Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious education of children with presentations based on the Bible and liturgy. This approach to nurturing the faith life of children evolved from children themselves. It is based on the conviction that God and the child are already in a relationship; the task before us is to help the child deepen that relationship.

All preschool-aged classes (ages 3–5) attend the "Atrium" once per week for CGS. An atrium is a carefully prepared environment where great truths about our faith are placed before the children to satisfy their spiritual needs in age-appropriate ways.

A modified program is brought to the 2½-year-old program's classrooms. Age-appropriate presentations, songs, and materials are introduced to them in their own classroom environment. As the year progresses, they may visit the Atrium to become familiar with that environment.

VIRTUS-trained parents are welcome and encouraged to volunteer as CGS assistants for their child's time in the Atrium.

Classroom Faith Formation

In addition to CGS, students at HTEEC build a relationship with God and the Catholic faith through daily prayer, service projects, and center-wide worship. Advent prayer services combine stories, songs, reflection, and prayer to build anticipation for the birth of our King. Students celebrate major Catholic holidays and feast days, learn Catholic prayers, and celebrate the beauty of the Catholic faith. The goal is that children learn to use prayer as a preferred way to express their needs for comfort, joy, forgiveness, and understanding to God.

If you are needing to schedule an infant baptism or are in need of another sacrament for parent or older children please click here.

HTEEC is open to enrolling all students regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, or sex.