Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) instruction growing in the Albany Diocese

Catechists gathered at the Parish of Mater Christi in Albany from July 11-17 to receive intensive formation in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) Level II for children ages 6-9. This course was led by Audrey Walko from the Diocese of Burlington (Vt.) and assisted by Andrea Reno who leads CGS at St. Pius X School in Loudonville. (Provided photo)

Catechists from several northeastern dioceses gathered at the Parish of Mater Christi in Albany from July 11-17 to receive intensive formation in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) Level II for children ages 6-9. 

CGS is a method of religious instruction using a retreat-like environment with hands-on manipulative models of people, places and things from Scripture and liturgy. The program also assists children in building a personal relationship with Jesus while growing the virtue of faith. Fully implemented, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd encompasses offerings for children ages 3-12, as well as emerging toddler and teen offerings.  

This course was led by Audrey Walko from the Diocese of Burlington (Vt.) and assisted by Andrea Reno who leads CGS at St. Pius X School in Loudonville. During this training, catechists heard presentations on everything from parable meditations to gestures of the Eucharistic prayer to lectures on salvation history, child development and moral formation as well as practical skills like using a Dremel to build materials for the children to use. This 50-plus hours of training equipped catechists with the background knowledge and practical skills to best serve the needs of young elementary children’s spiritual development. Most of the 20 participants in this training already use CGS in their work with children’s faith formation and have completed Level I training.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd has been growing in the Diocese of Albany for over a decade, especially in the past few years, and can be found in such places as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, Holy Trinity in Cohoes, Mater Christi Parish and School, St. Pius X School, and with others, such as at Blessed Sacrament School in Albany, starting soon. 

Bringing this training to the Albany Diocese was envisioned and supported by Father Daniel Quinn, who was pastor of Mater Christi at the time of planning, and was graciously supported by current pastor Father Charles Onyeneke. The course was also made possible with support from St. Pius X School and St. John’s Episcopal in Troy and was organized by the CGS catechist team from Mater Christi School of Nique Fiegel and Emily Shoop.

For more information on Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, see www.cgsusa.org or contact catechists at any of the parishes or schools listed in this story.