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Kids
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is the children’s ministry of All Saints Sharon Chapel for children ages 18 months through 12 years old. CGS embraces Montessori methods of education in a religious setting and takes place in the atrium, a space set aside for the children learn and experience God. Trained atrium guides help facilitate each child’s learning.
CGS News
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
The All Saints Montessori Atrium is open for CGS every Sunday from 9:00 to 10:15 am for children in pre-K to 8th grade (ages 3-14). Our Parent-Toddler program is scheduled to open in Spring 2023. A Parent Co-op Nursery is coming soon during service for children under 3.
Atrium Schedule
Children are welcome to come up to the Atrium at any time before regular services and will rejoin the main congregation in time for the beginning of worship.
On the last Sunday of each month, the Atrium is closed to allow our catechists to connect for training and planning time. The main service is adjusted to ensure the music, prayers, and sermon are more accessible to children.
What We Believe
We believe
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that God and the child have a unique relationship with one another
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that the growth of this relationship should be assisted by the adult, but is directed by the Spirit of God within the child
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that children need their own place to foster the growth of the relationship
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that the child’s spiritual growth is best served through tangible but indirect means.
SOURCE: CGSUSA Brochure
Your First Visit
Visiting us for the first time? Our friendly greeters will show you where our children's Atrium is when you arrive. We will meet your family, check your child into CGS, and answer any questions you may have. We can't wait to meet you!
Safety
In the diocese's efforts to safeguard our children, volunteers for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd complete Misconduct Prevention Training through the Diocese of Virginia to create an atmosphere where families can confidently leave their children while they are in service.
Covid-19 Prevention Measures
Updated November 2022
To reduce the risk of Covid-19, the guidelines for our CGS sessions are as follows:
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Mask wearing, while not required, is welcome and encouraged as we monitor community numbers this winter for Covid, flu and RSV, particularly among young children.
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Windows in the atrium space will be cracked open while we are in session (be prepared to have your kids dress in layers in colder weather).
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2 air purifiers (each covering 2,500 sq ft.) are installed in the Atrium
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Hand sanitizing stations and masks will be available in the atrium for those who wish.
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Weekly professional cleaning of the environment.
Our Montessori Atrium Approach
All Saints Sharon Chapel has used Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) for our children’s faith formation program for the past 15 years. Many of our parishioners have become fully-trained catechists and our church includes many of the program’s alumni.
We welcome anyone who has an interest to tour our atrium and ask questions. We are delighted with our atrium and enjoy sharing it.
Register Your Kids
Sign your child up for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Sundays mornings at 9:00am. The session ends in time for children sit with their parents at the 10:30 am church service.
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