Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
About the program
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (COGS) is a profound spiritual method of religious formation for children from 3 years-Kindergarten (Level I), First-Third grade (Level II) and Fourth & Fifth grades (Level III).
This program facilitates the child’s basic need and capacity to enjoy the presence of God through presentations and “works” rooted in Sacred Scripture, Liturgy and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, based on the Montessori approach to teaching which is “hands on”. At its foundation, our principle is for each student to be able to say: “help me come closer to God by myself”, especially in Level I.
We use the spiral method of teaching so that as the child progresses in grade, they hear similar content with a different format while revisiting those same areas. In Level II, the 2nd & 3rd graders also prepare for their sacraments of Reconciliation (2nd grade) and Confirmation & First Eucharist (3rd grade) to complete their initiation into the church. In Level III, the focus is on the Plan of God, the History of Salvation and the child’s place in it. Bible studies are a frequent method of learning.
A key component in COGS is the specially prepared environment. Here at St. Andrew, we utilize the Atrium (Level I), Room M (Level II) and Room L (Level III). Our Atria are filled with furniture and materials that are appropriately child-sized and beautiful. These rooms contain materials that foster children’s meditative work and religious activity; for example, a miniature altar table and articles (Level I), a larger altar table with articles and expanded materials for the “Synthesis of the Mass” work (Level II) and a similar altar table with charts that show the parts of the Mass; the propers of the Mass, the prayers and the gestures (Level III).
Sessions
Children attend one session per week (depending on level, the sessions are either 1½ hour or 2 hours). Sessions begin in the last week of August through the second week of May. Our lessons complement each other and act as building blocks during the year.
| Class | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool | Tuesday | 9:30-11:00am |
| Wednesday | 9:30-11:00am AND 1:30-3:00pm | |
| Thursday | 9:30-11:00am (children must be 3 yrs by Aug 23) | |
| Kindergarten | Tuesday | 4:30-6:00pm |
| Wednesday | 4:30-6:00pm (children must be 5 yrs by Aug 23) | |
| 1st Grade Level II | Wednesday | 4:30-6:30pm |
| 2nd Grade Level II | Thursday | 4:30-6:30pm |
| 3rd Grade Level II | Tuesday | 4:30-6:30pm |
| 4th Grade Level III (First Year) | Thursday | 4:30-6:30pm |
| 5th Grade Level III (Second Year) | Wednesday | 4:30-6:30pm |
Please note that slots are limited.
- Maximum children per class in Level I and II is 10.
- Maximum children per class in Level III is 12. Class size is limited, so early registration is suggested!
Volunteers Needed
Adults are needed in the classroom! Training is provided. Safe Environment Training is required and available at St. Andrew for new volunteers or online if renewing. For more information, please contact re@standrewchandler.com.
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