Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

 " Where a child can fall in love with God"

Our mission at St. Timothy Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is to help parents initiate their children into a covenant relationship with God. The Montessori principles of CGS help children hear and respond to the loving call of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, Who has loved them first and calls them by name.

The specially-prepared environment (called the Atrium), handmade materials, and highly-trained catechists are all intended to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of child development.


Level 1 serves children 3 years old - Kindergarten
Level 2 serves children in 1st - 3rd grades.
Level 3 serves children in 4th & 5th grades.

Wednesday, September 11th - Parent Meeting in the Social Hall at 5:30pm

Through the Sacraments, we are initiated into a covenant relationship with God. Children should approach the sacraments freely. Eligibility for sacraments is determined by the child reaching the "age of discretion," not merely by grade-level.
Children reach the age of discretion at different ages, which means there are numerous "tracks" of formation. St. Timothy CGS follows the general guidelines from the Diocese of Phoenix for sacramental preparation, in which readiness is discerned by the child, their parents, and the catechist.

Formal sacrament preparation begins in Level II. Children in grades 1-3 attend Level II sessions for three years. During their second year of Level II, children typically prepare for First Reconciliation. During their third year of Level II, they typically prepare for Confirmation & First Eucharist.

First Reconciliation Preparation
To prepare for First Reconciliation (Confession,) children must have completed one year of religious education prior to the year of preparation.

Confirmation and First Eucharist Preparation
Confirmation and First Eucharist preparation began with their Baptism and attendance at Sunday Mass. The lived Catholic traditions in the home as well as witnessing your love and reception of the sacraments, has continued to prepare your child for these sacraments. Religious formation helps to provide the final education for these Sacraments.In the Diocese of Phoenix, Confirmation and First    Eucharist are received together.