The CGS Approach
Join in the Wonder of the 3–6-Year-Old Child
The 3-6-year-old child is particularly capable of receiving and enjoying the most essential elements of our faith—the announcement of God’s love especially experienced through Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who died and is risen. Materials on the life of Jesus Christ and his teachings help to make the mystery of God concrete for the child. The heart of the catechesis for children under six revolves around the Parable of the Good Shepherd. Jesus announces that he is the Good Shepherd who calls each one by name. The sheep listen to the voice of the Shepherd and follow him.
The 3–6 year old child enters the mystery of the Eucharist by first learning the names of the articles used on the altar and then through the most important gestures including the preparation of the chalice, the epiclesis and offering, and the sign of peace. Through the experience of seeing these gestures, presented one by one, the Mass emerges as the Sacrament of the Gift. The child becomes acquainted with the historical character of the liturgy through the events of the Last Supper, Christ’s death, and His resurrection.
We gather in the atrium (a prepared environment) which is one of the important elements that helps the relationship between God and the child to flourish. Why is it called “Atrium”? The word “atrium” actually means “portico, or porch entrance to a large house.” The Atrium was a term given to this space by Maria Montessori. It was chosen because in the ancient church, the atrium was a gathering space between the Church Proper and the street. It was the place where the catechumens, those preparing for initiation to the Church, would receive instruction. The Atrium has a similar purpose for our children, as it is a place to help them enter into full, conscious and active participation in the liturgical and communal life of the Church.
The United States Association of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Official Enrollment for Catechism of the Good Shepherd (CGS) for 2024–2025.
WHO
Children 3–6 years-old
WHEN
September 14, 2024 to June 7, 2025
Class every Saturday 9:30–11 a.m.
No class on the following dates: Oct. 5, Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 21, Dec. 28, Jan. 4, Feb. 1, April 5, April 19, April 26
WHERE
Class will be at atrium of Holy Rosary Catholic Church (Clackamas room in Aquinas Hall).
375 NE Clackamas St.
Portland, OR 97232
SICK POLICY
We ask that you keep your child home if they are feeling sick, to respect the rest of the children and their families.
COST
The yearly fee will be $40
The first couple of sessions will be the orientation for the child, so those will be shorter (about 40–45 min.). As we get closer we will let you know the exact time your child will join us—we’ll be splitting our group in half for those two Saturdays.
We have official approval from Holy Rosary to use the Clackamas Room (the space adjacent to the Atrium, while the children are in session.) Families are welcome to wait for their child there if they wish. It is a big area with toys and a microwave. Holy Rosary has been very generous in allowing us to use their space, we want to respect and appreciate their generosity by leaving the areas cleaner and more organized than we found it.
NOTE: First Saturdays of the month parents will need to park in the church parking lot—Holy Rosary regularly hosts another event at the same time.
Catechists’ Contact info:
Elizabeth Tarries (503) 484-7372
Emily Bush (541) 401-9822
Aixa Lancaster (503) 954-6437
Email us at cgs@stmichaelportland.org