Author: bparker

Part One: August 26-21, 2026
Part Two: August 15-20, 2027

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori-based method of spiritual formation for children ages 3-12. It is a reflective-based program of religious formation that helps a child to further develop his/her relationship with God in a developmentally appropriate way. It is rooted in Sacred Scripture, the Liturgy, and the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori. The Catechesis began in 1954 in Rome, Italy. Sofia Cavalletti, a Scripture scholar, and Gianna Gobbi, a Montessorian, collaborated and began to work with children. Over the next 60 years, they developed materials and curriculum that spoke to the child’s religious potential and offered an opportunity for prayer, meditation, and religious development.
The Catechesis is an ongoing work that strives to reveal the religious potential of the child and respond to the spiritual needs and qualities of the child. It seeks to help children grow and mature in their faith and their relationship with Christ. The Catechesis is offered in over 37 countries throughout the world. 

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Formation is being offered in the Diocese of Rochester. To learn more and to register for the formation, click the links below or contact Winston Achar at or 585-288-5000 x121.

• Website: https://www.peaceofchristparish.org/
• Registration Link: https://www.osvhub.com/peaceofchristparish/forms/cgs-level-1-training
• Required Textbooks Link: https://www.cgsusa.org/product-category/good-shepherd-publications/level-i-formation-course-recommended-reading/

Sunday, September 20

Catechetical Sunday, which is celebrated on the third Sunday in September each year, was established as a way for the Catholic Church to recognize and celebrate the gift that catechists bring to a parish community. It also provides us an opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. On Catechetical Sunday, parishes are encouraged to recognize the importance of catechesis and faith formation in building up the Church and in the life of the parish. Many parishes will call forward all those who work in faith formation, including religious education teachers, youth ministry coordinators, Bible study group leaders, OCIA coordinators, and others, to receive a blessing. The theme for 2026 is “The Spirit of the Lord us upon me…to bring good news to the poor” (Lk 4:18; cf. Is 61:1).

The Office of Evangelization & Catechesis in the Diocese of Rochester has created a special webpage for the Beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, the sixth Bishop of Rochester (1966–1969). His cause for sainthood began in 2002. Declared Venerable in 2012 after recognition of his heroic virtue, and with a Vatican-approved miracle attributed to his intercession, the cause for Archbishop Sheen’s canonization as a saint continues with his beatification. His enduring legacy of evangelization and holiness continues to inspire Catholics around the world. You can find the webpage and resources for celebrating the beatification by clicking here.