Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

In the atrium the activity of the child “is either a passage to prayer or prayer itself.”

Sofia Cavalletti

What is the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?

 The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a faith formation process that honours the spiritual values of childhood, especially that of joy, and caters for children aged 3-12 years. The proclamation and transmission of the Christian message takes place in the atrium.

 Developed by Dr. Sofia Cavalletti and Professor Gianna Gobbi in Rome, the CGS draws strongly on the discoveries of childhood made by Dr. Maria Montessori and implements Montessori principles of education such as the use of concrete materials, spontaneous choice of work and freedom of movement.

 Presented with a series of meditations and model materials children are given the opportunity to deepen their reflection on the mystery of God as revealed in Scripture, the Liturgy (Mass) and the Sacraments through self-chosen activities such as drawing, painting, tracing, handworks, writing and working with the model materials.

What is the Atrium?

 The atrium is the specially prepared environment for this catechetical method and may be likened to a children’s retreat centre. It is the place where two mysteries meet; the mystery of God and the mystery of the child.

Foundational Principles Underlying the CGS

·        Rather than teaching about God, the primary purpose of this catechetical approach is to introduce the child to God and nurture the relationship between God and the child.

·        The atrium is a quiet place of prayer and meditation. It is holy ground where the child encounters Jesus the Good Shepherd who loves them and knows them by name.

·        In the atrium every work of the child is either a passage to prayer or prayer itself.

·        The materials in the atrium have been designed to meet the needs of the child as they progress through the different stages of development according to the research of Dr. Maria Montessori.

·        Catechists are invited by Christ to become like little children. Together with the children they listen to and ponder His Word. Catechists journey together with the children deep into the heart of our God.

CGS Levels

Level 1 (3-6 year olds)

Level 2 (6-9 year olds)

Level 3 (9-12 year olds)

Authorisation to be a catechist or helper in a parish atrium

To be authorised to volunteer in an atrium you will need to:

·        Obtain a NSW Working with Children Check Clearance Number (NSW WwCC Clearance Number)

·        Fill in a CGS Engagement Form (signed by the Parish Priest/Parish Administrator)

·        Sign a Catechist Additional Statement

For Parish Atrium Coordinators and Treasurer (those handling any finances) there is the additional requirement of completing an Informed Consent Form: National Police Checking Service. Atrium Coordinator and Treasurer ONLY

What training is involved to be a CGS catechist?

To be a CGS catechist you need to undertake training. Each of the three levels requires 12 days of training. Training can be delivered over time in 3 day blocks or 6 day blocks. Catechists may choose to complete Level 1 training and only work in a Level 1 (3-6) atrium. Often catechists complete Level 1 training and don’t do Level 2 training for a few years until the three year old children they started with are ready to move to Level 2. You can set the pace of your training.

Training opportunities take place within the diocese and in larger centres such as Chatswood (Sydney), Melbourne and Brisbane. Training is advertised via email, parish bulletins, the Australian National Association website, The Together etc.

Training Structure:

Level 1 Part 1 (6 days)

Level 1 Part 2 (6 days)

Level 2 Part 1 (6 days)

Level 2 Part 2 (6 days)

Level 3 Part 1 (6 days)

Level 3 Part 2 (6 days)

Do I have to complete this training in order to be involved in an atrium?

No. You may choose to be a helper in an atrium. This means you assist the trained catechist, but you won’t present the materials and reflections to the children. Helpers are an essential part of any atrium and are always welcome.

Atria in the Diocese of Wagga Wagga

LAVINGTON- Holy Spirit

Coordinator: Angela Van Der Horst
Contact Number:  0427 063 934
Level/s: 1
Location: Holy Spirit Church, 550 Prune Street

For more information please click

Website Links

The National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Australia 
http://cgsaust.org.au/

 The National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd United States
http://www.cgsusa.org/