Catechesis of the Good Shepherd – CGS

A Montessori based approach to the religious formation of children, rooted in Sacred Scripture, Liturgy and respect for the child’s rich relationship with God.

The children gather in a specially prepared space called an Atrium. A typical session includes prayer, a presentation on scripture or liturgy, and time for the children to work with the prepared materials and quietly ponder the mysteries presented.

  • The Level 1 Atrium is prepared for children ages 3 – 5 year old (K).
  • The Level 2 Atrium is prepared for children ages 6 – 9, (1st grade – 3rd grade).

Level 1 Atrium Enrollment for ages 3–6 (Preschool-Kindergarten)

  • Children attend one session per week
  • The Atrium is located by the church parking lot off Pearl Road.
  • Child should turn 3 by July 1, 2026.
  • Child should be able to use the bathroom independently.

We will offer four sessions for the 2026-2027 year. Sessions begin the week of September 14, 2026, and conclude the week of May 10, 2027.

  • Tuesdays 9:30-11:00 am
  • Tuesdays 6:30-7:45 pm
  • Wednesdays 9:30-11:00 am
  • Thursdays 5:00-6:30 pm

*Limit of 8 children per session.

Level 2 Atrium Enrollment for ages 6-9 (Grades 1-3)

  • Children attend one session per week.
  • The Atrium is in the chapel next to the church.
  • Level 1 is not a requirement to enroll in Level 2.

We will offer two sessions in 2026-2027*. Sessions begin the week of September 14, 2026, and conclude the week of May 10, 2027.

Tuesdays 6:30-7:45 pm

Thursdays 5:00-6:30 pm

*Limit 14 children.

Register at sjnohio.com beginning May 1, 2026.

Contact Annette Klanac for more information: annette@sjnohio.com / 440-334-2487

Background
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Catholic curriculum centered on scripture, sacred tradition, sacraments, and liturgy. The classroom, called an atrium, is a prepared environment with hands on materials related to Catholic teaching. The children are given lessons as well as unstructured time to allow the Holy Spirit to direct their will in ways which foster prayer and contemplation.

Level I Curriculum Overview: The Good Shepherd

The 3–6-year-old is particularly capable of enjoying the most essential elements of our faith-the announcement of God’s love especially experienced through Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who died and is risen. The heart of the atrium at this age group revolves round the Parable of the Good Shepherd who calls each one of us by name. The faith is handed on to the child through concrete works and materials centered on the important gestures of Mass, the names of the articles used on the altar, the historical life of Christ, and the parables taught by Christ on the Kingdom of God.

Level II Curriculum Overview: The True Vine

CGS Level 2, designed for 6-9 year olds, focuses on deepening the child’s understanding of the Mass, the Bible, and Prayer. It builds upon the foundation laid in Level 1 by exploring the communal relationship with Christ and delving into the history of the Kingdom of God. The curriculum uses hands-on materials and presentations to help children engage with scripture, liturgy, and moral formation.

ADULT FORMATION:

“In catechesis . . . it is Christ alone Who teaches. Anyone else teaches to the extent that he is Christ’s spokesman.” — Catechism of the Catholic Church #427

Catechesis is an ancient word meaning “echoing God’s Word.” The person who does this is known as a catechist. CGS catechists receive 90+ hours of training before leading a CGS session. These catechists find their own spiritual life is fed, as well as the spiritual lives of the children they serve. In many ways, this is adult formation given through the child!

CGS Catechist Training:

Level 1: July 27-August 1, 2026 (Part 1), Summer 2027 (Part 2)

Church of the Gesu, Cleveland Heights, OH

(Other dates are available at cgsusa.org)

To inquire about catechist training, please contact:

Annette Klanac – annette@sjnohio.com / 440-334-2487

Ways to get involved:

  1. Register for training to be a Catechist. Scholarships are available to offset registration fees.
  2. Volunteer to be an assistant in the Atrium.
  3. Volunteer to make materials to be used in the Atrium.
  4. Pray for our children and adults.