Every child is born with an innate spirituality. How you nurture it matters.
The Center for Children and Theology helps catechists, church leaders, and families create spaces where children’s spirituality can grow with depth and joy.
why cgs
Most children's programs underestimate what children are capable of.
Too often, children’s ministry treats kids as future adults who need to be filled with the right information. Sofia Cavalletti, biblical scholar and founder of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS), saw it differently. She noticed that the child already possesses a mysterious knowledge of God. Children are whole, spiritual beings right now, capable of wonder, deep questions, and a relationship with God that can take our breath away.
In the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, we honor that. Built on Maria Montessori’s understanding of child development and Cavalletti’s decades of observation, every presentation is matched to how children actually learn and grow. Adults prepare a beautiful space (the atrium), present Scripture and liturgy, and then do the hardest thing of all: they step back and listen.
since 1995
This way of working with children has deep roots.
In 1954, Sofia Cavalletti sat down with three children in Rome and was so struck by their joy and depth that she spent the next 45 years documenting how children respond to God. What she found became Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. In 1981, our founder Catherine Maresca began her own work in the atrium, learning from Sofia herself in those first American courses, where a small group of catechists spent their days and nights making materials, writing album pages, and helping each other open atriums back home. CCTheo was born from that lineage in 1995, and we have been listening ever since.
Over ten denominations. Hundreds of catechists. More than 30 years of listening to God with children.
where to begin
Here's how to get started
Go deeper with formation courses, atrium resources, and a community that speaks your language.
Discover how CGS can transform children’s programming in your parish or school.
Learn what Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is and see if it resonates.
Are you a parent looking for ways to nurture your child’s faith at home? Visit Grace Space Families, a project of the Center for Children and Theology.
SHOP
Resources for your atrium and beyond
What People Say
What becomes possible when adults are formed for this work
“It takes such a load off my back as the parish CGS coordinator to be able to offer this training to potential assistants. It saves me a lot of time and is also very affordable for the parish. Having it spread across three nights on Zoom makes it feel very doable for people and they’ve come back with great information.”
Ann Garrido, CGS Coordinator
“That was great! I look forward to watching again on the video…So many helpful ideas!”
Participant – Practical Life Refresher: L1 (3-6 years)
“Our facilitator truly wove together brilliant teachings amongst three strong belief
systems challenging without offending, staying true to her convictions without
dismissing others, and answering questions in a Christ-centered way.”
Ruth, Participant – L1 CGS Formation Course
When a child’s first experience of faith starts with rules instead of relationship, God becomes a judge.
But when it starts with love,
everything that follows is built on the certainty of being loved.
That’s what we’re here for.
Start today.
Not ready for a course?
Read Spiritual Preparation of the Catechist, a short collection of reflections from catechists about doubt, humility, and the work of showing up anyway. Free, sent instantly to your inbox.