What is CGS?

The Characteristics of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

What are the principle points which distinguish this catechesis and because of which it is called the "Catechesis of the Good Shepherd"?  The following characteristics are intended to represent the principle aspects of the catechesis as they have emerged after more than sixty years of work with children of different countries, cultures and socio-economic backgrounds.  These characteristics are reflective of the constants which have presented themselves in this work and are presented here with the invitation to go deeper into them for further reflection.

32 Points of Reflection

This week, characteristic # 1: The child, particularly the religious life of the child, is central to the interest and commitment of the catechist of the Good Shepherd.
The catechist observes and studies the vital needs of the child and the manifestations of those vital needs according to the developmental stage of the child.

The catechists live with the child a shared religious experience according to the teaching of the gospel: “Except you become like little children, you cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 18:3)
The catechist attends to the conditions that are necessary for this life to be experienced and to flourish.  

*The Good Shepherd and the Child:  Joyful Journey,

Parents:

1.  Learn all you can about this new program your children are joining.  The Missionaries of Charity and the Nashville Dominicans both use CGS in their schools and the formation of their sisters(!) Your child's catechist has been preparing to work with your 3-6 year old child. www.cgsusa.org is a great resource.

2.  Encourage your child to be an active participant. This work is very individualized, and your child will receive short presentations each week, but the majority of his or her time will be self-directed work in a prepared environment. The atrium is full of things to do. 

3.  Talk to your child's catechist or Geralyn early and often. You are always welcome to come and observe in your child's atrium. We like to give the children a heads up that we are having a visitor, so a week's notice is great. You may decide you want to jump in and get involved.