A Prayerful, Child-Centered Faith Formation Experience
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori-based faith formation program for children ages 3–12. Rooted in Scripture and the liturgy of the Church, CGS invites children into a deep, personal relationship with God through quiet reflection, hands-on materials, and meaningful presentations.
Children gather in a specially prepared space called an atrium, where they encounter the life of Jesus in a peaceful and prayerful environment.
What Makes CGS Different?
CGS is not a traditional classroom or lecture-based program. Instead, it is:
- Child-centered – Children work at their own pace and respond personally to what they receive.
- Hands-on – Materials help make Scripture and the Mass tangible and accessible.
- Rooted in Scripture and Liturgy – The Bible and the Mass are at the heart of every session.
- Prayerful – The atrium is a place of silence, wonder, and encounter with God.
- Small group setting – Limited class sizes allow for individual attention.
CGS Levels
We offer the following levels based on age:
Level I (Ages 3–6)
We focus on the love of the Good Shepherd, foundational parables, and introduction to the Mass.
We hope to eventually offer Level II (Ages 6-9) and Level III (Ages 9-12) as well.
In the meantime, please have your older children participate in our Whole Community Faith Formation (WCFF) classes on Sundays.
Program Details
Location: Queen of Peace Atrium (Chapel)
Schedule: Tuesdays from 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Program Year: September – May
Class Size: Limited to maintain a peaceful and focused environment
Registration
Registration for the 2026–2027 CGS year is open soon.
Spots are limited and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please submit one form per child.
Tuition & Payment
The Queen of Peace Faith Formation program has a one-time annual fee per family that covers both Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) and WCFF.
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$60 per family if your child is receiving a sacrament this year
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$45 per family if none of your children are receiving a sacrament
This fee helps support classroom materials, supplies, and retreats throughout the year.
*Scholarships are available upon request.
Payment Options
- Online: Here. Please click “Add a Memo” and include your family’s last name.
- Check: Payable to the parish. Please write “WCFF” in the memo line.
Registration is not complete until payment has been received.
Parent Involvement
CGS is supported by a community of trained catechists and volunteers.
Parents are invited to participate through:
- Assisting in the atrium
- Preparing materials
- Substituting when needed
If you are interested in volunteering, please indicate this on the registration form.
Visit the Atrium
We encourage families and all interested parishioners to experience CGS firsthand.
To schedule a visit or tour of the atrium, please get in touch with us using the information below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CGS sacrament preparation?
Not at this time. CGS supports sacramental preparation by forming the child spiritually and scripturally, alongside our parish sacrament programs.
Can my child join mid-year?
This depends on availability. Please contact us for more information.
Do parents stay during sessions?
No. Children attend independently, though we welcome parent involvement in other ways.
What if my child is shy or new?
The calm and structured atrium environment is especially supportive for children who need time to adjust. We recommend setting up a time to tour with your child if they are shy and may have a harder time.
Contact Us
For questions, registration help, or to schedule a visit:
Olivia Hurlburt
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We look forward to walking with your child in their faith journey!
