We believe that God is uniquely present in each child. Our role is to lead children to scripture, liturgy, and the sacraments, and to then allow the Spirit to guide and expand their reflection and understanding.
St. Catherine’s offers a truly unique and gracious opportunity for faith development of children ages 3–12 via Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a scripture and liturgy based formational process which utilizes Montessori methodology with hands-on-materials. CGS supports the belief that religious formation of the child is a relationship between God and the child, a relationship in which the catechist may assist. This formational process respects the pace of each child and gives the child a space in which to encounter God.
St. Catherine’s is the only Catholic parish in Wisconsin to offer all three levels of the internationally awarded Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for children ages 3–12.
Calendar: Here is the 2011-2012 Calendar.pdf for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
Registration: Please use this Enrollment Form.pdf to register your child(ren) to participate in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Formation Classes. Or, contact our Director of Christian Formation, Cindy Lieb at 445–5115 or via email If your child is age two and a half please contact Cindy to determine the best time for your child to begin attending CGS.
Mail Completed Enrollment Form and Fee to the Parish Office: Please include your Catechetical Participant Fee along with your completed Enrollment Form. However, since Christian formation is a right of every person, this fee requirement should never hinder a child from participating in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd formational activities and classes. If your feel your family needs financial assistance in order to participate please contact Cindy for a confidential consultation at 445–5115 or via email .
Our Catechists and Catechetical Assistants: Our catechists have attended a minimum of four weeks of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd training for the formation of children, as well as maintaining certification as a Archdiocesan catechist. Our assistants are in the process of certification. All adults who work with children have been trained in the Archdiocesan Safeguarding All of God’s Children program and continue to update their knowledge and ability to safeguard our children.
Is the Lord calling you? Do you have a love for children? Would you like to grow in your own faith and spirituality? Then it sounds like you would be a wonderful asset to Child Formation. The rewards are out of this world! Contact Cindy Lieb, 445–5115 or via email and set up a time to discussion the beauty of joining with children as we all grow in our relationship with God.
Additional information about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd formational ministry is available from the CGS national website CGSUSA.
