Fort Worth, Texas
At Saint Andrew Catholic Church, catechists in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) program play a vital role in guiding children’s spiritual growth. Their primary responsibility is to prepare an environment where children can encounter God through scripture, liturgy, and prayer. Catechists present carefully chosen lessons that “call forth” a child’s natural wonder and curiosity about God, inviting them to ask, “God, who are you? How do you love us?” Rather than simply imparting information, catechists accompany the child in reflection, helping them to make connections between the sacred materials and the divine mysteries they reveal.
The catechists work in unity, mirroring the communion that God desires for all people, and they model the themes of unity expressed in the parables. They share their gifts generously, helping children grow in faith and fostering a deep, personal relationship with God.
The journey to becoming a certified Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Catechist is both intense and profoundly enriching. Adults seeking certification must complete approximately 16 days of training with a CGSUSA-certified Formation Leader with at least 8-12 years of experience in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd method. While this may seem like a significant time commitment, those who take part consistently share that the experience is deeply rewarding. Many find that they learn just as much—if not more—than the children, as the adult formation courses offer a rich, spiritual depth that strengthens both your understanding of the faith and your relationship with God.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at Saint Andrew serves children in two stages:
Please note that Level 1 Formation is required before attending Level 2 to ensure that catechists have a solid foundation in the method and are fully prepared to guide children through their next stage of spiritual growth.
If you're feeling called to share the beauty of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd with the next generation, we invite you to join us on this transformative path. The experience will deepen your own relationship with Christ and equip you to help children encounter God in a meaningful and lasting way.