Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)
At Saint Francis of Assisi
Please email Jennifer at cgsjennifer@sfassisi.org for more information and to be added to the waitlist.
*Space is limited and priority will be given to registered parishioners.
Would you like to help your child/grandchild enjoy a deeper relationship with God? The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based approach to the religious formation of children, rooted in Sacred Scripture, Liturgy, and respect for the child's rich relationship with God.
Each level of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd has three years of presentations and each level builds upon the other. Scroll down for more information on our 2023-2024 schedule and tuition fees. If you have any questions please email Jennifer Whitehill at cgsjennifer@sfassisi.org.
The Good Shepherd
One of the most well known images of Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd, “for My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (Jn 10:27). Jesus is calling all of us and we respond by following him in faith. This interaction between Christ and his sheep begins at our baptism. He never stops calling us to him. Our children can especially hear Christ’s voice as the Good Shepherd. CGS is a Montessori based approach that has been specially designed to help our children explore all areas of their Catholic faith appropriate to their developmental age.
For more information, please email Jennifer Whitehill at cgsjennifer@sfassisi.org.
More about CGS
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is based on the Bible and the Liturgy. Children receive presentations on these areas according to their level. The catechists, along with the parents, will determine when the child is ready to move to the next level, but each child typically spends three years in each level.
Level 1: Ages 3-6 (children must be independent in the restroom))
Level 2: Ages 6-9
Level 3: Ages 9-12
Sacramental Preparation for First Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation requires a minimum of two years of formation which begins in Level 2. The child will receive all three sacraments in their third year of Level 2 after completing 5 parent/child meditations, which take place outside of the typical atrium time. There is also a weekend retreat for the children before the Sacramental Mass.
2024-2025 Schedule
Below are the schedule options for each course (only 1 session per week is required). Space is limited and priority will be given to St. Francis of Assisi registered parishioners.
Notification of placement will go out in August. Specific starting dates in the Fall will be emailed to registered families.
Level 1 (ages 3-6) Level 2 (ages 6-9) Level 3 (ages (-12)
Sundays 11:45am-1:45pm Levels 1, 2 (not available) , 3
Wednesdays 4:00-6:00pm Levels 1 and 2 only
Thursdays 4:00-6:00pm Levels 1, 2, 3
2024-2025 Tuition Fees
Contributing Parishioners: $50 each for each child, max of $150 per family (3 or more children).
Non-Parishioners: $275 for the 1st child and $75 per each additional child. This fee breaks down to only $5.97/hour (on average) for your child to attend!
*fees are lower at SFA than the tuition rates at surrounding parishes. We do however offer scholarships to those in financial need. Please contact Louise Kubier (louise@sfassisi.org) for more information.
***Space is limited and priority will be given to registered parishioners.
Please email Jennifer at cgsjennifer@sfassisi.org for more information and to be added to the waitlist.
Interested in Becoming a Volunteer?
Please email Jennifer Whitehill at cgsjennifer@sfassisi.org.