Faith formation for children at Ss. Peter and Paul, growing in relationship with God through Scripture and liturgy.
CGS Level I Formation Course - Part B
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based religious formation program for children beginning at age three. Part B completes the Level I course, which grounds participants in the theory and practice of CGS and prepares them to lead an atrium for children ages 3 to 6. Formation leader: Jodi Cosgrove. Part B meets over two weekends: April 2-4 and May 7-9, 2027 (Friday through Sunday). Part B tuition is $200. Already paid for Part B? If you paid $435 for Parts A and B together, please still register here and choose "Pay by mail or at the parish office" - the parish office will mark your registration as paid. Location: the Upper Room, Ss. Peter and Paul, 105 N 5th St, Mankato. Open to participants from all parishes and denominations. Payment is due in advance; you can pay online when you register, or by check payable to Ss. Peter and Paul. Questions or tuition assistance: Anna Weidner, anna.e.weidner@gmail.com.
Register →CGS 2026-2027 Registration
Registration for this is closed. If you have questions, please contact the parish office.
CGS Level I Formation Course
Registration for this is closed. If you have questions, please contact the parish office.
Upcoming
- Oct 29 Thu Regular CGS Sessions for All Levels
- Nov 3 Tue Regular CGS Sessions for All Levels
- Nov 5 Thu Regular CGS Sessions for All Levels
What is the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori-based Catholic faith formation program where children can grow in their relationship with God through a deep engagement in Scripture and liturgy.
God and the Child
CGS is based on the belief that God and the child are already in relationship. Our work as adults is to provide a place for the child and God to come together and grow.
The Atrium and Materials
The atrium is a specially prepared room where children can come to know Jesus, the Good Shepherd. The atrium is prepared with materials that children work with as a way of meditating upon the essentials of our faith found in Scripture and in liturgy. Examples of materials found in the atrium include small figures of Jesus and the disciples used to meditate on the Last Supper; detailed interactive maps of the Land of Israel and the City of Jerusalem to help situate Jesus as a real Person in time; Jerusalem Mustard Seeds and beautiful pearls to help ponder the Parables of the Kingdom of God; and a small Baptismal font and Paschal candle used to explore the significance of Baptism.
Getting Started
The atriums are located on the 3rd floor of Xavier Hall. Pre-Registration is required.
Is Your Child Ready for CGS?
To ensure your child has a positive and enriching experience in the CGS program, consider the following readiness indicators:
Age: Children participating in Level 1 should be 3 years old or nearly 3 years old by the time the program begins in the fall. (Level 1 is for children up to around age 6. Levels 2 & 3 for older children are also available.)
Independence: Can your child manage basic self-care tasks like using the restroom and washing hands?
Attention Span: Is your child able to focus on a task or listen to a story for short periods?
Social Skills: Does your child show interest in interacting with peers and adults?
Become a Catechist
More trained catechists are always needed and financial assistance with training costs is available. Please contact Lisa Schwamberger (cgs@sspeterandpaul.com) if you are interested in learning more about this opportunity to simultaneously aid the children in the program and grow in your own faith.