"You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you."- St. Augustin
CGS Catechists are certified for each level of child development:
Toddler: 1 to 3 years of age,
Level I : 3 to 6 years,
Level II: 6-9 years,
Level III: 9-12 years of age.
Middle School*: 7th & 8th grades, *Emphasis on Theology of the Body.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is an approach that respects the relationship that already exists between God and the Child, and the vital religious needs of children from toddler to 8th grade. The classroom (called "the atrium") for each level contains furniture that is sized to the child, and materials that correspond to the child's growing capacities. The materials help us to wonder together about the great mysteries revealed to us in Sacred Scripture and the Holy Mass.
Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi began the CGS approach in Italy in the 1950's, using the education method of Maria Montessori as a foundation. It took them over 20 years to develop this approach, since it involved constant observation and experimentation to discover how the children responded to themes and materials. CGS is now used throughout the world, even in countries where practice of the Christian faith is illegal. It is even used in the formation of the Missionaries of Charity, the religious order founded by St. Theresa of Calcutta. For more information see www.cgsusa.org