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Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
"The future of evangelization depends in great part on the Church of the home. This apostolic mission of the family is rooted in Baptism and receives from the grace of the sacrament of marriage new strength to transmit the faith, to sanctify and transform our present society according to God's plan." - St. John Paul II (Familiaris Consortio)
+ Registration for CGS 2019-2020 will open on June 1st!
+ Check the parish bulletin regularly for updates on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
+Prayerfully consider how you can set time aside for your child to attend all the atrium sessions and Sunday Eucharist. Priority registrations will be given to families who volunteer as catechists and registered parishioners. We are blessed with the generosity of our volunteer catechists and the stewardship of this parish community!
+ Are you registered in the Parish? Click HERE for more on the next Newcomer's Social.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a way of religious formation for children ages 3 to 12. CGS is based on the Bible and the liturgy of the Catholic Church; it is inspired by the principles of Montessori education.
The atrium is a room prepared for the children. It is a place of prayer, work, and community. In the atrium, Jesus is the teacher. The role of the catechist is to listen to God with the children.
During an atrium session, the catechist and the child engage biblical and liturgical presentations. The child then works with carefully produced materials. This “hands-on” experience invites the child to contemplate and enjoy God's presence, and to respond to his love.
For Parents
Formation in the faith begins at home in the “Domestic Church.” The parents are the primary educators for their children, especially in the faith.
How can I nurture the religious life of my child at home? Visit cgsusa.org for parent newsletters. Watch YouTube videos from oneofhisheep
Have you read about CGS in the Northwest Catholic?
Sacramental Preparation
"Only little children and those who are like them shall be admitted to the Heavenly Banquet." -St. Therese of Lisieux
Has your child been baptized? Visit our Baptism page.
The Catechesis offers remote preparation for Mass. It is NOT meant to replace Sunday liturgy or the domestic church. "It is in the bosom of the family that parents are "by word and example . . . the first heralds of the faith with regard to their children." - CCC 1656
Sacramental Preparation is the process of preparing children (age 7 or second grade) for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Only baptized children participate in sacramental preparation. If you have a child who is not yet baptized, and over the age of seven, please contact Maria Muscado.
At Holy Family Parish, baptized children who have been preparing through daily family prayer, Sunday liturgy, and in the atrium begin the discernment process for their First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. The child, with their parents, must spend time in prayer and reflection and together ask to receive the sacraments.
The immediate year of preparation for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist take place from September to May - with meetings, workshops and rehearsals outside of the CGS Level 2 atrium sessions. First Penance takes place in December and First Eucharist takes place in May
A copy of the baptismal certificate should be submitted with the registration form. Questions? Contact Maria Muscado.
