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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)
Demand for CGS sessions has increased along with the number of children in the atria. Now we need you to become our next trained catechists and co-catechists to listen to God with children. Contact Maria Muscado, mariam@hfkparish.org for upcoming formation opportunities. Check the parish bulletin regularly.
Registration for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is currently closed. To put your name on a waiting list, please email Connie, conniem@hfkparish.org. Thank you to everyone for the overwhelming & positive response!
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.
"Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a precious resource for parents. " - Archbishop J Miller, Vancouver (from the World Meeting of Families, Philadelphia, PA on September 22, 2015)
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.
