CALLED BY NAME
Helping children draw nearer to God
Welcome!
What if every child could have time and space specially set aside for an encounter with Christ?
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is an approach to faith formation developed over many years observing children listening to scripture and reflecting on liturgy. CGS feeds the deepest needs of children, allowing each one to get to know God personally. In a retreat-like atmosphere, through the use of special materials designed just for them, children reflect on the Word of God and grow in their relationship with Jesus.
The most essential treasures of the Christian faith, from scripture and liturgy, touch the heart of each child and lead to deep contemplation, prayer, and joy.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd has been implemented around the world for over half a century. In the quiet of the beautiful space, while working with their hands, children can listen to the Holy Spirit deep within. Children are evangelized, not through textbooks, but through an authentic encounter with Christ.
What is the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd like...
Imagine a room prepared just for you. Everything is the right size, easy for you to use by yourself. What you do here is important. It is so much more than crafts and colouring sheets. There is a dignity in choosing how you will respond to God’s Word. The materials are beautiful, inviting you to deepen your relationship with Jesus through the work of your hands.
. . . for a child?
What is the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd like . . .
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Imagine a room prepared just for you. Everything is the right size, easy for you to use by yourself. What you do here is important. It is so much more than crafts and colouring sheets. There is a dignity in choosing how you will respond to God’s Word. The materials are beautiful, inviting you to deepen your relationship with Jesus through the work of your hands.
Look for this icon to access pages that, as a parent, you might find useful.
Imagine children running happily to their faith formation sessions. Each child is welcomed personally as a fellow child of God. Children’s developmental needs are understood, respected and honoured. Parents are relieved to find a place that counteracts our loud and busy culture, allowing their children the stillness in which to listen to God. The weekly sessions are like an extended retreat for the children, giving them time to get to know Jesus more deeply.
Imagine children running happily to their faith formation sessions. Each child is welcomed personally as a fellow child of God. Children’s developmental needs are understood, respected and honoured. Parents are relieved to find a place that counteracts our loud and busy culture, allowing their children the stillness in which to listen to God. The weekly sessions are like an extended retreat for the children, giving them time to get to know Jesus more deeply.
Imagine feeling confident and excited about a catechesis that evangelizes! By setting aside space for an atrium and resources for catechist formation, you can have confidence that the proclamation of the Good News nourishes both the children and the adults involved. You can have confidence that this method gives the children a firm foundation, getting to the core of the faith in a way that they can embrace. You can have confidence that this approach is time-tested and is faithful to the teachings of the Church.
Look for this icon to access pages that, as clergy, you might find useful.
Look for this icon to access pages that, as clergy, you might find useful.
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Imagine feeling confident and excited about a catechesis that evangelizes! By setting aside space for an atrium and resources for catechist formation, you can have confidence that the proclamation of the Good News nourishes both the children and the adults involved. You can have confidence that this method gives the children a firm foundation, getting to the core of the faith in a way that they can embrace. You can have confidence that this approach is time-tested and is faithful to the teachings of the Church.
Look for this icon to access pages that, as clergy, you might find useful.
What is the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd like...
Imagine a room prepared just for you. Everything is the right size, easy for you to use by yourself. What you do here is important. It is so much more than crafts and colouring sheets. There is a dignity in choosing how you will respond to God’s Word. The materials are beautiful, inviting you to deepen your relationship with Jesus through the work of your hands.
. . . for a child?
Imagine children running happily to their faith formation sessions. Each child is welcomed personally as a fellow child of God. Children’s developmental needs are understood, respected and honoured. Parents are relieved to find a place that counteracts our loud and busy culture, allowing their children the stillness in which to listen to God. The weekly sessions are like an extended retreat for the children, giving them time to get to know Jesus more deeply. Many parents follow their children, seeking CGS formation to become catechists.
. . . for a parent?
Imagine feeling certain that catechesis in your parish is truly evangelizing.
By setting aside space for an atrium and resources for catechist formation, you can have confidence that the Good News proclaimed feeds both the children and the adults involved. You can have confidence that this method gives the children a firm foundation, getting to the core of the faith in a way that they can embrace. You can have confidence that this approach is time-tested and is faithful to the teachings of the Church.
. . . for Church leaders?
Could faith formation bring deep joy and delight not only to children, but to the adults in their lives? Imagine being able to articulate your faith with clarity and simplicity, in a way that evokes children’s curiosity and enjoyment. The process of formation for CGS catechists draws adults into a deeper understanding of the Christian faith and of the developmental needs of children. Catechists learn to listen to the Word alongside the children, humbly acknowledging that it is the Holy Spirit who is the true teacher of us all. Together, children and adults ponder the great works of God and marvel at all of God’s goodness. Becoming a CGS catechist can take several years, and it often continues for a lifetime.
