Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: A Special Place for Children to Learn and Explore Their Faith

Children learn through their senses. They take in the world around them by experiencing it and participating in it. While we may think of catechesis as something we learn from books, it is the foundation of a child’s relationship with God and they experience it in a very real way.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, or CGS, is a method that was developed out of Maria Montessori’s philosophy on education. It brings the stories, liturgies, and ideas of our faith to children in a way they can see, hear, taste, smell, and touch. The Holy Family Area is blessed with a team of catechists that are preparing to bring CGS to our own families.

Beth Gilb, Heidi Felton, Katie Pieh, and Alyssa Larson have been trained and are preparing a space, called the Atrium, where children ages 3 to 6 will come to learn. For each of them, CGS has a place in their hearts. From experiencing the fruits of CGS in their own children to discovering the beauty of it through their training, they are excited to offer this unique program to our parishioners.

“It is unlike any other religious education a child will receive,” Beth says. “The way they work with their hands penetrates the heart and deep places of their soul, impacting them for years to come.”

Lessons are taught to the children through beautiful materials and simple language. Children learn how to set up the altar and the names of each vessel by setting up a child-sized altar. Scripture is taught alongside figures that allow the children to see the story. The space is prayerful and peaceful, yet designed for the developmental needs of the children.

“I was amazed at the impact this quiet, meditative experience had on my loud boys, and the way they were learning to explore and articulate their personal faith,” Heidi says. “When catechist training was offered, entering into the program seemed like an obvious choice.”

CGS teaches the faith while speaking to a child’s heart. It shares the reality of the Good Shepherd who seeks a relationship with each of us.

“I love the recognition that everything in life is a gift and the way CGS helps the child ‘open the greatest gift’ — a relationship with Jesus,” Katie says.

Alyssa has seen her son’s faith grow through his experience with CGS.

“He isn’t just learning about God — he is growing to know God personally,” Alyssa says. “It is easy to see that the Catholic faith he is discovering isn’t just in his head, it’s in his heart. And as a mother, I know that will make all the difference.”

CGS is scheduled to begin in the fall at St. James and is open to families in the Holy Family Area. Look for sign-up information in the bulletin as the school year approaches. The CGS team is looking for help crafting the materials for the atrium. Anyone with sewing, painting, woodworking, or sculpting skills is invited to help.

To learn more about CGS or to help craft the materials, please contact Beth Gilb at 307-202-2322 or Heidi Felton at 320-241-1840.

Alyssa Larson, Beth Gilb and Katie Pieh with their CGS Formation Leader, Carolyn Kohlhaas

Beth’s daughter, Lillian, working with the Good Shepherd material and setting up the model altar.

Beth’s daughter, Lillian, working with the Good Shepherd material and setting up the model altar.