Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children grounded in Sacred Scripture, Catholic Doctrine, Liturgy, and Prayer. Themes are presented in such a way as to develop the religious potential present in every child: the capacity to love and be loved and be in a deep relationship with God.

CGS was developed by Dr. Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Giobbi in Rome in 1954 and spread throughout the world. Combining theology with Montessori principles, this program is used in homes, parishes and schools.

The Atrium at St. John Vianney

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd takes place in a specially prepared space called an Atrium. The Atrium contains age-appropriate materials that are simple and essential to the child’s development of a relationship with God. The Atrium is located at St. John Vianney parish in Walnut Creek. Enrollment is open to all families in our diocese who are interested.

The Atrium items are carefully selected or created out of wood, glass, metal and fabric. Many of the materials will remind the child of what they see in church.
Children are taught a sense of reverence for the Atrium and for the items it contains. The expected behavior in the Atrium is peaceful and respectful, similar to what is expected at Mass.
In our busy, noisy world, many children find refuge in the quieter atmosphere of the Atrium.
A visit to an atrium session would be a good way to understand the experience of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

The Sessions

Each session consists of a presentation of new material, work time, and prayer.

Presentations include biblical geography, liturgy, the Nativity narratives, parables, and practical life lessons. Older children are also introduced to Old Testament work. The presentations are selected to coincide with the Church year.

After the presentation, the children may choose to work with the materials during their work time. All materials remain in the Atrium the entire year so children may revisit past presentations during their work time. The children are given time for repetition and contemplation but may only choose to work with materials that have been presented to them.

Communal prayer takes place during each atrium session. The children gather around the prayer table and are encouraged to be calm and silent. This habit helps develop an atmosphere to listen and talk to God.

Since many of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd lessons are linked to the liturgy, children benefit greatly by also attending Mass regularly with their families.

Two levels are currently offered at St. John Vianney:

Level 1 (Ages 3–6)
Our Tuesday morning sessions warmly welcome even the youngest children to join the Atrium alongside their parents. This level emphasizes the child’s virtues of joy and contemplation. Children receive presentations about Jesus, His kingdom, and their life with Him through joyful liturgy. They then work individually, quietly contemplating these lessons with specially designed materials in the Atrium.
For the 2026/27 school year, Level 1 will be offered on Tuesdays 9:30am-11:00am OR Wednesdays 3:15pm-4:45pm
Level 2 (Ages 6–9)
At this stage, children build upon their relationship with God developed in Level 1 by learning to live a moral life. The Level 2 Atrium introduces materials focused on morality and encourages children’s growing imagination and abstract thinking. They explore cosmic and salvation history, reflecting on their role in building the Kingdom of God.
For the 2026/27 school year, Level 2 will be offered on Wednesdays 3:15pm-4:45pm.

Gatherings will begin in September 2026.

For more information, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Click on her name to email or call (925) 939-7911, ext. 109.