Discover the Difference: St. Pius X Catholic School Embraces the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Program

by Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools | October 14, 2024

St. Pius X Catholic School is proud to offer the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS), an approach to children's religious formation that is deeply rooted in the Bible, the Liturgy, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. This unique program provides an environment where young children can grow in their relationship with God through hands-on, interactive learning experiences.

Unlike traditional religious education programs, CGS places children in a specially prepared space called the atrium. Simple, child-sized materials allow students to meditate on the Truths of the faith and build a personal connection with God. The atrium is a sacred space where children engage in religious life and listen to the Word of God, with the Holy Spirit serving as the instructor. It is not just a classroom—it's a spiritual retreat designed for children.

"We are thrilled to introduce the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program to our three-year-old preschool at St. Pius X. This program is a beautiful, hands-on way for our youngest learners to grow in their relationship with Christ," said Alex Baranosky, school administrator. "Through prayer, reflection, and child-led exploration, the children experience the richness of our Catholic faith in a deeply meaningful way. The connection to our parish is strengthened, as volunteers from our community will be a key part of supporting and guiding the children through this spiritual journey. We are blessed to have this opportunity to foster the seeds of faith in the hearts of our little ones, with the partnership and dedication of our parish family." 

While CGS has been a part of St. Pius X's ministry since 2004, the program recently expanded to include the school's three-year-old preschool students, marking an exciting new chapter in its commitment to fostering the faith of its youngest learners. School parent, parishioner and volunteer Jessica Gerhart played an instrumental role in bringing this beloved program to the preschool, believing that building a child's connection with God before age six is essential to their spiritual development.

St. Pius X Parish and School currently offers CGS Level I to students ages three to five, each guided according to their developmental stage. During Sunday mornings and throughout the school week, students work with age-appropriate materials and Scripture passages, helping to nurture their relationship with God. The beauty of this method is that children guide their learning while adults provide gentle support. This approach empowers children to follow their spiritual journey under the direction of the Holy Spirit.

The central theme of Level I is The Good Shepherd, who loves and cares for His sheep—an analogy that resonates with young children. In this environment, children hear about God's covenant with His people, the life of Jesus, the parables, and Liturgical themes like the Mass and Sacraments. Through hands-on activities, they come to understand and internalize these profound lessons.

"A powerful example of the program's impact came during a preschool session when a three-year-old boy, after hearing a lesson on the Good Shepherd, prayed aloud I know Jesus loves me," shared Gerhart. "This touching moment encapsulates the heart of CGS—helping children to develop a real, personal relationship with God from a young age."

One of the most distinctive aspects of CGS is its reliance on physical materials to help children connect with the lessons of Scripture. The atrium is filled with items like wooden models of Bible stories, maps of Israel, and miniature representations of key events in the life of Jesus. For example, children might reenact the Last Supper using small figurines or build a tiny altar to reflect on the Eucharist. These activities allow children to process and engage with their faith in a concrete, meaningful way.

Though CGS is still in its early stages at St. Pius X, feedback from parents, teachers and students has been overwhelmingly positive. The children are excited to spend time in the atrium, and catechists find it deeply rewarding to witness their spiritual growth. 

"My daughter really enjoys the CGS program because she gets to see her church during the school day. At home she has started talking about her prayer life more frequently," shared a St. Pius X preschool parent.

St. Pius X plans to expand the CGS program to more age groups and seeks to form new CGS catechists. Becoming a CGS catechist is an enriching experience that includes spiritual and practical formation. The adult's journey to becoming a catechist is like a retreat—filled with meditation on Scripture and the mysteries of the faith, deepening their understanding and relationship with God.

To learn more about CGS, visit www.cgsusa.org or contact the St. Pius X Parish Office at 515-276-2059. 

St. Pius X Catholic School, founded in 1956, serves students from preschool through eighth grade. Building on Catholic values, it provides students with the opportunity for spiritual growth, the development of moral character, and academic success.