Starts September 15, 2024!
REGISTER HERE FOR 3-9 YR OLDS (CGS I and II) FOR FALL 2024/2025
Registration for Children’s Faith Formation, including First Communion Prep, is open. REGISTER HERE FOR 3-9 YR OLDS FOR FALL
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Levels I and II is a program for children in PreK – 3rd Grade (ages 3-9). If your child attends St. Thomas the Apostle school, you do not need to register.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a valid catechetical way for the religious formation of children which has official recognition in Rome. It is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. It is also promoted by Bishop Boyea of the Diocese of Lansing. The spiritual lessons presented to children are in support of the joy, awe, wonder, and peacefulness of knowing God. The children are exposed to meditation, mystery and transcendence, because in the Atrium, the Holy Spirit is the teacher.
Level 1 CGS: PreK – Kindergarten (3-6 year olds) Rm 150
At this level, children grow closer to God through reading the parables of Jesus & the infancy narratives that tell of his birth and through learning about the liturgy of the Church.
Level I CGS is offered on Sundays from 9:15 AM–11:15 AM or Tuesdays from 8:30 AM–10:15 AM.
Contact Kate Bockbrader: kbockbrader@sta2.org
CGS LEVEL 2: (Rm 251)
Level 2 CGS: 1st – 3rd Grade (7-9 year olds)
This is a two year program. Children receive First Holy Communion in the first year of CGS Level II, followed by a second year of ongoing post-sacramental catechesis.
At the start of Level II, the child begins preparation for First Holy Communion by delving deeper into Scripture and the liturgy of the Catholic church. During the second year of CGS Level II, families receive a catechetical text to help them with faith formation as a domestic church in the home.
Level II CGS is offered on Sundays from 9:15 AM–11:15 AM and Tuesdays from 8:30 AM–10:15 AM.
All children receiving First Holy Communion in the spring of 2025 will also attend five evening classes with their families plus some special events. Those registered will receive a schedule and more details at the family orientation on September 14.
Contact Caty Sumerton: csumerton@gmail.com
CGS Level III
CGS Level III is currently in development and will be coming to our parish soon!