Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a weekly Montessori-based faith formation program for children ages 3-12. It nurtures a child’s relationship with God through prayer, hands-on materials, Scripture, and the liturgy.
Children meet weekly from September to May in age-based levels designed to support their stage of development, building concentration, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the faith.
Program Schedule (2026–2027)
Level 1 (Ages 3–5)
Mondays • 9:45–11:30am
September 21, 2026 – April 26, 2027
Saturdays • 8:45–10:15am
September 19, 2026 – May 1, 2027
Level 2 (Ages 6–8)
Mondays • 4:30–6:00pm
September 21, 2026 – April 26, 2027
Saturdays • 10:30am–12:00pm
September 19, 2026 – May 1, 2027
Level 3 (Ages 9–12)
Mondays • 6:15–7:45pm
September 21, 2026 – April 26, 2027
Breaks & Holidays
CGS pauses for Christmas after the final December sessions and resumes in January.
There are no sessions on holiday weekends, during March Break, or on Easter Monday/Holy Saturday.
More Info
Why is it called “atrium” anyway? The word “atrium” actually means “portico, or porch entrance to a large house.” The Atrium was a term given to this space by Maria Montessori. It was chosen because in the ancient church, the atrium was a gathering space between the Church Proper and the street. It was the place where the catechumens, those preparing for initiation to the Church, would receive instruction. The Atrium has a similar purpose for our children, as it is a place to help them enter into full, conscious, and active participation in the liturgical and communal life of the Church.
What is a “prepared environment”? The prepared environment is a Montessori concept that the environment can be designed to facilitate independent learning by the child. In a prepared environment, children work with materials of their own choice and at their own pace. They experience a combination of freedom and self-discipline in a place especially prepared to meet their developmental and spiritual needs.
“The atrium may be compared to a retreat house; as such it should be a place that facilitates recollection and silence, even in its external aspects of wall decorations and other furnishings. It is desirable that the atrium be “Mass-centered,” that is, a place where special prominence is awarded to the material relative to the Mass; a place where the baptismal font stands out in the area assigned to Baptism. The Gospel should have a position of honor and be located alongside the parable materials and materials relating to the historical life of Christ.” – Religious Potential of the Child by Sofia Cavalletti, p 56