CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD (CGS)
We believe God and the child have a unique relationship with one another. Children need their own place to foster the growth of that relationship. The growth of this relationship is assisted by the adult, but is directed by the Spirit of God within the child.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) for children ages 3-11 offers hands-on, experiential learning intended to develop values of contemplation and enjoyment of God’s presence.
2025–2026 Classes
LEVEL 1: 3–6 yrs
LEVEL 2: 6–9 yrs
LEVEL 3: 9–11 yrs
MONDAY:
LEVEL 2 | 4:00–5:30 PM
TUESDAY:
LEVEL 1 | 10:30–11:30 AM
LEVELS 1 & 2 | 1:00–3:00 PM
LEVEL 3 | 3:30–5:30 PM
FRIDAY:
Special Needs Class | 4:30–5:30 PM
SATURDAY:
LEVEL 1 | 10:00–11:30 AM
Faith Formation Homeschool Materials are available for first through fifth grade. Cost $25. Please contact Diane Irby at 303-469-5171, ext. 103, or d.irby@nool.us to order materials and for additional information. Click the registration form link below to see classes with availability.
2025/2026 CGS CLASS SCHEDULE (PDF)
CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
"These special needs children have amazingly loving and joyful hearts and often teach me about Jesus' love." -Elizabeth Gleason
Hello wonderful Nativity families. I am a Level 1 CGS trained catechist here at Nativity and I currently lead a special needs classroom going on 4 years. I originally started this ministry when my now 8-year-old neurodivergent medically complex son started religious education and he required modifications to function in the classroom. Our classroom includes a wider age range of children due to the differences in developmental stages and we have also welcomed siblings to help their special needs sibling adapt and grow. We still work directly with classroom materials that are hands one and bring in adaptive materials when needed. Our classroom is shorter than a traditional classroom lasting one hour, consists of a smaller number of children, has more structured time, and over time we have acquired various materials and equipment to help different learners love Jesus and know they are loved by Jesus! I try to meet the children where they are at, therefore we are constantly shaping our classroom time to serve our children. These special needs children have amazingly loving and joyful hearts and often teach me about Jesus' love. So far, we have been able to serve children with Down Syndrome, autism, global developmental delays, medically complex, non-verbal, and Attention Deficit Disorder. If you have questions or want to see our space please reach out to me or Diane Irby.
God Bless,
Elizabeth Gleason, CGS@nool.us
VOLUNTEER TEACHERS
Our program would not be possible without the generosity of our volunteer catechists. If you are interested in being a teacher or an aide, please contact Diane Irby.
QUESTIONS?
Call the Faith Alive team at:
303-731-0425
and ask for Diane Irby, or email d.irby@nool.us.
Please note:
Faith Formation classes are different than our sacrament preparation classes. For information on our First Reconciliation, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion classes, click here.
