​At St. Mary's, we partner with parents in order to nurture each child's faith formation together. Whether your child is just starting their journey or is preparing for confirmation, we are dedicated to providing the best program for their entire mind, body, and soul.

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Registration for Youth Faith Formation is Closed

Registration for the 2026–2027 year has closed. We look forward to welcoming new families when registration reopens in spring 2027 for the 2027–2028 school year.

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Want to be notified when registration opens? Sign up to receive an email!

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Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

(Ages 3-12 years old)

 

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is St. Mary’s faith formation program for children ages 3–12. Inspired by the Montessori method, CGS is a hands-on approach to learning the Catholic faith that engages the whole child—mind, heart, and spirit.

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What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?

CGS is a hands-on, Scripture-centered approach to catechesis that helps children encounter and grow in their relationship with Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

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The program was developed by Sofia Cavalletti, a Scripture scholar, and Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori educator. It follows a spiral method, meaning children return to the central truths of our faith again and again, encountering them at a deeper level as they grow and mature.

 

What is an Atrium?

CGS takes place in a specially prepared environment called an atrium. The atrium is a peaceful, retreat-like space where children can slow down, listen, pray, wonder, and encounter the mysteries of our faith.

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Through presentations based on Scripture and the liturgy, children are invited to discover the life of Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church. They then have time to work and pray independently with materials designed to help them reflect more deeply on what they have heard.

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Their work may include:

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• Scripture and Gospel presentations

• Prayer and reflection

• Liturgical activities

• Practical life skills

• Art and music

• Hands-on materials that help make the faith tangible

 

Rather than simply being taught about God, children are given the time and space to encounter Him and respond to His love.

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Our hope is that through the child’s work and prayer, he or she comes closer to the true Teacher, Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd.

 

Why are children grouped by age?

Children are grouped in three-year age levels because children in the same developmental stage learn and grow well together. As they progress through CGS, they revisit the central truths of the faith in ways that are appropriate to their age and spiritual development.

 

Why is there a registration fee?

Your registration fee helps us provide a quality faith formation experience for your children and support the people who make it possible.

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The fee helps cover:

• Formal training for our St. Mary catechists, equipping them to serve your children well

• Materials used in the atrium, including consumable supplies

• Materials for Confirmation preparation

• Use, maintenance, and upkeep of our atrium and classroom spaces

 

We are grateful for our dedicated catechists and for the families who make this ministry possible.​​​