The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is an approach to the religious education of children with presentations based on the Bible and liturgy. This approach to nurturing the faith life of children evolved from children themselves. It is based on the conviction that God and the child are already in a relationship; the task before us is to help the child deepen that relationship.
All preschool aged classes (3 -5) attend the "Atrium" one day per week for CGS. An atrium is a carefully prepared environment where great truths about our faith are placed before the children to satisfy their spiritual needs in age-appropriate ways.
A modified program is brought to the two and two and half year-old program’s classrooms. Age appropriate presentations, songs and materials are introduced to them in their own classroom environment. As the year progresses they may visit the Atrium to become familiar with the environment.
VIRTUS-trained parents are welcome and encouraged to volunteer as CGS assistants for their child's time in the Atrium.
In addition to CGS, students at HTEEC build a relationship with God and the Catholic faith through daily prayer, service projects, and center-wide worship.
Our Advent prayer services, for example, combine stories, songs, reflection, and prayer to build anticipation for the birth of our King.