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 support the joy, awe, wonder, and peacefulness of knowing God. Children are exposed to meditation, mystery, and transcendence, because in the atrium, the Holy Spirit is the teacher.

Children who are receiving catechesis at St. Thomas Catholic School or elsewhere but will still receive their first Holy Communion this year at St. Thomas Church must register using the online form, pay a $30 fee, and attend several preparation sessions prior to receiving their first Communion.

CGS Level I: PreK – Kindergarten (3-6-Year-Olds): Room 150

This is a three-year program for children ages 3-6. All three years are focused on introducing children to the central theme of Christ’s love for them as the Good Shepherd, stirring within them a sense of wonder and awe before his presence, as they learn about the Mass, the infancy narratives of Christ, and his parables about the Kingdom of God.

CGS Level I is offered on Sundays from 9:15-11:15 a.m. or Tuesdays from 8:30-10:15 a.m. starting the week of September 13, 2026.

Contact Kate Bockbrader: kbockbrader@sta2.org

CGS Level II: First – Third Grade (7-9-Year-Olds): Room 251

This is a three-year program for children ages 7-9. In the first year, children grow in friendship with Jesus the Good Shepherd and begin learning about moral choices and God’s covenant love. In the second year, children prepare for First Reconciliation and First Communion by exploring Jesus’ moral parables, the Sacrifice of the Mass, the Eucharist, and God’s mercy both in their lives and throughout salvation history. In the third year, after receiving the sacraments, children reflect more deeply on their meaning and learn to live out the graces they’ve received in daily life.

CGS Level II is offered on Sundays from 9:15-11:15 a.m. and Tuesdays from 8:30-10:15 a.m. starting the week of September 13, 2026.

All children receiving their first Holy Communion in the spring of 2027 will also attend five evening classes with their families plus some special events:

• First Communion prep sessions: October 18, November 15, February 21, March 21, and April 18, 6:00-7:15 p.m. in parish hall
• First Communion retreat: May 14, 4:00-8:00 p.m.
• First Communion Mass: May 15, 10:30 a.m. 

Contact Caty Sumerton: csumerton@gmail.com

CGS Level III (9-12 Years Old)

Bimonthly Family Catechesis Sessions

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level III leads children ages 9-12 deeper into salvation history, moral formation, and the sacraments through prayerful reflection on Scripture and the liturgy. This will prepare them for Confirmation!

We will host bimonthly sessions where parents and children both receive catechesis and continue their Level III formation at home in between sessions. Dinner will be provided! Sessions will meet in the parish hall from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on September 21, October 19, November 16, December 14, January 18, February 15, March 15, and April 19 (May 17 is a makeup day).

For general religious education inquiries, contact Alexander Wallo, Director of Faith Formation, at awallo@sta2.org.