Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

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Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori-based religious formation program for children. It seeks to create and facilitate a sacred “hands-on” space called an Atrium, in which children can hear, ponder, and celebrate the most essential mysteries of the Catholic faith as revealed in the Scriptures and the Liturgy.

Nativity of Our Lord's CGS Atrium is the specially prepared room in the lower level of the school where children can come to know Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

Examples of materials found in the atrium include:

• Small wooden figures of Jesus and the disciples used to meditate on the Last Supper;
• Detailed interactive maps of the Land of Israel and the City of Jerusalem to help situate Jesus as a real person in time;
• Jerusalem Mustard Seeds and beautiful pearls to help ponder the Parables of the Kingdom of God; and
• A small Baptismal font and Paschal candle used to explore the significance of Baptism.

A typical once-a-week morning session in the Atrium includes: 

• A presentation on grace and courtesy, a work of practical life, Scripture, or Liturgy. 
• A significant period of time for children to work with materials of their own choice. 
• A gathering time of worship at the prayer table

Nativity's Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is offered for children ages 3-5:

• Three years old (as of September 1, 2022),
• Four years old, and
• Five years old (as of May 1, 2023).

Children are enrolled in one of the following times and meet once per week:

• Tuesday from 8:15-9:45 AM 
• Wednesday from 8:15-9:45 AM (FULL)
• Thursday from 8:15-9:45 AM (FULL)

Students in ages 3-5 will be mixed in our classes to allow for a variety of class dynamics.

Tuition for the 2022- 2023 Atrium year (September-May) is $120/child, with a $20 discount if registered by April 30, 2022. Financial Assistance is available. We want Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to be available to any child that is interested.

Of special note: children that are enrolled in one of Nativity’s preschool programs can also participate! Talk with your child’s teacher or the CGS coordinator to find out how.

Questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact our interim CGS coordinator, Samantha Carroll, at scarroll@nativitystpaul.org.

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