Child-centered learning, inspired by Montessori educational philosophy.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd® (CGS) gives our youngest students in Kindergarten - third grade a joyful and creative way to learn about Jesus. In this hands-on program, children explore Bible stories through art, imagination, and meaningful activities designed just for them.
Inside the atrium, students paint, draw, build, and create, often bringing home artwork that reflects what they’re learning about God’s love. They work both independently and in groups, using materials that help them understand the Good Shepherd, the parables, and the simple beauty of following Jesus.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at St. Clare is a place where faith comes alive through creativity, curiosity, and the joy of making something beautiful. It’s a gentle, engaging introduction to Christian life that helps children grow in love, confidence, and wonder.
As students grow, St. Clare’s prepares them for the sacraments, laying the foundation for First Confession in second grade and First Holy Communion in third grade.
Catechesis
At Saint Clare, catechesis does not stop when you begin your sacraments but rather begins. Our 4th and 5th graders continue their journey in faith and personal relationship with Christ through their catechesis classes.
Students are taught to participate actively in the liturgy and continue to receive the sacraments, while learning about them in greater detail. They learn about Theology of the Body and how to respect their own bodies and the bodies of others. Students are taught what it means to be a disciple of Christ and how to serve others. They recite the 10 Commandments and common prayers, growing in their personal prayer lives. They identify the Beatitudes and how to live them in their lives.
In 4th grade, students study scripture through the lens of mercy. They look at various biblical figures, from Adam to Jesus, and learn about their lives. They study the history of the church in the Americas and learn the stories of missionaries who brought the faith with them. They continue to build their understanding of Church doctrine through the history of salvation.
In 5th grade, they learn how God is the author of history through their study of scripture, discussing how the Church is a sign of Christ to the world. They study the lives of American saints and look at their lives in relation to the sacraments. They dive into the doctrine of the sacraments and continue to grow in their knowledge of them.
