lauren also volunteers with the Solidarity Gardens Project at Mary, Mother of God Parish and supports new families as a doula and lactation counselor.
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Please contact Lauren Franzen with any questions about the CGS program.
