The Level I Atrium (for children ages 3-5) is a prepared environment for the child—a place created to allow the child to discover God and grow in a relationship with Him. Through the reading of scripture, independent work, and hands-on materials, the child is invited to deepen their relationship with Christ and enter more fully into the life of the Church. We focus especially on Jesus as the Good Shepherd; the element of the parable that most strikes young children is the fact that the shepherd knows and calls each sheep by name. This reveals in an explicit way that the Good Shepherd has a personal relationship with each of us. 

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The Level II Atrium (for children ages 6-9) builds on the "I am the Good Shepherd" foundation for the child's encounter with the Catholic community of faith. The True Vine becomes the touchstone parable that expands the child's understanding of his connectedness with God, family, and the community; Jesus is the Vine, and we are the branches. The child's faith is deepened during this sensitive period for social and moral development, facilitating even greater participation in the wider community of the family, the Church, and other social spheres. With a new capacity to understand time and history, the exploration of God's Kingdom from Creation to Redemption to Parousia nurtures the child's desire to work for the Kingdom. Key elements of Level II Atrium include: The History of the Kingdom of God-Its Vastness and Unity; the True Vine, the Bible, Scripture, Prayer, the Moral Parables, and the Eucharist. 

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While reflecting on Psalm 23:1-6, a child seemed a little perplexed as he contemplated all that he had come to know in Jesus' teaching on the Good Shepherd, and how this Psalm, written before Christ, could be possible. Looking more closely at the wording of the two scriptures, along with returning to previous works in the Atrium, he came to understand that the Psalm represents God's nurturing, protective, and intimate providence in the Old Testament, with the New Testament being the fulfillment of that image in Jesus Christ, who sacrifices his life for his sheep. 

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Our prayer is to grow this ministry by offering more sessions and making Catechesis of the Good Shepherd available to every family who desires to enroll their child(ren). We pray for God's grace in gaining more catechists and volunteers. If you would like to learn more about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, please visit https://www.cgsusa.org/discover/cgs-approach or email us at cgs@starofthesea.net. 

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Please consider scheduling a time to observe the Atria (Level I & Level II). 

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REGISTER FOR 2026-2027 CLASSES

CGS registration for 2026/27 is now open to all families with children 3-9 years of age. Space is limited.​