Seeing with a Childlike Gaze of Wonder
Peter (holding the San Damiano crucifix) and Oliver (holding the statue of the Good Shepherd) are making a procession, which the children know means “beautiful walking”. They help us remember that worshiping God is something we do with our whole body!
One thing I love about our faith is the way that even as an adult, there is still so much to learn, explore, and discover! The easiest way for me to do that is to try to see the world with a childlike gaze of wonder. I am so blessed to have had the chance to enter into Wonder with the children at Catechesis of the Good Shepherd this year. It is a beautiful way for young children to begin to listen for God’s voice and do God’s work, and as catechists, our goal is to listen for God right along with the children. We often remind them before reading scripture: “You will hear my voice, but it is God’s Holy Word that is speaking to all of us.”
Below are some reflections from parents of CGS students this year. Let us join in thanksgiving for the ways the Holy Spirit is working in these children and in their families! We hope to expand our program in the next few years; if you are interested in participating, please reach out.
May Our Lady bless you with the gift of childlike wonder!
Laura Miller
Director of K-8 Faith Formation, CGS Catechist
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd has been a priceless gift to our family. Our children have gained new knowledge about God, the Mass, the liturgy, and the Church that has enriched our entire home life in the way we pray and enter into the liturgical year. Most importantly, CGS has gone beyond mere factual knowledge to instill changes at the level of our children's hearts in the way they approach God. CGS illuminates the beauty of our faith and is making saints! - Jacob Goodwin
Liliana is learning about the Parable of the Precious Pearl. We invite the children to work with materials like this to help them deeply ponder the “hidden meaning” of the stories Jesus taught.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd has prompted fruitful conversations about the faith within our home, sometimes prompted by our three-year-old. She has a knack for the “special” parts of CGS- candles, visiting different church spaces as a mini outing, tracing, and all hands-on contributions. An unexpected fruit of CGS has been a very important growth of support and new friendship around our family community of faith-focused families around our stage of life, which has truly been a blessing to continue connecting with other participating families beyond the days and times of CGS. CGS has been a community builder for parents, too! I am thankful for the dedication of the staff at St. John’s for building this beautiful reverent program to offer kids a glimpse of the mystery and beauty of our faith, and therefore of Christ Himself. - Julia Ferrero
Participating in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd has been an incredibly enriching experience for our three-year-old daughter Aoibh and our entire family. We are very grateful for the thoughtfulness and dedication of Cindy and her team who create such a warm and supportive environment for the children. As parents, it has given us great joy to see Aoibh develop her sense of reverence and relationship with God over the past several months. The general hands-on approach of CGS and special activities such as the Liturgy of the Light to celebrate Easter are inclusive and age appropriate. Each week, Aoibh is so proud to go to the Atrium and pin her sheep to the board at the start of the session. Afterwards she tells us about the class in detail, and we are always so impressed at the tranquility and happiness of the children when they emerge from the group. We have noticed Aoibh’s increased sense of confidence and ability to participate in prayer at home and at Mass, and we have also observed that her participation in CGS has enhanced her practical understanding of important concepts such as empathy and kindness. Overall, CGS has provided a wonderful platform to support our child’s faith and our Domestic Church. - Patrick & Aoife Navin
Aoibh extinguishes a candle after praying at the Prayer Table. Working with beautiful metal, glass and wooden objects, and even real candles—with adult supervision—helps the children understand that God is Beautiful and Real, too!