Come Wonder With Us: CGS Formation Coming to St. Dunstan’s!

by Angela Stengl on March 11, 2026

Have you ever wished you could step into the wonder-filled mind of a child? What questions do young hearts have about God and Jesus? How do our youngest members discover faith in ways that are meaningful and joyful for them? And how can we better understand a child’s spirituality and their unique relationship with God? Catechesis of the Good Shepherd formation training has the answers – and is coming to St. Dunstan’s soon!

ST. DUNSTAN’S IS THE HOST WITH THE MOST!

We invite you to explore these beautiful questions and so much more during the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 Part 1 Training here at St. Dunstan’s! We are delighted to host this internationally renowned formation opportunity—offered free of charge for our catechists and teachers—while also warmly welcoming participants from other churches in our area! We are fortunate to have secured seasoned formation leaders, Jena Bissaillon and Julia Garcia from the Katy area, as our trainers!

Training sessions will take place once a month on April 25, May 30, and June 13, followed by two enriching two-day sessions on July 11–12 and August 8–9, from 9:30-4:30 just in time to prepare for the start of Fall Sunday School. (Note: Attendance at each session is NOT mandatory to participate in this truly inspiring program.)

BACKGROUND: WHAT IS THE CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD?

“Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an experiential approach to the spiritual formation of children 3-12 years of age.

Developed in 1954 by Hebrew scholar and theologian, Dr. Sofia Cavaletti and Montessori trainer, Gianna Gobbi, the Catechesis recognizes the existing relationship between God and the child and aims to nurture this relationship by helping the child “come close to God all by myself.”

In 1984, the Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd was formed in North America. Based on Montessori principles, the Catechesis introduces the child to the Scripture and the Liturgy through hands-on materials. These materials free the child to contemplate his/her own relationship with God and the Church. The catechist and the child are co-learners, seeking together the mystery of God and God’s Kingdom.”

ST. DUNSTAN’S HYBRID PROGRAM

St. Dunstan’s offers a unique approach to children’s formation through a hybrid curriculum rooted in the Montessori method, honoring the natural spirituality and curiosity of each child. In our Level I Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atrium, children ages 3–6 begin building their spiritual foundation by encountering Jesus in the New Testament as the loving Good Shepherd. Through freedom of movement, and hands-on, interest-driven work, children are invited to wonder, explore, and begin forming a personal relationship with God.

As children grow, our 2nd–5th graders in Level 2 and 3 continue their journey of faith through the rich storytelling and tactile materials of Godly Play, diving more deeply into the stories of the Old Testament and discovering how they fit into God’s great story.

TAKE A LEAP OF FAITH

We are truly blessed to offer two world-renowned programs that nurture the spiritual lives of our children in thoughtful and meaningful ways. Yet these sacred spaces do not run on their own; they rely on faithful, trained, and spiritually grounded catechists and teachers who feel called to walk alongside our children. By saying YES to this training opportunity, you will help plant seeds of faith that will shape the future of St. Dunstan’s for generations to come.

If you have children or an enduring LOVE for children, we invite you to prayerfully consider joining this unique formation journey and help nurture the seeds of faith in our youngest members!

Interested in participating? Please click on the link below to register for our training. Contact Angela Stengl at or call 281-440-1600 x118 for more information.

CGS Level 1 Registration Link: https://forms.gle/ztAt896oy8NbZa9UA

"Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for of such is the kingdom of God” Matthew 19:14

Angela Stengl

About the Author

Angela Stengl

I am delighted to be able to serve as the Children’s Ministry Coordinator here at St. Dunstan’s. My duties include serving as the administrative leader for Children’s Christian Formation classes on Sunday mornings Pre-K through 5^th grade, and coordinating seasonal activities such as the Epiphany pageant and Vacation Bible School. A leader, however, is only as good as the volunteers that work with them. Enlisting, training, equipping, organizing and encouraging volunteer Teachers and Catechists is a priority, and one that is essential to a vibrant children’s ministry. During my 32 years as an elementary teacher I have nurtured and loved children, and I see my role as being a catalyst to make Christ a real and loving presence in the lives of children. I know that with a firm foundation in Christ, there is nothing our children cannot achieve!

Our association with St. Dunstan’s began when my family moved to Spring in 2006, and I became an elementary teacher in Klein ISD. My husband, Burgess, had been confirmed here in the 70’s so St. Dunstan’s, although much larger, was familiar to him. I quickly plugged into many different ministries including: In-His-Steps, Contemporary choir, Vestry member/secretary, Diocesan delegate, Feed My Flock, Foyers groups and ECW. Working with children has always been my first love, so I was thrilled to be the ever present VBS music leader, and most especially the director of the St. Nicholas Choir! It has been my privilege to watch as children have come through my little choir, and then be able to stay connected with them as a Youth group leader. Our son, Kyle, enjoyed being an acolyte, his many mission trips, and experiences as a camper and counselor at Camp Allen. Our older daughters, Shara and Susan, have also grown up in the Episcopal church, married, and given us four wonderful grandchildren to love. Kale, Kolbie, Ethan and Olivia have all been baptized at St. Dunstan’s which makes our connection here even more special. My roles as a wife, mother, grandmother and teacher have given me a distinct advantage as I segue into my role as Children’s Ministry Coordinator at St. Dunstan’s. I am invigorated to begin this new career, and feel my whole life has prepared me for this role!

If you would love to work with children please click here to see our list of opportunities. You can also call me at 281-440-1600 x117 Tuesday and Thursdays, or catch me Sunday mornings here at church!

Email Angela at astengl@saintdunstans.org

return to Children's Ministries Blog