Children (3K-5th Grade)

You are your child’s first teacher in the Catholic faith! Praying with your children, taking them to Mass and the Sacraments regularly and being a good example to them are the most important ways to set them on the path to Meet, Know, Love and Serve Christ. At St. Charles Parish and School, we hope to assist you in your vital role by praying with your children and teaching, discussing and reinforcing the traditions and teachings of the Catholic Church with them during our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) Sessions.

CGS is based on the work of Maria Montessori, a well-known educational innovator. As a scientist, she carefully observed how children learned and developed an incredibly effective method and materials based on those observations. As a devout Roman Catholic, she especially wanted her educational method to be used to bring children to Jesus. CGS was developed using this method, which included experimenting with presentations on different stories from the Bible and components of the Mass (over many decades, all around the world) and gradually discovering which ones resonated with children in each age group.

Children meet in a small group in a meticulously prepared “classroom” called an atrium. These atria are filled with hands-on materials relating to the Mass, the Sacraments and the Bible, that the children enjoy working with at their own pace. The catechist leading each session has received extensive training to guide the children through this beautiful program where they are not only educated about the facts of their faith but also grow deeper in their love for God and the enjoyment His presence and His gifts.

CGS is organized into three different age Levels. Each level has a unique dedicated space with developmentally appropriate hands-on materials and distinct presentations designed to resonate with the child’s heart, mind, and soul.

Level I: For children in preschool and kindergarten.

Level II: Especially focused on preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.

Level III: For children who have received First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion through the end of 5th grade.

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Religious Education at St. Charles with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Classes run about 3 times per month from early October through mid-May. Registration opens in June. We generally cannot accept new students after November 1.

Preschool and Kindergarten (CGS Level I):

Preschoolers must have turned 3 by September 1 to take part in the program that school year. Please note that if children are not able to manage the bathroom independently, a parent must stay nearby during our sessions.

Grades 1-3 (CGS Level II):

Children in 1^st or 2^nd Grade can begin their two year process of preparing for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.

Grades 3-5 (CGS Level III):

Children in Grades 3-5 who have already received First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.