Catechesis of the Good Shepherd- Assistant
Kirkwood, MO, US, 63122-4295
The Archdiocese of St. Louis strives to teach and share our faith, serve others, and foster unity throughout the St. Louis area. Once a part of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary's campus, the Cardinal Rigali Center in Shrewsbury, MO is today the headquarters and curia (governing body) for the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
Job Summary
The CGS Assistant supports the work of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Atrium by helping create a peaceful, prayerful, and developmentally appropriate environment for the children. This part-time, supportive role includes helping with materials, observing the children, and assisting the lead catechist during Level I and Level II Atrium sessions. The assistant contributes to the child’s formation by modeling reverence, quiet presence, and respectful guidance while upholding the CGS method and the sacredness of the space.
Job Responsibilities
Atrium Session Support
- Assist in maintaining a calm, orderly atmosphere during sessions.
- Help children with material use when requested or needed, always respecting the child’s autonomy and spiritual rhythm.
- Greet and dismiss children reverently at the beginning and end of sessions.
- Observe children silently to support the catechist’s discernment of readiness for presentations.
Material Setup and Care
● Assist in setting up the Atrium before each session and restoring the space afterward. ● Help clean, restock, and organize materials with attention to detail and beauty. ● Support the repair or crafting of CGS materials as directed by the lead catechist.
Collaboration
- Work in harmony with the lead catechist, responding to their cues and respecting the CGS approach.
- Share observations and insights with the catechist after sessions as requested.
- Attend staff meetings or occasional planning sessions when needed.
Child Support
- Provide gentle support to children when help is requested (e.g., tying aprons, locating materials).
- Assist with transitions, bathroom needs, or other logistical support while maintaining reverence for the child’s experience.
Formation and Mission Support
- Participate in initial orientation and ongoing formation related to CGS and child spirituality.
- Represent the Church’s mission in all interactions, modeling love, patience, and attentiveness.
Job Requirements
- Prior experience with children in a faith-based or Montessori environment preferred.
- Calm, observant, and respectful disposition suited to contemplative work with children.
- Willingness to learn and uphold CGS principles, materials, and language.
- Practicing Catholic or strong respect for Catholic liturgy and spirituality.
- Completion of or willingness to attend a CGS Assistant Orientation or Level I Formation is highly valued.
The Archdiocese of St. Louis is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital, parental, veteran or disability status.