 The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children 3 to 12 years of age, inspired by the Montessori principles of education. The catechists meet with the children in a prepared environment called the “atrium”.
The catechist presents materials with close links to biblical and liturgical sources, and the child is free to choose an activity that will allow him or her to carry on a conversation with God.
The atrium is divided into three levels of formation. Level I meets on Sunday mornings from 9:30 to 10:45 am. This level is for children 3 to 6 years of age (PreK to K).
Levels II meet on Wednesdays or Thursdays from 4 to 5:15 pm. Levels III meet on Wednesday or Thursdays from 4 to 5:15 pm. Level II is geared to children who are 6 to 9 years of age (1st to 3rd grades), Level III is for children 9 to 12 years of age (4th to 6th grades).
Levels IV meet on Wednesdays from 7 to 8:15 pm. Level II is geared to children who are in 7th and 8th grades.
Students who enroll in our Traditional Religious Education program or in our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program also receive formation for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation at the appropriate age and readiness. The formation for all sacraments includes students and their parents in a multi-generational setting which fosters prayer, formation, and service throughout their preparation process.
Parental involvement is key to the success of this program.
For more information about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, please visit the website of the National Association of CGS at www.cgsusa.org.
For more information call the Religious Education Office at 708-383-4185 or reled@stgilesparish.org.
2011-2012 Calendar for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
2011-2012 Calendar in Adobe Reader (pdf - 177 KB)
See How to Participate in our Faith & Family Liturgy
| Month |
Sunday Mornings
from
9:30 to 10:45 am
for Level I
Gleeson Atrium |
Wednesday
Evening
from 4 to 5:15 pm
for Level II and III
and
from 7 to 8:15 pm
for Level IV
Gleeson Atrium |
Thursday
Afternoon
from 4 to 5:15 pm
for Level II and III
Gleeson Atrium |
Faith & Family Liturgy
at
9:30 am
Church |
| September |
11, 18 |
7, 14 ,21 |
8, 15, 22 |
25 |
| October |
2, 16, 30 |
5, 12, 19 |
6, 13, 20 |
23 |
| November |
6, 13, 20 |
2, 9, 16 |
3, 10, 17 |
27 |
| December |
4, 11, 18 |
7, 14, 21 |
8, 15, 22 |
24 |
| January |
8, 15 |
11, 18, 25 |
12, 19, 26 |
22 |
| February |
5, 12, 19 |
1, 8 (CANCELED), 15, 22 (Ash Wednesday) |
2, 9, 16 |
26 |
| March |
4, 11, 18 |
7, 14, 21 |
8, 15, 22 |
25 |
| April |
1, 15 |
4, 11, 18 |
5, 12, 19 |
22 |
| Important Dates |
Opening Party Gathering
Wednesday, September 28th at 7 pm in the McDonough Hall |
Advent Reconciliation Service
Monday, December 19th at 7 pm in Church |
Celebrate Religious Education
Sunday, January 22nd from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm in the McDonough Hall |
Ash Wednesday
February 22nd - Service at 4:45 pm and Mass at 7 pm |
Lenten Reconciliation Service
TBA |
Closing Liturgy and Award Ceremony
Wednesday, April 25th at 7 pm in the McDonough Hall |
Important Note
Religious Education Classes do not meet on the weeks of Faith and Family Liturgy so students and their families may attend and participate in this monthly 9:30 am Mass on Sunday.
Children are to attend these events with their parents. |
|
