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The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Christian Ministry for children aged 3-12 years that is based on the Bible and liturgy of the church; it is inspired by the principles of Montessori education. This Ministry provides:
  • An opportunity for children to fall in love with Jesus, the Good Shepherd, in a child-friendly space called an atrium – located in a church or school.

  • Guided activity to aid meditation on Bible scripture and the mysteries of the Christian faith once a week - in small groups, facilitated by trained adults (catechists).

  • That each child's unique spiritual needs and abilities are respected and nurtured.

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is recognized as a ministry offering religious formation for children by the Anglican and Catholic Churches of Canada.
From the Peaceful Place Atrium
Photo: Judith Gustafsson
©2018 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Association of Canada
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DON’T MISS THE 2018 CGSAC ANNUAL CONFERENCE,
taking place in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, October 20th-21st.
The theme of the this year’s conference is: "And a little child will lead them."
Please download your letter sized poster for this event by clicking here
Featured speakers will include Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB of Vancouver
and Katy Beedle Rice of CGS, USA.
Click here for Conference Details (Registration closed October 15)

The Annual General Meeting of the Association will be held on Saturday afternoon October 20

You can still renew your membership in the CGSAC for 2018!
  • Please go to the Membership Information page where you may either renew online or print your form and mail your cheque.
    ... and we welcome new members as well ...

What’s New for 2018!

We are happy to introduce the beginnings of a ‘French Catechists Section'.

Canada is a beautifully diverse country with two official languages. To date the majority of Canadian Atria, have English language materials. More French atria are in need of French language materials.

Each submission will be reviewed by two French formation leaders and then posted on the website. The Members Login link will access approved submissions ... click here to sign in now.

*Only approved submissions will be posted.

It is not the intention of the CGSAC board to compile a French materials manual. The intention is to connect catechists with each other and to help them support each other in this wonderful work.


We have received some wonderful endorsements of your Association from church leaders ...

and have been given permission to publish them here on our web site for our members and visitors to download and read. A new Endorsements page has now been created as a permanent feature. You can view our new Endorsements of the CGSAC and Its Work by clicking here or following the new permanent menu links.


Upcoming Formation Courses

LEVEL 1

  • Winnipeg, MB: Level 1 – Starts October 2018 and continues to June 2019 –
    • Click here to download your copy of the Winnipeg brochure (PDF) and optionally print and do registration by mail OR
    • Click here to complete registration information on-line and use PayPal for payment. You will be taken to a service web site and will have to supply your PayPal password.
    • Contact Maureen Foster-Fernandes 204-832-4336 or e-mail religioused@olphwinnipeg.ca
  • Winnipeg, MB: Level 1A – Feb 16 - 21 2019 –
    • An information brochure and online payment are coming soon
    • Contact Judith Vasquez by phone 204-425-2227 x 243 or e-mail jvasquez@archwinnipeg.ca
  • Saskatoon, SK: Level 1B – November 8 - 13, 2018 – at St. Vincent of Lerins Orthodox Church, 821 Avenue E North –
    • Click here to download your copy of the Saskatoon brochure (PDF) and optionally print and do registration by mail OR
    • Click here to complete registration information on-line and use PayPal for payment. You will be taken to a service web site and will have to supply your PayPal password.
    • Contact Lisette Fontaine lisettemarc@hotmail.com or Linda Funk lfunk@shaw.ca by e-mail for more information
  • Guelph, ON: Level 1A – Begins January 2019 over 3 weekends and ends in the spring – Level 1B dates to be determined
    • Click here to download your copy of the Guelph brochure (PDF) and optionally print and do registration by mail OR
    • Click here to complete registration information on-line and use PayPal for payment. You will be taken to a service web site and will have to supply your PayPal password.
    • contact Therese Wright by phone at 519-824-9663 or e-mail formation@cgsac.ca for more information
  • Ottawa, ON: Level 1B – Two sessions to choose from in 2019 – 
    • February 4 - 9, 2019 or July 8 - 13, 2019 – Brochure and online registration to be posted soon
    • contact Sarah MacDonald-McLean by phone at 613-424-2133 or e-mail smacdo03@gmail.com for more information
  • Montreal, PQ: Level 1A – Over 2 weekends April 26 - 28 & May 17 - 20 2019 –
LEVEL 2
  • Vancouver, BC: Level 2B – October 14 - 19, 2018 - To be held at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish – For information & registration:
    • Click here to download your copy of the Vancouver brochure (PDF) and optionally print and do registration by mail OR
    • Click here to complete registration information on-line and use PayPal for payment. You will be taken to the Archdiocese of Vancouver web site and will have to supply your PayPal password.
    • for more information contact Murita Chua by phone at 604-683-0281 ext: 50210 or e-mail mchua@rcav.org
LEVEL 3
  • Ottawa ON: Level 3A – August 13 - 23, 2019 – at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish, Russell – a Level 3B is planned
    • brochure and online registration to be posted soon
    • for more information contact Meghann Baker by phone at 613-370-6371 or e-mail meghann.baker@yahoo.ca
For more information about courses in your area contact Therese Wright at formation@cgsac.ca

Updated October 16 2018