On Mission Media | In collaboration with the Diocese of Madison CGS
MADISON, WI — Catechists, assistants, and friends of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS), an organization which serves children ages 0-12 through hands-on catechesis, met for their annual gathering on March 7, 2026.
Born of a collaboration between the Catholic faith and the Montessori method in the mid-20th century, CGS serves children ages 0-12 through a hands-on, prayerful catechesis, allowing children to foster a relationship with God. The program can now be found in multiple parishes and schools in each diocese of Wisconsin.
The purpose of the March 7 gathering was to pray, deepen understanding of the work, and be encouraged in the mission. The gathering was hosted in the Diocese of Madison at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Madison. The participants began with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Donald Hying and concelebrant Archbishop Emeritus of Kansas City, Kansas, Joseph F. Naumann.
After a chance to chat and connect, the participants listened to the keynote speaker, Dr. Geoffrey Ludvik, as he presented his research on the archeology of the Holy Lands. Dr. Ludvik expanded on the archaeological evidence for the life of Jesus of Nazareth, where he lived, and even how we know where he was born and buried.
“My biggest takeaway from the state gathering is immense gratitude for the Wisconsin CGS community,” said Kate Hendrick, who serves as a level I catechist at St. Therese Parish and St. Pius X Parish in Appleton. “It is so helpful to learn from the experience of others and know that the challenges we face are things others have experienced. It is so encouraging to be in a room with so many other people who love our Lord and serve him through this work.”
Hendrick is working with the volunteers in her parish to offer CGS bilingually and ultimately in Spanish to meet the needs of their multicultural community.
Next year, the gathering will be hosted in the Diocese of Green Bay at St. Ignatius Catholic School in Kaukauna. Jenny Johns, who will lead the planning committee, has been a catechist for 10 years at St. John Paul II Classical School.
Johns recalled how Carol Ricken, sister of Bishop David Ricken of the Diocese of Green Bay and then-headmaster of the school, Carol Ricken, invited her to receive CGS formation in 2016.
“Unfortunately, when I was young, I was not formed well in the faith,” Johns said. “It has been an incredible gift for me to receive this formation, to open and enjoy his many gifts and then to share these gifts with the children. It has been one of the greatest joys of my life. The atrium is a place where the head and the heart meet.”
You can find more information about CGS by visiting cgsusa.org.