WHERE IS IT?

CGS sessions take place with extensively trained catechists, in a dedicated prepared space for children called the Atrium. The atrium is a special place of work and prayer, filled with kids-sized furniture and hands on models of people, places, and items found in scripture and the liturgy. These manipulatives are introduced to the children throughout the year. Each week, the children choose “work” to continue their meditation about particular scripture texts or signs from the liturgy. Working with these materials, allows the child to enter more deeply into meditation, nurturing their relationship with the Good Shepherd.

SCHEDULE

We offer CGS as our PREP program for our Parish children who are homeschooled or attend public school. All CGS sessions are offered from September to June.

Level I: Preschool (4yrs old) is offered on Monday’s at 10:30 am to 11:30 am

Level I: age 5-7 Level II age 7-9 Level III ages 9-12

All Sessions for our Level I, II and III school aged children are offered on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Our sessions run from 4:00 – 5:30 pm and from 6:00 – 7:30 pm.

FEES

Registered Parishioners
Non-Registered Parishioners

1 child = $200

2 children = $250

3 or more children = $300

First Holy Communion = $50

Confirmation (includes Spirit Day) = $100

Late Fee Surcharge (after June 15th , 2024) = $50

1 child = $300

2 children = $400

3 or more children = $500

First Holy Communion = $50

Confirmation (includes Spirit Day) = $100

Late Fee Surcharge (after June 15th , 2024) = $50

For the purposes of admission to CGS your family is considered Registered Parishioners if you have: registered your family with the parish office, regularly attended Mass at our parish, and give to the parish financially (using envelopes or online giving) and/or through service.

If you require financial assistance, please contact the parish Director of CGS; Payment Options: Cash, Cheque, Visa, Mastercard, Debit, or E-transfers to [email protected]

Refund Policy

Before September 15, 2024 – A refund of fees less $50 materials deposit per student, After September 15, 2024 – No refunds are provided (exceptional circumstances may be reviewed).

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications open on April 15, 2024 for the 2024/25 CGS year. Please submit your form and attach your child’s Baptismal certificate (required for new students only) by June 15, 2024. If your form is submitted after June 15, 2024 a late application fee will be applied at the time of payment. All applications are to be submitted via our new online application form which has been built into our website. Students are considered fully registered once your application has been reviewed by staff, approved and the parish office has received your payment of fees. We will offer spots in the CGS/PREP program to our returning families as our priority and then register parishioners. Non registered parishioners will be put on the waiting list and contacted when there is space available.

OUR STAFF

Click on a thumbnail to learn more about our team members.

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   01. Margaret Zochowski
 CGS Director and Catechist
 
 I have been a Catechist for 20 years, a wife for over 30 years and I am a mother to 5 wonderful children. My husband Jack and I came to Canada from Poland in our early twenties and are now Canadian Citizens. We have been parishioners of St.Patrick’s Parish for the past 12 years. For the past 5 years I have been on this beautiful journey being formed in Catechesis of Good Shepherd. CGS has been a huge gift in my life and I would like to share that with all the children that come to learn about Jesus.
 
 
 
 
   Andrea Powell
 Catechist

 Andrea Powell is married to Brett and together they have 8 children, two grandchildren and another grandchild on the way. Brett and Andrea grew up in Saskatoon Saskatchewan before moving to Vancouver, BC to begin Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO)at SFU. For 18 years, Andrea, along with Brett were lay missionaries with CCO. There she participated in Bible Studies, led small faith studies, was a speaker, and became a trained spiritual director. In 2012, she returned to teaching and has a passion for teaching John Paul II's Theology of the Body and presenting the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to children.
 
 
 
 
   Carmen Archer
 Catechist

 I was born in Abbotsford, BC, and have been a practicing Catholic all my life. I have lived in various places throughout Canada and the USA and my travels gradually brought me here to St.Patrick’s. I have been blessed to serve for over 5 years as a Catechist for children. I have used other programs to teach Catechism but after receiving training in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd I am convinced it is the most beautiful and effective way to catechise. I believe I learn as much as the children during our CGS sessions because of the prayerful way we ponder the truths of our faith together. I’m excited to see how the lives of all the children in this year’s CGS PREP program will be blessed.
 
 
 
 
   Delia Molina
 Catechist>

 In my journey as a Catholic I have been blessed to participate in pastoral formation as a catechist, youth leader, and young adult leader. I have worked with children preparing for First Communion and Confirmation. Currently, I am one of the Grade Seven teachers at our Parish School. My hope for students is that they develop a close relationship with our loving God by trusting in His mercy and responding to His invitation to live in joyful union with Him. I look forward to supporting your children in their journey of faith and growth.
 
 
 
 
   Denyse Hay
 Catechist

 Born in the Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago, I have been a parishioner at St. Patrick’s since moving to BC in 2010. Over the years, it has been my privilege to find ways to serve the parish, first as a TOC for St. Patrick’s Elementary School then as a volunteer for Vacation Bible School, PREP, Children’s Liturgy and now as a trained Level I and Level II CGS catechist. I am currently a Lector at the Saturday evening mass. I greatly enjoy being with the CGS children each week and have learned much from being with them, listening to their insights and observations. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is such a wonderful way of sharing the faith with young minds. Along the way, it has helped me to also deepen my own faith. With gratitude and humility I ask that the Holy Spirit continue to bless our time in the atrium, and move us ever closer to God’s deep love for us all.
 
 
 
 
   Emma Steele
 
 
 
 
   Jon Archer
 Catechist

 I have been a member of St Patrick’s Parish for over 3 years. I moved here from Calgary to take a job as an Educational Assistant at our Parish school. It was during my time in Calgary that I became aware of the Holy Spirit’s call for me to join the Catholic Church and work fervently to strengthen my faith, and share it with children through my work in Education. These past few years being formed as a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Catechist have helped me develop my Catholic faith further. I am very excited to be in my second year as a Catechist for St Patrick’s Parish. I look forward to a fruitful year of co-wondering with the children in PREP. These years of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd have helped me develop as a Catholic and a Christian, and I look forward to co-wondering with the children this year in PREP
 
 
 
 
   Kristina McBride
 Catechist
 
 I am a teacher at St.Patrick's Elementary School with a Bachelor of Education, an M.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Catholic Educational Leadership. I delight in sharing the beauty of our Catholic Faith with my students and enjoy learning alongside the children in the Atrium as we ponder together the mysteries of God's love for us. In my free time I enjoy hiking, spending time with family and friends, and baking.

Apply for CGS?

We require all CGS / PREP students at St. Patrick’s Parish to complete the application. Our staff will review it and then connect with you directly to confirm admittance. Payment is made to the parish office following confirmation of admission to the program.

When you Click the Button, the application will open in a new tab so that you are able to refer to this page if you have any questions during the process.

Click Here to Apply