Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd:
faith formation for children age 3 through seventh grade
Hands-on faith formation classes based on the Montessori method of learning
Classes meet weekly Registration required
WHAT IS IT?
This hands-on method of faith formation is based on the Montessori method of learning. Unlike book-based curriculums that 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 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.
Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program here: http://www.cgsusa.org/
WHO IS IT FOR?
St. Timothy Church offers Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (or "CGS" for short) classes for parish children as well as non-parishioners. Classes are divided by age and lessons are tailored to fit the class size and age of the children, so registration is required.
Children as young as three years old may begin to participate in CGS and they may continue through the end of seventh grade. Older children are welcomed into our Parish School of Religion and Youth Ministry programs.
For our preschool classes, children must be fully potty-trained and three years old on or before 09/01/2024.
For our kindergarten classes, children must be five years old on or before 09/01/2024.
WHEN and WHERE DO CLASSES MEET?
St. Timothy’s Catechesis of the Good Shepherd meet once/week, on Sundays beginning September 15, 2024 and ending May 18, 2025.
Preschool Level I:
Sundays, 9:30 - 10:50 am
Kindergarten Level I:
Sundays, 9:30 - 10:50 am
Grades 1 - 3 Level II: Sundays, 9:30 - 10:50 am
Grades 4 -7 Level III: Sundays, 9:30 - 10:50 am
Classes meet in the Atrium, a dedicated space filled with child-sized furnishings and manipulative models of people, places, and objects found in scripture and liturgy. The St. Timothy CGS Atrium is located off the hallway at the back of the church (across the hall from the restrooms).
Exact Class Dates for 2024-2025:
Sunday Dates: September 15, September 22, September 29, October 6, October 13, October 20, October 27, November 3, November 10, November 17, November 24, December 8, December 15, January 5, January 12, January 26, February 2, February 9, February 23, March 2, March 23, March 30, April 6, April 13, April 27, May 4, May 11, May 18.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The cost to participate in CGS at St. Timothy is $100.00. No parish child will be turned away based on an inability to pay tuition. If you need assistance, simply contact Mrs. Ellen Peppercorn (epeppercorn@sttimchurch.org) or call the rectory at 614-451-2671. Tuition is due by the first day of class.
WHAT ABOUT FIRST COMMUNION?
First Communion and First Reconciliation is offered to CGS and St Timothy Students in Second Grade. This year First Reconciliation will be Wednesday November 6, 2024 at 6:30pm and First Communion will take place on Saturday May 3, 2025 at 1pm. You can find a complete list of important dates for First Communion and First Reconciliation HERE.
Upcoming Events for CGS Families
Register
Registration for 2024-2025 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd classes is now open, please sign up below with our online registration form and send payment to:
St. Timothy Church Attention: Ellen Peppercorn 1088 Thomas Ln. Columbus, OH 43220
Classes are divided by age and lessons are tailored to fit the class size and age of the children, so registration is required. CGS is not designed for occasional attendance or drop-in visits.
Click the button to begin your registration online, and complete it by submitting a copy of your child's baptismal certificate along with payment of tuition by September 1.
If you'd rather use a paper form, download one HERE or pick one up from the parish office or the back of the church.
Questions about our CGS program?
Please contact Mrs. Ellen Peppercorn (epeppercorn@sttimchurch.org).
Class Resources
GRADE 2: First reconciliation and Holy Communion
Second graders at St. Timothy Church and School work toward two very exciting and important milestones in their faith - First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. The hands-on approach to faith formation used in the CGS Atrium is particularly powerful for children preparing to receive these sacraments of initiation.
The dedicated, specially prepared space called the atrium is filled with child-sized furnishings and manipulative models of people, places, and objects found in scripture and liturgy. Here, we use carefully prepared lessons and purposefully selected materials, based on the Montessori method of learning, to prepare our second grade students to receive graces of the sacraments. Because children learn by using their hands, working with these materials allows them to enter more deeply into meditation, enriching their preparation and nurturing their relationship with God.
