Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori-based method of sharing the beauty and knowledge of our Catholic faith. In this approach, children encounter the love of the Good Shepherd through Scripture, liturgy, hands-on learning, and their personal work.

This formation takes place in the Atrium—a special, prayerful environment prepared just for children. The Atrium is filled with works that bring faith to life:

  • A model altar, where children learn the names of the sacred vessels used at Mass and practice setting the altar.
  • The Nativity story, where they hear and reflect on the Gospel of Jesus’ birth, then explore it through materials.
  • A map of the Land of Israel, where they discover the special place God chose for His Son.

Each year in the Atrium builds upon the last, allowing children to deepen their encounter with Christ. At Saint Ambrose, we are thrilled to offer both Level 1 and Level 2 CGS sessions.

I am the Good Shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me.

John 10:14

September Schedule

Catechist Check-In

Sunday, September 14

  • 9:45 – 10:45 am or
  • 12:15 – 1:15 pm

Phase-In

(for all children new to their Atrium level, all 3-year-olds, and all 1st graders)

Sunday, September 21

  • 9:35 – 10:50 am (Level 1 & 2)
  • 12:15 – 1:30 pm (Level 1 & 2)

Monday, September 22

  • 9:00 – 10:15 am (Level 1)
  • 5:30 – 7:00 pm (Level 2)

Tuesday, September 23

  • 3:45 – 5:15 pm (Level 2)

First Session

Sunday, September 28

  • 9:35 – 10:50 am (Level 1 & 2)
  • 12:15 – 1:30 pm (Level 1 & 2)

Monday, September 29

  • 9:00 – 10:15 am (Level 1)
  • 5:30 – 7:00 pm (Level 2)

Tuesday, September 30

  • 3:45 – 5:15 pm (Level 2)

CGS 2025-2026

We look forward to offering more sessions for our parish families next year. All children in preschool are invited to join Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for weekly formation.

CGS begins in one week. If you will be joining us, please register today.

Level 1 Parish Sessions: Preschool – Kindergarten

  • Sundays from 9:35 – 10:50 am (FULL)
  • Sundays from 12:15 – 1:30 pm
  • Mondays from 9 – 10:15 am

Level 2 Parish Sessions: 1st – 4th Grade

  • Sundays from 9:35 – 10:50 am (FULL)
  • Sundays from 12:15 – 1:30 pm (FULL)
  • Mondays from 5:30 – 7 pm
  • Tuesdays from 3:45 – 5:15 pm

Early Childhood and our Catholic School

We offer weekly CGS sessions with each of our Level 1 Early Childhood classrooms: the Caterpillars, Butterflies, Cubs, Stars, and Dolphins. New as of the 2023-2024 school year, we now offer CGS to our Kindergarten classes 2-3 times per month.

How You Can Help

  • Volunteer and become a catechist or sub
  • Create or fix works (can include sewing, painting, woodwork, and claywork)
  • Assist with CGS records

Questions?

For more information regarding Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, please contact:

Kathleen Dierberger
[email protected]
651-768-3065

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