Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is our parish’s primary faith formation for children ages 3 through 12. It draws the children into their covenant relationship with God through Scripture and Catholic liturgy, using hands-on materials in a reverential environment. Click here to watch the video and learn more.
The child has a great capacity for contemplation and joy, having an innate knowledge of God and His greatness. What better way to allow Jesus to speak to the child than through His own words and the worship that puts those words into action.
Children ages 3-6, Level I, meet Jesus as the Good Shepherd and deepen their relationship with Him through Liturgy and Scripture. Their “work” takes them to
- The objects, gestures, and prayers of the Catholic Liturgy
- The foundation of the sacrament of Eucharist
- The historical events of the life of Jesus, especially His infancy and final days
- Jesus’ preaching, particularly the images of Christ the Good Shepherd and Christ the Light
- The parables of the Kingdom of God
- The sacrament of Baptism
Children ages 6-9, Level II, focus on their relationship with Jesus as the True Vine. They deepen their faith through study of Scripture, Liturgy, and the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, and Eucharist. The Bible and prayer as well as salvation history and gifts of the Kingdom of God are emphasized.
Children in fourth through sixth grades, Level III, have additional focus on God’s Plan in Salvation History, the Old Testament, the Mass and Sacraments, and the History of Worship.
This is just a taste of what Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is as it brings together the Mystery of God with the Mystery of the Child, resulting in a lifelong love for the Lord.
To register your children, please click here. Borromeo Academy families who enroll in the after-school or outside-of-school sessions register through the same site.
SESSIONS for 2020-2021
Level I: Age 3 (by August 1) through Kindergarten (enrollment limit 10)
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Wednesdays
3:45 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. Thursdays
Level II: First Grade - Third Grade (enrollment limit 8)
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Wednesdays
3:45 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. Thursdays
Level III: Fourth Grade - Sixth Grade (enrollment limit 8)
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Wednesdays
3:45 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. Thursdays
Sessions begin the week of September 15, 2021 and run through May 11, 2022. Class rosters, schedules, and COVID procedures/guidelines for attendance will be sent out by e-mail.
** Borromeo Academy scholars in after-school sessions will be picked up at the end of the school day and have a supervised snack time (providing own food) until the CGS session begins.**
Class size is limited: Level I, 10 children; Level II, 8 children; Level III, 8 children. Should sessions fill, your child can be placed on a waiting list. Additional sessions may be added depending on demand and staff availability. Please contact coordinator Kara Litzau, [email protected], (651) 890-7021.
To discuss Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, serve in this children's faith ministry, or help make materials, contact Kara Litzau, [email protected], 651-890-7021.
To learn more about CGS
Mary Mirrione, National Director, CGSUSA, talks about the relationship between God and the child, and the importance of hands-on materials for encountering the world in the light of the Gospel. What if you could prepare an environment where the child is able to entrust themselves to the love of God for their entire lives? That would be religious formation for the whole of their life, even through adulthood. Click here to listen to her Redeemer Radio interview.
See http://www.cgsusa.org/ or http://www.cgsksmo.org.
Make a Donation
Your support is vital and will help us further our mission to serve, provide ongoing catechist formation, and make a difference in the religious life of our children, their families, and our community. To give online, please CLICK HERE.