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What is CGS?
You’ve seen the term on our site, maybe heard it from a friend, or found us searching for something more for the children in your life. Here’s what Catechesis of the Good Shepherd actually is — and why churches, schools, and families keep coming back to it.
In Short
A hands-on way for children to encounter God.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a hands-on process of faith formation based on the Montessori method of learning. Unlike book-based curricula which use a workbook model with minimal teacher training, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd utilizes a dedicated prepared space for children called the “atrium” and extensively trained catechists. The atrium is filled with child-sized furnishings and manipulative models of people, places, and objects found in scripture and liturgy.
These materials are introduced to the children throughout the year. Each week, the children choose materials to continue their meditation about particular Scripture texts or signs from church life or the liturgy. Because children learn by using their hands, working with materials allows them to enter more deeply into meditation, nurturing their relationship with God.
Which part applies to you?
If you’re a parent, this might be the “something more” you’ve been looking for beyond a workbook or a video series — a way for your child’s own questions to lead the way.
If you’re a catechist or ministry leader, this is the method behind the courses and formation CCTheo offers, and the reason our approach looks different from most religious education programs.
If you’re new to all of this, that’s exactly who this page is for. Keep reading.
where it comes from
Rooted in Montessori. Shaped by decades of listening to children.
It starts with how Montessori saw the child.
Help us, O God, to enter into the secret of childhood, so that we may know, love and serve the child in accordance with the laws of Thy justice and following Thy holy will.
What is Montessori?
Dr. Maria Montessori was an Italian physician who specialized in scientific observation and educational experimentation to support the needs of the child, leading to a love of learning throughout life.
- Centers the child as a whole and complex being
- Honors the child’s developmental needs
- Honors the child’s innate needs and desires for knowledge, place, and belonging
- Recognizes the unique needs of each individual and creates space for inclusion and uniqueness
- Encourages a focus on care of self, others, and the world
- Allows the child to grow in multi-age classes at their own pace with individualized presentations
Montessori & Faith
Dr. Sofia Cavalletti, a Hebrew scholar and theologian, joined with Gianna Gobbi, a Montessorian who trained with Maria Montessori herself. Together they expounded on the spiritual needs recognized by Dr. Montessori into a deeply thoughtful, Christocentric method.
- Centered on encouraging children’s self-directed prayer conversations with God
- Supports the spiritual life of the child — body, spirit, and mind — in developmentally honoring ways
- Seeks to allow the child to enter with joy and wonder into the life of faith and the church community
- Listens carefully to the child’s responses and mirrors the wonder, joy, and hope found in the child
carrying it forward
The Center for Children & Theology carries that lineage forward. Our founder, Catherine Maresca, trained with Sofia Cavalletti in some of the first American CGS courses, and CCTheo has been forming catechists, supporting churches, and listening to children ever since.
in the atrium
See it for yourself.
The atrium is a sacred space, not a classroom. Here’s what it looks like when children are at work in it.
Child at sand tray
Everything is sized for the child and within reach. Working with their hands, children enter into contemplative prayer.
At the model altar
Liturgical materials bring children into contact with the articles of faith, inviting them into reverence.
Catechist observing
The adult presents, then steps back. The work belongs to the child.
faqs
Would you like to learn more?
The deep religious potential of children first captivated two Italian laywomen, Dr. Sofia Cavalletti, a Hebrew scripture scholar and Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori educator, over 70 years ago. It is the joyful, peaceful response of the children themselves that inspired and determines the content of this unique process. Guided by the children’s own choices and work, Sofia and Gianna were able to select for each age group those Scriptures and liturgical signs that are the best developmental match. Since then it’s been passed down from catechist to catechist and spread across the globe.
Over time the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd spread, first coming to the United States in the 1970s. Today, it is used in many dioceses and denominations across the nation, and in 37 countries across the world. Additional information about courses and atria around the country is available at our membership organization: CGSUSA.
We offer a community of observers, documenters, and practitioners who discuss and wonder together at the mystery that is the child in worship.
We offer resources gleaned from our observation and discussion to support you and your work.
We offer highly trained and CGS certified catechists to support your journey with children.
We have newsletters, events (in person and online), and a listening ear to ponder and inspire the wider community.
We offer materials like scripture booklets, art, and other resources to support adult and children’s spiritual development.
We provide consultation services for parishes and schools implementing the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and other Montessori adjacent programs. We focus on spiritually preparing the adult, preparing the spaces, offering parent-resources, and helping them integrate this approach into their existing programs and communities.
No. CGS is practiced across more than ten Christian denominations. The method is rooted in Scripture and the liturgical year broadly, and churches from many traditions have adapted it for their own communities.
Where to go next
Find the path that's yours.
I'm a catechist or ministry leader
Explore formation courses by age level, from initial certification to ongoing support.
I lead a parish or school
Learn how CCTheo supports organizations bringing CGS into their community.
I'm a parent or caregiver
Discover Grace Space Families — resources built for your family’s spiritual life at home.