Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Hands on religious education for children ages 3 – 6th grade
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is more than a religious education program… it’s experiential religious education based on nurturing the child’s relationship with God.
- hands on faith formation
- based on the Montessori method
- centered on knowing Jesus
- builds the child’s relationship with God
- uses specialized materials for experiencing scripture and liturgy
- classes for ages 3-12
- multi-age classes in 3 levels
CGS takes place in a specially prepared environment called the “atrium.” This is the child’s sacred space in which they come to know Jesus through their hands on work with specialized materials. It is transformative to both the adult and the child.
The BEST catechetical and formation path for our children…CGS!”
Bishop David Prescott Talley, serving as Bishop of the Diocese of Memphis
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: Level 1 for ages 3-5
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 for ages 3-5 CGS is an experiential religious education based on nurturing the child’s relationship with God. In the CGS space, a specially prepared environment called the “atrium,” children come to know Jesus through their hands-on work with specialized materials. CGS is: hands on faith formation based on…
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Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: for Elementary Children in 1st-6th Grade
CGS is an experiential religious education based on nurturing the child’s relationship with God. In the CGS space, a specially prepared environment called the “Atrium,” children come to know Jesus through their hands-on work with specialized materials. CGS is: hands on faith formation based on the Montessori method centered on knowing Jesus and building the…
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CGS Newsletters
Level 1 CGS Adult Formation Course 2026: Registration Page
Course Schedule & Information This course will take place atSt. Patrick – St. Anthony Church in Hartford, CT 2026 & 2027 Dates: Part 1: May…
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Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: Not Just for Children
St. Patrick-St. Anthony hosted approximately 60 adults from across New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and the Hartford area this summer to participate…
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Attention: ALL PARENTS, Grandparents, and Godparents of Pre-Schoolers
As the parent of a child who is a pre-schooler, you and your child are invited to attend a special program on fostering the spiritual…
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Level 3 CGS Formation Course 2025
Course Schedule & Information This course will take place atSt. Patrick – St. Anthony Church in Hartford, CTin three intensive weeks in August of 2025,…
Catechist Formation
Catechists who work with children in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program have completed at least 100 hours of training in theology, child development, and the Montessori method.
Adults who have completed this training have reflected that it was “life changing,” and enriched their faith beyond measure.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an international program which many have to travel great distances to complete their training, but we are lucky to be the home of an Internationally Recognized Formation Leader of all three levels right here at St. Patrick – St. Anthony Church.
Training is offered periodically, and is open for anyone who may be interested to learn more about their faith and how to talk about faith to the children in their lives.