Faith

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Where Young Hearts Meet God

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) program takes place at Roncalli Primary School for our 3- to 5-year-old students as part of our commitment to nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. This formation program invites young children to encounter God in a way that is developmentally appropriate, engaging, and deeply meaningful.

Young children are naturally filled with curiosity and a desire to discover. They learn best by exploring, observing, and interacting with the world around them. CGS embraces these qualities by providing hands-on experiences that allow children to encounter the beauty of the Catholic faith through purposeful work that often looks like play.

student working with religious figurines

More than just a classroom

At the heart of the program is a specially prepared learning environment known as the Atrium. More than just a classroom, the Atrium is a peaceful, prayerful space designed specifically for young children. Here, students work with carefully crafted materials that help bring Scripture, the liturgy, and the traditions of the Catholic Church to life.

Rather than simply being taught about their faith, children are encouraged to experience it. They move at their own pace, revisit lessons that capture their interest, and develop a personal relationship with Jesus in an atmosphere of quiet reverence and joy. This approach fosters a lifelong love of God and helps children recognize His presence in their everyday lives.

Roncalli has invested in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd because of the lasting impact it has on both faith formation and child development. Along with deepening each child's understanding of God's love, the program strengthens concentration, listening skills, independence, confidence, problem-solving, and creativity. The calm, structured environment also helps children develop self-discipline, respect for others, and a love of learning that carries over into every area of the classroom.

To learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, please visit www.cgsusa.org.