The Institute of Catholic Theology

About Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)

CGS is a Montessori based formation that was founded by Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi in Rome in 1954. Through thorough observation, Cavalletti and Gobbi found that God and the child have a unique relationship with one another particularly before the age of six and that the growth of this relationship, when assisted by an adult, is actually directed by the Spirit of God within the child. Children need their own place to foster the growth of that relationship. In Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, that place is called the Atrium. Building upon a firm foundation of Scripture and Liturgy, the ultimate purpose of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is to help a child “fall in love with God.”

St. Thomas the Apostle offers CGS Level 1, for Pre K through Grade 1.

Dates/Times/Schedules

All times 3:45pm to 5pm.  Parents can choose between a Monday or a Tuesday Option.

Monday Schedule

September 16, 23, 30
October 7, 14, 21, 28
November 4, 11, 18

January 27
February 3, 10, 24
- No Session February 17
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
April 7

Tuesday Schedule

September 17, 24
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
November 5, 12, 19

January 28
February 4, 11, 25
- No Session February 18
March 4, 11, 18, 25
April 1, 8

Cost

$100 per family for the year.

Atrium Location

The atrium, the meeting room of CGS, is located in the parish office. Please access the atrium through the piazza courtyard, just south of the gift shop, which is immediately to the west of the church building, 

Location: St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, 2312 E. Campbell Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85016.

Phone:  602-954-9089