CGS is a Montessori religious education program. The foundation of this program is Sacred Scripture and the Liturgy of the Catholic Church. CGS is offered to children within the parish as well as outside the parish. This ministry welcomes catechists and volunteers to lead and assist with atrium sessions. 

Beliefs:

• God and the child have a unique relationship with one another particularly before the age of six.
• The growth of this relationship should be assisted by the adult, but is directed by the Spirit of God within the child.
• Children need their own place to foster the growth of that relationship.
• The child’s spiritual growth is best served through tangible but indirect means.

The Atrium - A Prepared Environment:

The atrium (or prepared environment) is one of the elements that helps the relationship between God and the child to flourish. After a theme has been presented, the child is free to choose an activity that will make possible the inner dialogue with the “Interior Teacher.”

How does the atrium help to nourish this relationship?

• The atrium can be compared to a retreat house facilitating recollection and silence.
• The atrium is a place for religious life, for community and worship—not a classroom for instruction.
• The atrium is a place of meaningful work through which the child can have a conversation with God.
• The atrium was the place in the early church where the catechumens were prepared. For the child, too, the atrium is a place of preparation for involvement in the larger worship community.

Source: www.cgsusa.org

Our Atrium

We are very blessed at St. Peter with an amazing atrium for the children to do their work. Invite your child to share with you his or her favorite parts of the atrium and explain the work he or she does in some of the different areas.

The Prayer Table (currently set up for Advent)
The Altar
Liturgical Year, Liturgical Colors, and Vestments of the Priest
The Mystery of the Incarnation: Geography of the Land of Israel	Liturgical Year, Liturgical Colors, and Vestments of the Priest
The Mystery of the Incarnation: Geography of the Land of Israel	The Mystery of the Incarnation:  Infancy Narratives
The Mysteries of the Kingdom of God:  The Parables	The Good Shepherd
	Practical Life (pouring, spooning, sponging water, polishing)
Baptism
	Practical Life (pouring, spooning, sponging water, polishing)