Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based religious formation program that seeks to create and facilitate a sacred, “hands-on” space where children can hear, ponder, and celebrate the mysteries of the Christian faith.  

The atrium (or prepared environment) is one of the important elements that helps the relationship between God and the child to flourish. After a theme has been presented, the child is free to choose an activity that will make possible the inner dialogue with the Holy Spirit.

Level I classes are offered in St. Francis House on the church campus.  We require a family pre-visit prior to the child's first class to orient them to the space and for us to get to know each other and share what your child will learn during their time with us.

Please enroll your child for the class on My SJN Hub and be in touch with Meghan Jackson, the atrium coordinator, at [email protected] with any questions and to set up your pre-visit time.

For those who would like to learn more about catechist training, please contact Meghan so she can share current local options that may be underway and learn how you would like to be involved.  Training options are also listed on the national CGS website available here.

"The Atrium represents a very special and sacred place where the children are introduced to God through Scripture, prayers, songs and work.  In this busy world, I love the quiet atmosphere that is promoted in the Atrium.  The instructors are not meant to "teach" but to catechize through the materials in the atrium so that a relationship with Jesus is fostered and grows through the years.  

Although this method takes a bit of time, especially when the children are taught in the traditional way simultaneously, CGS shows the children that whatever work they do is to be done to honor God.  There is a system of getting and restoring work and respecting others in the space.  The children eventually linger with the materials they work with during their time in the Atrium and it brings them satisfaction and joy!  The children involved in this program will grow into a strong and lasting relationship with Our Lord."

With 50,000 attendees in July 2024 at the NEC in Indianapolis, three atria were set up for all three levels of the program for children ages 3 to 12.  The video above shows the transformation of the conference space into the warm and inviting reflective spaces and some of the children's reflective art work after receiving a lesson.