The 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.

Tuition for Parishioners:

$100 for the 1st child, $50/additional child

Tuition for Non-Parishioners:

$200 for the 1st child, $50/additional child

CGS class sizes are limited so please pay tuition in full to secure your child(ren's) spots.  

Please call the parish office, 319-362-7966, with your credit card information or make checks out to St. Patrick's with CGS in the memo. 

Our Religious Education programs support and enrich the religious foundation developed by the parents in the family. Religious Education classes are for students in 8th grade and take the form of more traditional Religious Education classes. Classes take place on Wednesday evenings in our RE Wing of the Parish Center from 6:00pm to 7:30pm.  These classes offer students the opportunity to participate in: 

• Eucharistion Adoration
• Reconciliation
• Pet Blessings
• Christmas Pageant
• Living Stations of the Cross
• Advent & Lent Service Projects
• Sacramental Retreats
• Living Rosary
• May Crowning 

Class time

Wednesdays | 6:00-7:30pm

Class tuition

$100 for the 1st child, $50/additional child

$200 for the 1st child, $50/additional child

Please call the parish office, 319-362-7966 with your credit card information or make checks out to St. Patrick's with "Religious Education" in the memo.

"And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them..." -Acts 19:6

For more information on our Confirmation Classes for High Schoolers: