Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:14
A Brief Introduction to CGS
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a religious education program designed for young children, typically ages 3 to 12. Developed by Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi in the 1950s, it is rooted in the Montessori method and emphasizes a child-centered approach to spiritual formation.
The program focuses on helping children develop a deep, personal relationship with God through a carefully prepared environment called the "Atrium." In this space, children engage with hands-on materials and presentations that reflect key aspects of the Christian faith, such as the life of Jesus, the Sacraments, and the liturgy.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd encourages children to explore their faith through sensory experiences and meaningful, age-appropriate activities. It aims to nurture their spiritual growth in a way that respects their natural development and curiosity, allowing them to discover and connect with the sacred mysteries of the Christian tradition in a way that resonates with their own experiences and understanding.
St. Anne Atrium
Divine Mercy Academy is proud to offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for our students in preschool through third grade. Our dedicated catechists are trained using a Montessori approach to help children develop their existing relationship with our Creator.
Each week students spend a couple of hours in the atrium where they encounter the Good Shepherd who loves them and knows them each by name. In this special place of work and prayer, they enter the liturgical life of the church and hear Scripture proclaimed. They are invited to ponder the truths and mysteries revealed by God and to respond to His love with their own personal prayers, songs, and art reflections. They learn to care for their environment, fostering respect for the space and strengthening community life. They practice fundamental skills to build concentration and stillness which prepares them to listen more deeply to God’s Word.
For more information on the benefits of CGS in the school setting, click HERE.
For a comprehensive list of content and works covered in the Level I atrium, click HERE.
For a comprehensive list of content and works covered in the Level II atrium, click HERE.
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St. Anne Atrium was established in May of 2024 in collaboration with St. John Vianney Parish and with the help of many in our community who devoted countless hours of their time and talents in the making and acquiring of materials. In the fall of 2025, we were blessed to build a Level II atrium in addition to our Level I. Its founding has been a true labor of love.
Our chosen patroness, St. Anne, is venerated as the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was a pious and faithful woman who raised Mary with grace and selflessly entrusted her to God. St. Anne is a powerful intercessor for all who are dedicated to raising children in the faith.
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We have an excellent group of trained catechists who lead and assist in our atria sessions.
If you are interested in joining our team of volunteers at St. Anne Atrium or would like to learn more about CGS, please contact our program director at cgs@dmamt.org.
For catechist training opportunities in the Diocese of Helena, please see the diocesan website HERE.
While formation through CGSUSA is required to be a catechist, there are other ways to help in the atrium that do not require training, including as an assistant.
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Level I Needs:
As children use and pray with materials, we are in constant need of resupplying or helping hands to help repair items. Things we typically need extra of are:
Glue Sticks
Faber-Castell Triangular Colored EcoPencils, packs of 12
Prang watercolors, pans of 8 colors
Cardstock paper (yellow/gold, white, red, brown, green, orange, purple)
Facial tissues
Swiffer with replacement pads
Gift cards to Hobby Lobby, Michaels, WalMart, Staples
Level II Needs:
As we build…
Woodworking
Painting
Sewing
General Crafting
Thrifting
Please contact cgs@dmamt.org if you are able to help with building materials for Level II.
Thank you!
Open now: Registration for 2026-2027 atrium sessions!
St. Anne Atrium is open to the entire community, and all children are welcome.
Who can attend
Level I — children ages 3–5 (Preschool - Kindergarten)
Level 1 children must be independently toilet trained
Level II — children in 1st–3rd grade
Details
Sessions for 2026–2027 begin September 27.
All sessions meet weekly and run two hours. Both levels have the same schedule as follows:
Sunday: 8:30-10:30 am
Tuesday: 8:50-10:50 am and 12:45-2:45 pm
Wednesday: 8:50-10:50 am and 12:45-2:45 pm
Registration fee: $175 per child ($350 family maximum)
Every child is welcome. If cost is an obstacle, please reach out to Theresa Dean at cgs@dmamt.org.
How to register
Students enrolled at Divine Mercy Academy are registered automatically.
For all other families, please register HERE.
"The initiation of a child into Christian life is not a work that can be fulfilled by the catechist alone, nor by the parents alone. It is the whole Christian community that proclaims Christ, and the child must enter into contact with the entire Christian community"
- Sofia Cavalletti (co-founder of CGS)
