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.

Level 2 CGS Course at Saint Ambrose

We are thrilled to offer a Level 2 CGS Course here at Saint Ambrose with Carolyn Kohlhaas in 2026-2027. Please click our registration form to sign up. Reach out to Kathleen Dierberger with any questions.

• Level II, Part A: August 10 – 15, 2026 from 9 am – 5 pm
• Level II, Part B: December 5-6, 2026; January 23-24, 2027; February 20-21, 2027 from 9 am – 5 pm (we will start later on Sundays so that all can attend Mass)

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.

Registration for CGS has now closed, as of November 1, 2025.

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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.

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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

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Questions?