General Information:

Pre-school Discipleship Formation (Catechesis of the Good Shepherd)

2025-26 Sessions are open to potty-trained 3-year-olds (by 10/1/2025), 4-year-olds and 5-year-olds. Occasionally younger children are not quite ready to work in the Atrium. A readiness assessment will be done by the catechist during the first atrium session.

Sundays 9:45 AM – 11:15 AM (3 and 4 yr olds)

Tuesdays 10:30 AM-12 PM, (3, 4 and 5 year olds)

Calendar 2025-26

Catechist: Jane Charnetski janec@saintsdepere.org

Tuition:

Sunday Mornings (15 sessions) $110. Fees increase $25 7/1 and 9/8 .

Tuesday Mornings (24 sessions) $160. Fees increase $25 7/1 and 9/8.

Capacity: 12

We are blessed to have a special program at St Mary and St Francis Xavier for the youngest among us. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is designed to nurture the 3-5 year old's love of God as well as teach them the basics of the faith. This method is a departure from traditional classroom style catechesis. It allows the child the space and time to explore who God is in their own time and rhythm.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Mt 19:14

CGS takes place in a specially prepared room called an Atrium. The children work in a quiet and contemplative environment. The room is filled with beautifully made materials; most are handmade. The CGS trained catechist presents the materials to the children and then the children are free to work with the materials. Each session is 90 minutes long to allow the children to complete a full work cycle as described by Maria Montessori.

"Be still and know that I am God" Ps 46:10

The children come to know who Jesus is by learning where he was born, lived and walked on the face of the earth as well as where he died and rose again. They come to understand the liturgy by learning the gestures and articles of the Mass and the vestments and liturgical colors of the year. They ponder what the Kingdom of Heaven is like by hearing the parables of the Mustard Seed, the Precious Pearl and The Leaven. They come to know Jesus as the Good Shepherd and we, the Church, are the sheep.

The atrium is located in the lower level of St Mary Church.

Contact the parish office if you'd like to learn more or discuss having your child join this beautiful program