Something remarkable is taking root in our Diocese: the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS), a method of children’s faith formation that has quietly transformed communities around the world for nearly 70 years. This fall, Queen of Angels School in Duncan will open its doors to its very first atrium—a sacred space designed especially for children to encounter God through Scripture and liturgy.
What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?
At its heart, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is not a “program,” but a way of accompanying children in their relationship with God. Rooted in the Montessori method and developed in Rome by Sofia Cavalletti, a theologian, and Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori educator, CGS is now present in over 70 countries.
Children are welcomed into an atrium—a quiet, beautifully prepared environment filled with child-sized materials that invite hands-on exploration. Wooden figures, hand-sewn vestments, model altars, and painted maps are not toys, but carefully crafted works of art. Everything is designed to help children reflect, pray, and grow in wonder.
Instead of being taught from a book or lecture, children are invited into the mystery of God’s love through parables, liturgy, and symbols. A simple diorama of the Good Shepherd, for example, may be introduced over weeks or months—each time deepening the child’s understanding of Christ’s presence and care.
As Joelle Dressler, our Diocesan Director of Faith Formation & Evangelization for Parishes & Schools, says, “Children already know God, as they've just come from Him!”
One of the most powerful insights of CGS is that children already have a relationship with God. The role of the catechist is not to explain everything, but to create space for that relationship to unfold.
The atrium is intentionally calm and reverent. Children learn to enter in silence, move slowly, and treat everything with care. What may surprise parents is that children love this atmosphere. Many don’t want to leave when the session ends!
Groups are kept small—just eight to 10 children at a time—to ensure each child has the freedom to choose work, reflect, and pray. Sessions usually last two hours, giving children time to settle into the rhythm of the space.
The Journey to Queen of Angels School
Bringing Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to the Diocese began almost two years ago, when Joelle Dressler and Gwen Jahelka connected with Ann Garrido, a long-time advocate and veteran CGS catechist, and later with Teresa Wright, from the Canadian Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Their encouragement, along with the support of Bishop Gary, helped launch the vision.
Over the past year, parishioners and school staff have poured their gifts into creating the new atrium. Carpenters, painters, seamstresses, and calligraphers have handcrafted the materials. A couple from the parish even built a map of Israel to support the geography exploration. It has truly been a community effort.
This summer, 29 participants—including teachers, parish catechists, and religious sisters—completed an intensive 45-hour formation course to prepare as catechists. Seven will begin leading children at Queen of Angels this fall, with more atria planned across the Diocese in the coming years.
Looking Ahead
At Queen of Angels School, children will begin visiting the atrium weekly: preschoolers, parish children, and school classes from Kindergarten to Grade 2. Plans are already underway for atria in other parishes and schools.
An atrium blessing, open house, and appreciation tea are being scheduled in the coming weeks to honour the contributions of so many and to bring the community together. Visitors will be invited in small groups, with shoes left at the door, to step into the peace and beauty of the atrium.
A Dream Come True
For many, this moment feels like the fulfillment of a long-held dream. Bishop Gary has expressed his particular joy at seeing CGS take root here. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd reminds us of a simple but profound truth: children already know God. When given a space of beauty, reverence, and freedom, their love for Him flourishes—and ours often deepens alongside theirs.
Photos provided by Joelle Dressler