We are pleased to offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) to young children at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Parish. Through this unique, hands-on program, we hope to nurture in the littlest members of our parish a special relationship with God. 

Dear Parents, 
 
We pray that the peace of Christ is with you and your family.   We have some news that we need to relay to you.  We have decided that, after December, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd will be done for the remainder of the 2018-2019 school year.  All of us are in union about this decision, although it was not an easy choice to make.  Mrs. Reilander will be having a baby soon and we find ourselves with not enough help to continue to implement CGS effectively.  CGS is a beautiful experience for young children, but it also requires a lot of time and effort to facilitate.  We believe we need to take step back to re-evaluate this endeavor.  
 
Please do not hesitate to reach out to Mrs. Valentiny if you have any questions regarding this matter. 
 
In Christ, 
Fr. Bob Garrow, Pastor
Alycia Valentiny, DRE
Ellen Reilander, Main CGS Catechist

CGS is a Montessori-based religious formation program for children. Within a specially prepared environment, called the atrium, children are invited to contemplate and enjoy the presence of God, deepening their relationship with Him.

Children receive presentations on a variety of topics, including presentations on the articles of the altar, prayers and gestures used during Mass, biblical geography, parables, and key events in the life of Jesus.

Simple yet beautiful materials aid the child in understanding during their personal work time. These lovingly hand crafted items - such as child-size replicas of our altar, ambo, and baptismal font -  provide a means for children to contemplate the mysteries of faith touched upon in each presentation.

Level 1 Atrium Serving Children Ages 3-6
Our Level 1 Atrium is offered Sunday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. in the Church Meeting Room, at the same time that our Religious Education Program meets in the parish school. 

If you would like to enroll your child in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, please contact CGS Director, Ellen, at higgins.ellen@gmail.com. Space is limited.

Please join us! Parents are encouraged to get involved by helping in the atrium and with arrival and dismissal. We also need catechists to be trained. If you are interested in helping, please contact CGS Director, Ellen, at higgins.ellen@gmail.com.

Note that all volunteers must complete the Safe Environment Program before working with children in our parish.