CGS (Catechesis of the Good Shepherd)
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“Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Mark 10:14
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montesorri based model of faith formation for children beginning at 3 years old through grade 6. CGS meets once a week on a variety of days of your choosing in a prepared space called the Atrium. Children receive weekly presentations on Scripture and Liturgy that help to foster their own personal relationship with Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
Level The Level I Atrium: Join in the Wonder of the 3-6-Year-Old Child
The 3-6-year-old child is particularly capable of receiving and 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. Materials on the life of Jesus Christ and his teachings help to make the mystery of God concrete for the child. The heart of the catechesis for children under six revolves around the Parable of the Good Shepherd. Jesus announces that he is the Good Shepherd who calls each one by name. The sheep listen to the voice of the Shepherd and follow him.
The 3-6 year old child enters the mystery of the Eucharist by first learning the names of the articles used on the altar and then through the most important gestures including the preparation of the chalice, the epiclesis and offering, and the sign of peace. Through the experience of seeing these gestures, presented one by one, the Mass emerges as the Sacrament of the Gift. The child becomes acquainted with the historical character of the liturgy through the events of the Last Supper, Christ’s death, and His resurrection.
The Level II Atrium: Celebrate the Growth of the 6-9 Year-Old Child
The elementary age child is captured by the image of the True Vine. “I am the vine, you are the branches, whoever remains in me, and I in him, will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.” The proclamation responds to the deep need of these children to better know his or her relationship with God, family, friends, and the larger community. Moral parables offer a model for comparing their
behavior with that of the Pharisee, the Tax Collector, or the Good Samaritan. The elementary children see the parts of the Mass—the Liturgy of the Word, the Preparation of the Gifts, the Eucharistic Prayer, and the Communion—as one unified prayer made of many smaller prayers. Children prepare for the celebration of First Communion through a series of communion meditations focusing on the relationship with Jesus. Preparation of personal missals filled with illustrations and prayers is also part of this preparation which helps to deepen their love and understanding of the Eucharist.
The Level III Atrium: Honor the Independence of the 9-12 Year-Old Child
The history of salvation focusing on the plan of God as a plan of communion, a plan which links all people together through God’s love delights the older child. The emphasis is on our response to this unfolding generosity of God and recognition of the responsibilities that come with receiving God’s great gifts and seeing oneself as a collaborator with God. “What is the kingdom of God and my place in it?” is a cosmic query which lays the foundations for a life commitment in relationship with God. Materials on the Prophets of the Old Testament, the Gifts of God, the Miracles of Jesus, and expanded presentations on Liturgy and Scripture can also be found in the Level III Atrium.
For a more in depth look at Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, please visit www.CGSUSA.org or contact Kelly Reed for information on CGS at Regina Coeli Parish at [email protected]. -
CGS Sessions days and times are determined on registration numbers and catechists’ availability. You will be notified of your session assignment in late August.
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