Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
CGS 2026-2027 REGISTRATIONS OPEN!
St. John’s is excited to offer our children the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (GCS). The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy, and Montessori methods. As this method was developed, children of various ages were presented with many elements of liturgy and Scripture. The initiators of this method wanted to know how children experience and develop a relationship with God. What is the mystery of God that children most want to hear at various ages? What brings them joy, peace, and deep contentment? The responses of the children governed the development of this approach. As the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd spread, it became apparent that children around the world possess great spiritual capacities to know God, beginning with Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who knows his sheep, calls them by name, cares for them, gathers them together, and lays down his life for them. Given the right environment, the young child can fall in love with God, and the older child can know how the mystery of God meets the expanding world that is coming into the child’s view.
Saint John’s provides an “atrium,” a specially prepared environment for religious formation, containing beautiful materials introduced by the presenter and used by the children. These materials enable the children to understand, hands-on, various elements of Scripture, parables, the life of Jesus, the history and geography of Israel, the moral life, and liturgy, especially the sacraments of the Eucharist and Baptism. These attractive, hand-finished materials are accessible for the children to choose from any time after they have received a presentation with them.
We offer the three levels of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd:
Level I for children ages 3-6: Young children receive and enjoy the announcement of God’s love through Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who knows his sheep by name and keeps them safe.
Level II for children ages 6-9: Jesus's image engages the elementary school child as the True Vine. This parable responds to the deep need of older children to better understand their relationship with God, family, friends, and community.
Level III, for children ages 9-12 and up: The older child explores the history of the Kingdom of God, from creation to redemption to Parousia (the Second Coming of Jesus).
Schedule
CGS Sunday Mornings 9:30 AM -11:15 AM
CGS After-School
- Wednesday 4:15 -6:00 PM. Level 2 (ages 6 to 9) & Level 3 (ages 9 to 12+)
- Thursdays 4:00 -5:30 PM. Level 1 (ages 3 to 6)
Dates to Remember
Tour to the Atrium & Welcoming Sunday - September 13, 2026, after 10 am service (Gym)
First Day of Atrium, Sunday** - September 20, 2026, 9:30 to 11:15 AM (Atrium)
Meeting with Parents- 11:15 am after atrium. Grab a cup of coffee and a pastry to meet for 15 minutes in the atrium.
First Day of Atrium, Afterschool** -
Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 4:15- 5:45 PM (LEVEL 2 and LEVEL 3)
Meeting with Parents - Grab a snack to meet for 15 minutes in the atrium.
Thursday, September 24, 2026, 4:00 -5:30 PM (LEVEL 1)
Meeting with Parents - Grab a snack to meet for 15 minutes in the atrium.
*The Atrium is located on the second floor of the parish house, which adjoins the Church.
**Our CGS program follows the Church's liturgical calendar. Please see St. John's Church calendar to learn more about the CGS schedule. For more details, contact our Children's Christian Education Director, Gaby Gastelum, at ggastelum@stjohnstroy.org.
Cost
Free for parishioners and Clergy families
Non-parishioner families***(all Christian Faiths are welcome)
- $50 One child (annual fee)
- $80 Two children (annual fee)
- $90 for three or more (annual fee)
*** The money goes directly towards materials and supplies for the Atrium. Financial assistance is available. No child will be excluded due to inability to pay.
Additional Information on CGS
CGS by Age A day in the Atrium Curriculum Children's Work Educator's Testimonial 
CGS USA CCTheo
CGS Adult Training Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Podcast
Beyond the Sheepfold for Teens and Youth
Calling children ages 8 to 17! " The Eucharist, The Big Prayer made with Many Prayers." Join us to find out while enjoying hot chocolate and donuts. After the program, you are invited to volunteer at the Food Pantry's thrift store to bring joy to our neighbors.
Schedule
First Saturday of the Month -DATES TBD
9:00 AM to 10:00 AM - Class
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Volunteer at the Food Pantry or Thrift Store (optional)
Cost
Free. All children ages 8-17 are welcome!
Children's Holy Eucharist
Schedule
*2026-2027 dates TBD
Children are invited to participate in the service as acolytes, readers, and altar servers, and bring gifts for the offertory.
Family Events. Save the Date!
Backpacks of Love- August 15, 2026 9 AM at the Gym
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper and Races - Tuesday, February 9 2027 5:30 to 7 PM
Easter Egg Hunt - Sunday, March 28 2027 after the 10 AM service
Father's Day Ice Cream Social - June 20 2027 after 10 AM service
Holy Eucharist Morning
We are inviting children and youth to a series of morning CGS meditations. If you are interested in registering your child, please contact the Children's Christian Education Director, Gaby Gastelum, at ggastelum@stjohnstroy.org for more information.
Preparation for Confirmation
Preparation sessions will follow the Diocese Confirmation guide and use presentations from the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd curriculum, which offers a rich, hands-on approach to spiritual formation for youth.
If your child is interested in preparing for Confirmation or would like more information, contact the Children's Christian Education Director, Gaby Gastelum, at ggastelum@stjohnstroy.org or call the office at 518.274.5884.
Preparation for Baptism
Discover our Baptism Preparation Class, thoughtfully designed for expectant families, families with children, adults seeking baptism, godparents, and sponsors. Rooted in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd approach, this class offers a unique journey that nurtures a deep, personal relationship with God.
Through scripture reflection and guided prayer, participants of all ages are invited to explore the meaning of baptism in a peaceful, welcoming environment. Our three sessions foster wonder, joy, and understanding, helping each participant—whether a child, parent, or adult—prepare their hearts for this sacred sacrament.
If you are interested in preparing for Baptism or would like more information, contact the Children's Christian Education Director, Gaby Gastelum, at ggastelum@stjohnstroy.org or call the office at 518.274.5884.
We need your help!
Children & Youth Ministries
Would appreciate volunteers on a weekly rotation to observe in the atrium, since two adults are required in the room for classes. Sign up at the Children's Ministry Bulletin board in the hallway or contact Gaby Gastelum at ggastelum@stjohnstroy.org.
Other Collaboration Opportunities
This includes preparing materials for CGS presentations, providing food or snacks for special occasions, donating supplies, shopping for supplies, and having extra hands at family events.
Atrium Assistant Orientation
Support the children by volunteering in the Atrium. Learn the atrium's purpose, support the child's learning, and listen for God's voice. In this three-session course, we'll cover the fundamental ways you can support the children both practically and prayerfully.
Online sessions run weekly on Thursday 1:00 to 2:30 PM through the Center for Children and Theology (CCTHeo)
- August 13, 20 & 27 2026
- Enrollment Fee $150
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