Catechesis of the Good Shepherd 

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a ministry that seeks to serve children by providing a space of prayer. Here the children, in community with each other and the program adults, seek a closer relationship with God. We call our space “the atrium,” and it is not meant to be a classroom. Rather, it is a place of to prepare for participation in the Holy Mass. The mission of the catechists is to humbly serve by proclaiming and listening to the Word of God alongside the child. With the help of others, the catechists prepare materials that invite the children to explore and deepen their experience of the presentation at their own rhythm. 

If you are interested in reading more about CGS, please visit the National CGS website. Here a link to an Introduction to the CGS on their website. We will also be hosting an open house to view the atrium, ask questions and learn more about CGS on February 2, 2020 from 8:30-11am in rooms 24/26 of the Education Center. Another open house will be held February 14, 2020 from 11:20am-12:30 in room 14/16 of the the Education Center.

At St. William we have an atrium for children ages 3-6 which we call Level I. 

We also have a combined atrium for children ages 6-12 which we call Level II/III. 

It is important for parents to note that at St. William, CGS is not interchangeable with our parish Religious Education Program. Children in 1st grade this year must be enrolled in our parish RE program or in Catholic school this year in order to be eligible for First Holy Communion next year in 2nd grade. Please refer to St. William Elementary Faith Formation webpage for more information or call the St. William office for more information. Children can be registered for CGS in addition to either the parish RE program or Catholic school religion classes.

Schedule for 2020-2021 has not been set, please email cgs@st-william.org. Generally, CGS meets for 2 hours on Wednesdays or Fridays.

Only St. William parishioners are eligible to register their children for CGS at St. William. The yearly fees are:

• $60 for 1 child
• $95 for 2 children
• $125 for 3 children
• $145 for four or more children.

Children must be able to go the bathroom unattended or a parent/guardian must be present at all times to assist their child in the bathroom as needed. 

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a volunteer ministry. We begin making our call for volunteers around May but usually we don’t get all of our responses until the beginning of school. If you are interested in serving as a volunteer in CGS, please  email us at cgs@st-william.org