_edited.png)
What is CGS?
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Montessori Atrium at All Saints Sharon Chapel
CGS is child-centered & utilizes Montessori best practices.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd as implemented at All Saints Montessori atrium is intentional, deep formation for children as well as for the adults who accompany them in a joyful journey of nurture as the children grow in their relationship to Jesus.
Rooted in the bible and liturgy, our CGS at All Saints Sharon Chapel opened in 2001, established through an evangelism and outreach Mustard Seed Grant from the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia serving families throughout Northern Virginia and the DMV region, both nationally and internationally through our hybrid atrium program and CGS training. We have served hundreds of children and adults over the years.
CGS is relational.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is relational and centered on growing their relationship with Jesus. The Montessori atrium is a place for the “serene enjoyment of God.” The environment of the atrium nurtures prayer and is attentive to the child’s individual relationship with God and where the religious values of childhood predominate. It is a place for both the head and the heart; a place of “heart’s knowledge” of God.
Trained Atrium guides are essential to CGS.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd supports the needs of children with adults trained in Montessori pedagogy and best practices and learnings from neuroscience. Atrium guides who lead the children complete 90-hours of training for each level.
The atrium guides ensure the environment is hands-on, and child led, supporting multiple learning styles, differently abled and neurodiverse children. Presentations are primarily small groups or for individuals and are tracked through recordkeeping throughout the atrium life of the child. Children may be admitted to the atrium on a rolling basis and may enter the program at any time. Orientation and tours are offered year-round.
CGS is developmentally appropriate.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is developmentally appropriate, using a Montessori approach to serve families with young toddlers and elementary children through age 12. New this year we will be offering CGS to children in grades 6-8 as they enter adolescence as a path to prayer and personal practice of faith to support Confirmation in the Episcopal Church.
CGS seeks to build Beloved Community and to lead in the Way of Love.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd seeks to build Beloved Community and to lead in The Way of Love. The atrium is culturally responsive and shares many pathways for children to explore the Unity of the God’s Kingdom and to honor the dignity of every human being and to love God and our neighbors. All are welcome.