The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at Blessed Sacrament Parish
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a time-tested approach to faith formation. It feeds the deepest needs of children, allowing each one to get to know God personally.
In a retreat-like atmosphere, through the use of special materials designed just for them, children hear the Word proclaimed and grow in their relationship with God.
The most essential treasures of the Christian faith, from scripture and liturgy, touch the heart of each child and lead to deep contemplation, prayer, and joy.
For further details please contact, Maria Cruz at 819-743-0816 or Maria.cruz.cuevas@gmail.com
CGS-Schedule-2022-2023 ♦ CGS-Brochure-2022-2023
BSP_Registration-Application-Form-New-to-CGS 2022-2023 ♦ CGS@BSP_Registration-Re-Enrolment-Form 2022-2023
- Please note, Blessed Sacrament Church is not set-up to receive e-transfers.
- Kindly provide cash or cheque (payable to ‘Blessed Sacrament Parish’) when submitting the Application/Registration Form.
Thank you for understanding!
For more information on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Association of Canada,
go to the CGSAC Website at: https://www.cgsac.ca
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a time-tested approach to faith formation. It feeds the deepest needs of children, allowing each one to get to know God personally.
In a retreat-like atmosphere, through the use of special materials designed just for them, children hear the Word proclaimed and grow in their relationship with God.
The most essential treasures of the Christian faith, from scripture and liturgy, touch the heart of each child and lead to deep contemplation, prayer, and joy.
LEVEL 1 (3-6 YEAR OLDS)
In the Level 1 Atrium, ‘Good Shepherd’ catechesis, children discover… God is love, Jesus is risen, and we are His sheep.
Children enjoy biblical accounts of events such as the birth of Jesus and the Last Supper, to proclaim that Jesus was a real person who lived in a specific place in time.
Children encounter elements of the liturgy, to encourage understanding and thoughtful participation. Children partake of prayer opportunities, alone and in community, for enjoyment of God’s gifts.
They contemplate parables that allow them to ponder the mystery of the Kingdom of God, especially the call to joyful relationship with Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
ATRIUM
“THE PREPARED ENVIRONMENT IS CALLED THE ‘ATRIUM’…
IT IS A PLACE OF SPIRITUAL RETREAT… IN WHICH WORK EASILY BECOMES PRAYER…
A PLACE OF WORSHIP WHERE CHILDREN AND ADULTS CELEBRATE THE WORD TOGETHER”
– Sofia Cavalletti, “Characteristics of the Good Shepherd Catechesis”
An atrium is sacred space. It is set apart for children so that they may grow in their relationship with God.
The environment is specially prepared to nurture young children in the Christian faith.
It is less of a classroom and more of a place of communal contemplation and worship.
Sensory materials are based on the three pillars of our Christian faith: the Bible, Prayer, and the Liturgy, and introduces the eight categories of our faith:
- Life in the Church
- Mysteries of the Incarnation Mystery of Time
- Prophecies and Infancy Narratives Mysteries of the
- Kingdom of God (parables)
- The Paschal Mystery
- The Eucharist
- Gestures
- Sacraments
WHILE AT HOME, TEACH AND ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILDREN TO PRAY!
Prayer is the foundation that will help children respond, lead them to holiness and guide their missions.
“If we want to assist the child in his or her religious experience, an important area which we must attend is that of prayer. Prayer is, first of all, listening to God. It is the particular key which opens up the mystery of God’s relationship with God’s creature; it is a key which belongs to God, but which God gives to all… Prayer is initiation to the mystery of God and is, itself, a mystery… our task is that of creating the conditions for silence and reverence which will help the child focus on and listen to God. We do this, first of all, by preparing an environment with a prayerful atmosphere.”
Gianna Gobbi, Listening to God with Children,
pages 117 – 118
Preparing a Domestic Church for your children ⇒ Practical-Life-and-the-Prayer-Table
Blessed are the parents who minister to the flock!
TESTIMONIALS
“Thank you for providing such a beautiful place for (the girls) to spend time with God every Saturday. It is the highlight of their week.”
“God can do more than we can ask or imagine by the power at work within us. Eph 3:30. This scripture captures the Holy Spirit at work in Dominic. CGS has helped draw out what is happening in Dominic in his faith journey through a Montessori approach. It is unbelievable! I never could have imagined this little dude could capture his faith like this or in so many other ways. His imagination is being filled with rich incredible encounters of Jesus and of the Church. Thanks Ruth Ann McClure and the CGS team! Totally recommend this program to any parents across Canada!!!”
“Fiona has such insight for her age. When you were reflecting on the parable, she was spot on and felt very supported in the environment to voice her ideas in front of her peers.”
“I can say I have never seen the Holy Spirit move more dramatically with and through children than with those who participate in this catechesis.”
“How wonderful it is to witness the utmost reverence for the Holy in a child so young.”
Press Release, July 10, 2018:
‘A New Home Found for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at Blessed Sacrament Parish in the Ottawa Archdiocese!’
