Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Helping Children Grow in Their Relationship with Jesus, the Good Shepherd

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori-inspired approach to Catholic faith formation that invites children to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through Scripture, prayer, and hands-on experiences.

In a specially prepared environment called the Atrium, children are invited to explore the richness of our Catholic faith at their own pace, guided by catechists through Scripture, prayer, the liturgy, and hands-on materials.

Program Information

Blessed Sacrament Parish (BSP)
Levels: 1, 2 & 3 — PreK3 through Grade 6
When: Wednesdays, 4:00–5:00 PM
Where: 1945 Northampton Street, Holyoke, MA

St. Patrick Parish (SPP)
Level: 1 — PreK3 through Kindergarten
When: Sundays, 10:00–11:00 AM
Where: 15 School Street, South Hadley, MA

Registration

Our CGS programs welcome children attending public, Catholic, private, and homeschool programs. Families do not need to be registered parishioners of Blessed Sacrament or St. Patrick Parish to participate.

Register for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

2026–2027 Class Schedules

Blessed Sacrament Parish — CGS Levels 1, 2 & 3
Wednesdays, 4:00–5:00 PM

View the Session 1 schedule for October through December 2026.

View BSP CGS Session 1 Schedule

St. Patrick Parish — CGS Level 1
Sundays, 10:00–11:00 AM

View the Sunday Morning Faith Formation schedule, which includes CGS Level 1.

View SPP Sunday Morning Schedule

What Is the Atrium?

The Atrium is a peaceful, prayerful environment specially prepared for children. It is a place where they can encounter God through Scripture, the liturgy, and meaningful hands-on work.

Rather than relying primarily on traditional classroom instruction, CGS invites children to explore and reflect on presentations of the Catholic faith using carefully prepared materials suited to their developmental stage.

Through this approach, children are encouraged to listen, wonder, pray, and discover God's love for them.

The Three Levels of CGS

Level 1 — Ages 3–6 (PreK3–Kindergarten)
Young children are introduced to Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who knows and loves each of His sheep. Through Scripture, prayer, and hands-on materials, children begin to discover God's love and the beauty of the Catholic liturgy.

Level 2 — Ages 6–9 (Grades 1–3)
Children deepen their understanding of Scripture, the Sacraments, and their relationship with God. They explore the history of God's Kingdom and their place within His plan, while developing a deeper awareness of prayer and moral choices.

Level 3 — Ages 9–12 (Grades 4–6)
Older children reflect more deeply on Salvation History, the Bible, the Church, and their role in God's Kingdom. This level encourages thoughtful exploration of faith, personal responsibility, and living as disciples of Christ.

What Makes CGS Special?

CGS recognizes that children have a natural capacity for spirituality and a desire to know God. The program provides a calm and welcoming environment where children can:

  • Develop a personal relationship with Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
  • Explore Scripture and the Catholic liturgy.
  • Learn through hands-on materials and independent work.
  • Grow in prayer, reflection, and reverence.
  • Discover the joy of belonging to God's family.

Questions?

Ms. Kelly O'Connor
Director of Religious Education
Office: (413) 532-0713, ext. 118 • Monday–Friday | Regular Office Hours
Religious Education Cell: (413) 213-6624 • For use during Religious Education classes and programs
Email: oconnork@blessedsacramentholyoke.org