What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?
Each of us has a deeply unique and personal relationship with God, and the same goes for your child or grandchild. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, or CGS, fosters that relationship through a Montessori-style of religious formation that is grounded in the Bible and the Liturgy of the Church. It deeply respects the relationship God already has with a child and the natural stages of the human development of children. To learn more about CGS, visit the CGS Apostolate Center resource website or the United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGSUSA).
We are excited to see the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd take root and grow throughout our diocese. If you are already participating in an atrium or are interested in bringing CGS to your parish or community, we invite you to contact Kate to share what is happening in your community and become part of this growing ministry. In the meantime, we are pleased to offer Lent for Littles in the Northern Vicariate as we take our first steps toward expanding CGS throughout the diocese.
We’re Beginning Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in the Northern Vicariate with Lent for Littles!
We are excited to begin introducing Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) to the Northern Vicariate through Lent for Littles, a six-week experience designed especially for children ages 3–4.Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based approach to faith formation that invites children into a deep and personal relationship with God. Rather than simply teaching children about Jesus, CGS creates a prayerful environment where children can encounter and come to know and love Him through Scripture, prayer, silence, and beautiful hands-on materials.
A Journey Through Lent
During Lent for Littles, children will journey toward Holy Week and Easter at a pace that is appropriate for young children. Each session will offer opportunities for Scripture, prayer, hands-on exploration, silence, and reflection.
A specially formed catechist will work with each child, introducing materials and presentations that help the child reflect on God's great love for them.
Children may encounter materials and reflections including:
• Processions and celebrations connected to the changing liturgical seasons
• The geography of Israel in the time of Jesus
• Liturgical colors and the altar
• The Last Supper
• Symbols of Baptism
• Scripture and prayer cards
• Opportunities for prayer, silence, and reflection
Session Offerings
Lenten Tuesdays | 10:00–11:30 a.m. Session dates: February 16, February 23, March 2, March 9, March 16, and March 30 Orientation: February 2 or February 9
Lenten Wednesdays | 3:00–4:30 p.m. Session dates: February 17, February 24, March 3, March 10, March 17, and March 31 Orientation: February 3 or February 9
Lenten Thursdays | 5:30–7:00 p.m. Session dates: February 18, February 25, March 4, March 11, March 18, and April 1 Orientation: February 11
Location: St. Mark the Evangelist 695 Smithson Ave. Erie, PA
Participants: Children ages 3–4 from any parish!
Registration
Space is limited, and registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
The cost to provide the materials used in Lent for Littles is $50 per child. A donation of $25 or more helps support the continuation of this ministry.
Questions or registration: 814-824-1261 or email Kate
We invite families to take this first step with us as we begin building a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd community. Lent for Littles is an opportunity for our youngest children to experience the beauty of prayer, Scripture, and the liturgical life of the Church in a way that speaks directly to their hearts.
Stay Tuned! The first full year of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd begins in mid-fall 2027.