Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a joyful and prayerful faith formation experience for our youngest children. Rooted in Sacred Scripture, the liturgy, and the Montessori educational approach, CGS invites children to encounter Jesus, the Good Shepherd, through hands on materials, quiet reflection, and age appropriate presentations. In the peaceful setting of the Atrium, children are given the opportunity to grow in wonder, prayer, and their relationship with God as they begin laying a lifelong foundation for the Catholic faith.

Details

We invite families with young children to experience the beauty of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at Most Blessed Sacrament Parish. Sunday sessions are offered during the 11am Mass in the Parish Center and are led by Karen Momenee and Joan Martinez.

Parents may drop off children ages 3–6 who are fully potty trained before Mass. At drop off, parents will sign their child in and provide a phone number where they can be reached if needed. Families are encouraged to attend the 11am Mass while their child participates in the Atrium. Children should be picked up immediately after Mass concludes.

Sunday Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is free of charge and is open to all children ages 3–6 who are fully potty trained.

Children who attend Most Blessed Sacrament School also experience Catechesis of the Good Shepherd as part of their faith formation during the school day. Sunday sessions provide an opportunity for parish children who do not attend the school to participate in the same rich and prayerful experience, while school families are always welcome to participate as well.

Calendar

Location: The Parish Center

The Parish Center is along Castlewood Drive and is home to our Parish offices, school library and art room, and our CGS Atrium. An exact Google Maps pin for the building is provided below.

Volunteer Opportunities

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a beautiful ministry that has been a blessing to our parish, and we are looking for volunteers who would like to help ensure it continues to flourish for years to come. Volunteers assist in creating a peaceful, prayerful environment where our youngest children can encounter Jesus through Scripture, the liturgy, and hands on materials. Opportunities include preparing the Atrium, welcoming and assisting children during sessions, and supporting the reverent atmosphere that is central to the program.

If you feel called to become more deeply involved, we especially encourage you to consider completing the official Catechesis of the Good Shepherd formation. By becoming a trained catechist, you help provide long term stability for this ministry and make it possible for future generations of children at Most Blessed Sacrament to encounter Christ in this unique and meaningful way. Whether you can help occasionally or feel called to serve as a catechist, we would love to hear from you.

Ryan Adamson
Director of Formation and Engagement
radamson@mbsptoledo.org
(419) 472-2288

Child Protection

Frequently Asked Questions

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori inspired Catholic faith formation program for young children. Through hands on materials, Scripture, prayer, and quiet reflection, children are invited to develop a personal relationship with Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

CGS national

CGS is typically offered for children ages 3 to 6 (Level I), with additional levels available for older children. At Most Blessed Sacrament, CGS is offered for our youngest children as part of our Religious Education program.

The Atrium is the specially prepared environment where Catechesis of the Good Shepherd takes place. It is a peaceful, prayerful space designed specifically for children. Rather than functioning like a classroom, the Atrium is a place where children encounter God through Scripture, prayer, and carefully prepared materials.

No. While children certainly learn, the Atrium is intentionally different from a traditional classroom. Sessions include brief presentations by the catechist followed by time for children to work independently with materials, pray, and reflect.

Children listen to a short presentation based on Scripture or the liturgy, explore hands on materials, pray, and work quietly at their own pace. Activities may include learning about the Mass, the life of Jesus, the Bible, or the liturgical seasons.

The materials are intentionally simple so children can focus on the deeper meaning of what they are learning rather than being distracted by unnecessary details. They are designed to help children engage both their minds and their hearts.

Young children naturally experience wonder and contemplation. Quiet time gives them the opportunity to think, pray, and respond to God in their own way rather than constantly moving from one activity to another.

No. Nothing replaces participation at Sunday Mass. CGS helps children better understand and appreciate the Mass, preparing them to participate more fully with their families.

CGS provides an excellent foundation in Scripture, prayer, and the liturgy. Children preparing to receive the sacraments will also participate in the parish’s sacramental preparation process when they reach the appropriate age.

The most important things parents can do are attend Mass together every Sunday, pray as a family, read Bible stories together, and encourage their child’s natural curiosity about God. Simple conversations about faith at home reinforce what children experience in the Atrium.

The name comes from Jesus’ words in the Gospel of John: “I am the Good Shepherd.” Young children are especially drawn to the image of Jesus as the Shepherd who knows, loves, and cares for each of His sheep.

Rather than focusing primarily on memorization or lectures, CGS invites children to encounter Jesus through Scripture, the liturgy, prayer, and hands on exploration. The goal is not simply to teach information about God, but to foster a lifelong relationship with Him.

The catechist serves as a guide rather than a lecturer. Through carefully prepared presentations and attentive observation, the catechist helps create an environment where children can encounter Christ and respond to Him freely.

Yes. CGS has been used in Catholic parishes around the world for decades and is rooted in Sacred Scripture, the liturgy, and the teachings of the Catholic Church. It is widely recognized as a faithful and effective approach to the religious formation of young children.