
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Overview
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a ministry for children aged 3-12 that is rooted in Scripture and the Sacred Liturgy, inspired by the principles of Montessori education. We provide an opportunity for children to encounter God in an atrium, a dedicated spiritual, child-friendly space. We also support the formation of adults who serve as catechists.
Catechist Formation
CGS immerses adult catechists in:
- Scripture
- Liturgy
- Theology
- Prayer
- The needs and spiritual growth of the child
- Making and using atrium materials
Catechists are trained to prepare the atrium as a spiritual environment, proclaim the Christian message by means of various CGS materials, and then step back, allowing God and the child to work together on their relationship.
Training courses lay the foundation of the theory and practices of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for all levels, and more:
- Level I Training
This 90+hour course explores the methodology and guiding principles of CGS for 3–6-year-old children. It concretely prepares the adult to work, to listen to the Word of God, and to learn with and from children.
- Level II Training
Prerequisite: Certificate in Level I Training
This 90+-hour course concretely prepares the adult to develop and facilitate an atrium for 6–9-year-old children. It focuses on the covenant and how God has revealed Himself in relationship with us through time, or salvation history.
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The Archdiocese of Vancouver acknowledges that the land on which we gather and work is the traditional and ancestral territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of thexʷməθkʷəy̓əm(Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
