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Catechesis of the
Good Shepherd
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (or CGS) is a Montessori-based catechism for 3-12 year old children. Ave Maria pastorate is currently only trained to serve our 3-9 year old children. CGS is a child led program that teaches the most essential truths that resonate deep within the child. The catechists create a quiet, safe space for the Holy Spirit to be the teacher and allow the child to form a relationship with God.
CGS has a class size limit of 10 students. It is provided on a first-come, first serve basis, with preference to returning students.
Get Involved
How to Get Your Children Involved
Ave Maria Pastorate has catechists trained in Level I (3-6 year old) and Level II (6-9 year old). Registration for CGS opens in July for the school year (September-May). Classes tend to fill up quickly, so we encourage parents to register early to secure a spot for their child. Registration will open with at the same time as Faith Formation registrations.
Children registered for Kindergarten at Immaculate Conception School will receive CGS as a part of their school day.
How You Can Get Involved?
There are two ways to get involved with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. The first way is to become a trained catechist. To become a catechist you must first train in Level I before you can more on to Level II, and be trained in Level II before you can train in
Level III. We try to host a training in Watertown every three years for Level I and Level II. There are other trainings that take place in South Dakota or other parts of the country if you have a desire to train sooner. It takes two years to become fully trained in any level. If you are interested in attending, contact the Immaculate Conception office for more information.
The second way to be involved is to become an assistant. Training is not required to be an assistant in the Atrium. Contact (605) 878-2055 if you are interested in assisting in the Atrium.
