CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
More than just a religious education curriculum
An opportunity for our children to wonder, grow, and discover
their relationship with the Good Shepherd.
their relationship with the Good Shepherd.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
All classes are held weekly in the Atrium at the Parish Office
225 Seven Farms Drive Suite 100
Daniel Island, SC 29492
Level 1 - Ages 3-5
Friday Class - 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday Class - 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
*** CGS classes have a maximum of 10 students per class ***
225 Seven Farms Drive Suite 100
Daniel Island, SC 29492
Level 1 - Ages 3-5
Friday Class - 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday Class - 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
*** CGS classes have a maximum of 10 students per class ***
Registration begins July 15, 2022!
Please read the Child Formation Handbook linked below
Please read the Child Formation Handbook linked below
To register your child in CGS, please click here.
Questions about CGS? Please contact T.J. Cofield, Director of Child Formation
What Is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?
In the mid-1950s, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd was developed from the educational philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, who was a devout Catholic and dedicated a lifetime to observing the natural development of the child. Maria emphasized the need for a specially-prepared environment and a hands-on learning experience to aid children’s education.
"Maria saw the importance of engaging the whole child - physically, mentally, psychologically, and sensorially - in the learning process."
To this day, Montessori schools can be found across the world, offering a unique approach to education. Although not carried over into many schools in the United States, Maria's original philosophy was always informed by her Catholic faith. After her death, her methods were perfected and formed into the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. CGS is used worldwide by the Missionaries of Charity, the Dominican Sisters, and thousands of parish communities as a different way to form children's faith.
As Catholics, we believe that each child has an innate spirituality and a unique relationship with God from the very beginning.
The adult should assist the growth of this relationship, but is directed by the Spirit of God within the child. In CGS, we give children a space of their own (called “The Atrium”) where they are encouraged to foster this relationship through the use of hands-on materials. The child is shown how to “work” (set up and manipulate) the specific materials and then given the opportunity to experience them as long as they want. In this way, they are not just memorizing information but truly pondering the mysteries of our faith. At the early childhood level (3-5 years old), the emphasis is placed on the love of God for each person represented in the image of the Good Shepherd, along with lessons on the liturgy and the Word of God, specifically in the Kingdom of God parables.
