Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Atrium)
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a highly acclaimed approach to the religious formation of children, rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the Church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. Children gather in an “Atrium,” a room specially prepared for them, which contains handmade materials that they use to ponder the story of Christ and the life of the Church.
First Confession & Holy Communion
Children in the Level II Atrium (for those aged 6-8) may prepare to make their First Confession and First Holy Communion. Typically, it is expected that children will have been enrolled in the Atrium for at least one full year before beginning Sacramental Preparation. If you have questions regarding Sacramental Preparation for your child, please email Kay Perdue Meadows at kay.perdue@gmail.com or Grace Klise at grace.klise@yale.edu.
Catechists & Assistants
All Atrium catechists are required to attend 100 hours of formation in each level before leading an Atrium. The 100 hours provide the foundation for their continuing study of Scripture and the liturgy, learning how to observe the child, and personal prayer. In addition to the catechist, each Atrium also has one or more assistants who play an invaluable role in enabling the Atrium to function smoothly and in assuring that each child flourishes. No special training is required to become an Atrium assistant; each catechist provides brief training to his or her assistant(s). Any parent, grandparent, high school student, or other parishioner who is interested in assisting in an Atrium is invited to further pursue their interest. Please visit the Volunteer Page.
Resources
For more information about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, including books that can be excellent resources for anyone whose child is enrolled in an Atrium, as well as listings of formation classes for those interested in becoming catechists, visit the national Catechesis of the Good Shepherd web site.
2023-2024 Classes
Registration for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for academic year 2023-2024 opens Sunday, August 27th. Registration will be online and announced in the bulletin. Sessions run October-May and are 90 minutes long. Sessions will be offered on Sunday afternoons 12 - 1:30 PM and Monday - Thursday from 4:30 - 6 PM.