Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori-based approach to the religious formation of children, rooted in Sacred Scripture, Liturgy, and respect for the child's rich relationship with God. Central to CGS is the atrium, a room containing beautiful materials that focus the child's attention on key scripture passages or liturgical moments.

Beginning their work in 1954, Dr. Sofia Cavalleti and her co-worker, Gianna Gobbi, developed the catechesis by observing and working with children between the ages of three and twelve. It is the joyful, peaceful response of the children themselves that inspired and determined the content of this unique program.

After an introduction by the catechist, the children are invited to work with a material on their own to continue their meditation. Because children learn by using their hands, working with materials allows them to enter more deeply into meditation, nurturing their relationship with God.

Course sessions include prayer, presentations of materials, background information, discussion of album pages, and work in the atrium.

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CGS Atriums are divided into different levels based on age:

Toddler: 14 months - 3-years old

Level 1: ages 3-6

Level 2: grades 1-3

Level 3: grades 4-6

7th Grade CGS

Tuesdays | 4:15-5:45pm
Level 1, Level 2, & Level 3

Wednesdays | 4:15-5:45pm
Toddler, Level 1, Level 2, & Level 3

Wednesdays | 6:00-7:30pm
Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, & 7th Grade CGS

Thursdays | 9:30-11:00am
Toddler & Level 1

*7th Grade CGS is only offered on Wednesday from 6-7:30pm

Tuition for Parishioners:
$100 for the 1st child, $50/additional child

Tuition for Non-Parishioners:
$200 for the 1st child, $50/additional child

You may call the parish office, 319-362-7966, with your credit card information or make checks out to St. Patrick Church with "CGS"  in the memo.

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