Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
"The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out." – John 10:3
Program Overview
Rooted in the educational philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) was developed in the 1950s as a hands-on, spiritual formation experience for children. Montessori, a devout Catholic, believed in a thoughtfully prepared environment where the child can encounter God freely and naturally.
Though her full vision wasn't embraced by all American schools, her Catholic-centered approach to learning blossomed into CGS—a method that nurtures children's love for Scripture, liturgy, and the personal relationship with Christ.
Today, CGS is embraced globally by thousands of parishes, including religious communities such as the Missionaries of Charity and Dominican Sisters, as a powerful tool for children’s spiritual growth.
The Atrium Experience
In CGS, children enter a sacred, peaceful environment called "the Atrium". Here, they explore age-appropriate materials that reflect the mystery of God and the beauty of our Catholic faith. Adults act as guides, not instructors, carefully presenting Scripture and liturgical works, then stepping back to let the Holy Spirit work in the child’s heart.
For ages 3–6, lessons focus on:
- The image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd
- Parables of the Kingdom
- Foundational elements of the Mass and liturgical calendar
Schedule & Location
CGS sessions are held on Saturday mornings from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Location: Saint John Catholic School (near Park Circle, North Charleston)
Register Today
There is limited space in our CGS community. We invite you to register your child (ages 3–6) at your earliest convenience.
Reflections & Resources
Learn more about the Catholic roots of Montessori education and why CGS continues to thrive:
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