Religious Education
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: Age 3 - Grade 6
Faith Formation: Grades 7 & 8
2026 - 2027 Offerings
The religious education program for age 3 through 6th grade will be Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS).
Due to the number of registrations, in addition to the Level III CGS, we have added a traditional formation class (not CGS) for grades 4 & 5 on Wednesday evenings.
For grades 7 & 8, there will be a two year rotation of Confirmation preparation and scripture study.
Sessions will be held weekly September through May.
Level I CGS - Age 3 - K (Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m.- 5:30 p.m.) FULL
Level I CGS - Age 3 - K (Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.)
Level II CGS - Grades 1 -3 (Tuesdays 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.) FULL
Level II CGS - Grades 1-3 (Wednesdays, 6:15 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.)
Level III CGS - Grades 4-6 (Mondays 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.) FULL
Formation class - Grades 7 & 8 (Mondays 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.)
Formation class - Grades 4 & 5 (Wednesdays, 6:15 p.m. -8:00 p.m.)
Cost: $150 per child
What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?
At St. Catherine of Siena Parish, we are blessed to offer the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. CGS, as it is commonly referred to, is a Montessori-influenced faith formation experience for children. Sessions take place in a prepared environment, called the atrium, which is filled with beautifully handmade child-size materials.
During the CGS weekly sessions, children are invited into prayer, given a presentation that is based on Scripture or the liturgy, and allotted time for personal work. The catechist is attentive to each child’s unspoken desire: “help me come closer to God by myself.”
St. Catherine is happy to offer CGS Level 1 (for children ages 3–Kindergarten), Level 2 (for children in grades 1–3) and Level 3 (for children in grades 4-6). We offer catechism both during the school day for our preschool children as well as after school sessions.
What do children learn?
CGS Level 1
Children Ages 3-Kindergarten
“He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”
— John 10:3
Children in this age range are in the absorbent stage of development and filled with wonder and awe. Our youngest friends joyfully encounter the Good Shepherd and discover his unconditional love and care. They come to know Jesus as the light of the world (and love singing “Christ is light, in him there is no darkness”).
While in the atrium your child might learn:
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The Parable of the Good Shepherd
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The Model Altar
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Baptism
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Infancy Narratives
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Kingdom of God parables
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Gestures of the Mass
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Liturgical Colors
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Geography of Israel
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Last Supper (Cenacle)
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The Land of Jerusalem
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The Empty Tomb
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Practical Life
CGS Level 2
Children Grades 1-3
(Tuesday session is full)
Developmentally, 6- to 9-year-old children are ready for a deeper understanding of their relationship with Jesus, their families, and their communities. The parable of the true vine is central to their work as they ponder Jesus’ words: “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”.
While in the atrium, your child might learn:
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Salvation History
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Moral Parables
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Prayers of the Mass
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Synthesis of the Mass
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Holy Bible
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Further Geography Work
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Maxims
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Sacrament Meditations
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Personal Missal Making
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Communal Prayer – child led
CGS Level 3
Children Grades 4-6
The structure of the Level 3 atrium is intended to particularly address the child’s growing desire and capacity to wrestle with the mystery of time and their own role in history. It helps the child to grasp the “big picture” of God work in the universe, while at thesame time honoring the child's desire and capacity to work with details of the “whole” that grab their attention and study these in depth.
During Level 3, your child may learn about:
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The Trinitarian God
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The Economy of Salvation
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Salvation History
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The Life of Jesus Christ (Incarnation and Paschal Mystery)
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The Teaching of Jesus Christ
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The Church
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Liturgical and Sacramental Life in the Church
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Christian Morality/Catholic Social Justice
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Prayer
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Education for Community Life (emphasis on Evangelization and Mission)
Confirmation Preparation
Grades 7 & 8
Seventh and eighth grade students will participate in a rotating 2-year program of scripture study and Sacramental Preparation for Confirmation at the end of their 8th grade year.
Learn More
For more information about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, please visit www.cgsusa.org.
Please contact the parish office at 859-441-1352 if you have additional questions.