We believe God and the child have a unique relationship with one another. Children need their own place to foster the growth of that relationship. The growth of this relationship is assisted by the adult, but is directed by the Spirit of God within the child.
Learn about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) Program
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a beautiful approach to the faith formation of children. It has been used for over 60 years across several continents with many demographics–including Mother Teresa’s sisters in their personal formation and work with the poor children they serve across the world! The catechists are highly trained and often have fallen in love anew with Jesus Christ and the Church through the training.
There are three Levels in CGS: Level I (ages 3-6), Level II (ages 6-9), and Level III (ages 9-12). St. Francis Borgia opened its first Level I atrium in the Fall of 2021 and its first Level II atrium in the Fall of 2023. Three years old is the best time for your child to fall in love with Jesus, so it is the perfect time to enroll them in Christian Formation. St. Francis Borgia school children are welcomed and encouraged to attend as well! CGS is a wonderful complement to Catholic School religious education.
The atrium is the sacred prepared environment (room) where Catechesis of the Good Shepherd takes place that helps the relationship between God and the child flourish. It is a place for religious life, for community and worship – not a classroom for instruction. It can be compared to a retreat house which facilitates recollection and silence. “The atrium is a place of meaningful work through which the child can have a conversation with God” (www.cgsusa.org). The atrium is the meeting ground between the mystery of God and the mystery of the child.
We have Level 1 and Level II atria in the North Church Hall. An additional atrium is located in the Education and Activity Center. Everything in the atrium nourishes the religious potential of the child – from “practical life” work to Scripture materials and materials on the Holy Eucharist and baptism. CGS sessions are offered at various times throughout the week.
Schedule
SEPTEMBER 2026
23 Family Mass and Dinner 6pm – North Church and Hall
28 CGS Parent Meeting 6pm, Location TBA
28, 29, 30 CGS 20 minute Parent and Child Visit by Sign-up Genius – Level I
OCTOBER 2026
5, 6, 7, 8 CGS Session (Level I – 45 min)
12, 13, 14, 15 CGS Session (Level I – 60 min)
19, 20, 21, 22 No CGS/Catechist Formation
28 All CGS Sessions: “Called by Name” (Vocation Night) 6pm Wed,
NOVEMBER 2026
2, 3, 4, 5 CGS Session (Level I – 75 min)
9, 10, 11, 12 CGS Session (Level I – 90 min)
16, 17, 18, 19 CGS Session
23, 24, 25, 26 No CGS (Thanksgiving Break)
DECEMBER 2026
30, 1, 2, 3 CGS Session
7, 8, 9, 10 No CGS, Holy Day of Obligation on the 8th
14, 15, 16, 17 CGS Session
21, 22, 23, 24 No CGS (Christmas Break)
28, 29, 30, 31 No CGS (Christmas Break)
JANUARY 2027
4, 5, 6, 7 CGS Session
11, 12, 13, 14 CGS Session
18, 19, 20, 21 CGS Session, Circle of Grace
25, 26, 27, 28 No CGS
FEBRUARY 2027
1, 2, 3, 4 CGS Session
8, 9, 10, 11 CGS Session, Ash Wed. Mass 6:30pm
15, 16, 17, 18 CGS Session
22, 23, 24, 25 No CGS/Catechist Formation
MARCH 2027
1, 2, 3, 4 CGS Session
8, 9, 10, 11 CGS Session
15, 16, 17, 18 CGS Session
22, 23, 24, 25 No CGS (Holy Week)
29, 30, 31, 1 No CGS (Spring Break)
APRIL 2027
5, 6, 7, 8 CGS Session (Parents invited to Liturgy of the Light)
12, 13, 14, 15 CGS Session
19, 20, 21, 22 CGS Session
26, 27, 28, 29 Family Mass & Party 6pm
MAY – July 2027
May 2 May Crowning, 10 am Mass
May 30 Corpus Christi Procession TBD
July 12-16 Totally Yours Summer Camp
Time
CGS Level I (K3 through K5) is offered on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
CGS Level II (1st through 2nd grade) is offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
Special Events & Summer Camps
July 13-17, 2026 – Totally Yours Summer Camp Registration
Offered in July for children entering 1st through 6th Grade.
Catechists
Core Team & Catechists’ Retreat is on Saturday, September 12th, from 8:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the Catholic Ecology Center.
For more information about Child Ministry, contact:
Director of Child and Family Formation at 262-377-1070 ext. 328 or send an email.
Christian Formation Administrative Assistant, 262-377-1070, ext. 343 or send an email.