Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a beautiful and deeply rooted approach to religious education that nurtures each child’s relationship with Jesus and their participation in the life of the Church. Grounded in Scripture and the liturgy, CGS follows the rhythm of the Church year, inviting children into the mysteries of the faith in a way that is both meaningful and developmentally appropriate.
Sessions take place in a specially prepared environment called the Atrium—a peaceful, sacred space designed to foster prayer, reflection, and hands-on engagement. Here, children work with carefully crafted materials that help them grow in their understanding of God’s love and the life of the Church.
Originally developed in Rome in 1954 by biblical scholar Sofia Cavalletti and Montessori educator Gianna Gobbi, CGS was introduced in the United States in 1984 and has since grown into an international movement.
At Notre Dame Elementary School, CGS is offered weekly to children in Prekindergarten and Kindergarten, providing them with a strong spiritual foundation in their earliest years.