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
"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)
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.
Divine Mercy Academy’s Level I Atrium
Divine Mercy Academy is proud to offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for our students in preschool - kindergarten. Our dedicated catechists are trained using a Montessori approach to help children develop their existing relationship with our Creator.
Students enter an intentionally prepared and peaceful environment, called an atrium, where they hear Scripture, rejoice in song, ponder God’s nature, are introduced to the sacraments, and even practice important development practical skills such as pouring water and tidying up.
Our youngest students will spend on average an hour an a half each week in the atrium, accompanied by trained catechists and assistants.
We are currently building a Level II atrium for 6-9 year old students which will be ready for the 2025/2026 school year. Volunteers are needed to build materials as well as work in the atrium next year. Please contact Trina at cgs@dmamt.org if you can help!
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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 Trina at cgs@dmamt.org if you are able to help with building materials for Level II.
Thank you!
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DMA has several trained volunteer catechists. Trina Matthews is our CGS director and may be reached at the email: cgs@dmamt.org.
If you are interested in volunteering at St. Anne Atrium, please contact Trina. We need you!
New catechists and assistants are needed for next years’ atrium sessions. For training opportunities in the Diocese of Helena, please see the diocesan website HERE.
*Note that there is a training in Bozeman in August of 2026.
While catechists need to be trained, assistants do not. If you would like to help in the atrium but do not have time for training, you can still help.
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