NAZARETH HOUSE     |     The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Atrium and House of Formation

Listening in the Silence: Adult Catechesis of the Good Shepherd 

Our St. Francis of Assisi Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Atrium community would like to warmly invite our SFA adults (18 and older) to a beautiful and prayerful experience of contemplation, study, and spiritual renewal through Adult CGS.

Beginning in September 2026, on the first Monday of each month 5:00pm to 7:00pm, we will gather in the Nazareth CGS Atrium in the school basement for an evening centered on Sacred Scripture, silence, reflection, and deepening our relationship with Jesus the Good Shepherd.

Each evening presentation will take place from 6:00–6:30 p.m. Following the presentation, the Atrium will remain open until 8:00 p.m. for quiet prayer, contemplation, spiritual conversation, or personal work with the materials. Guests are welcome to remain for as little or as much time as they wish, allowing each person to encounter the peace and presence of Christ in a personal and meaningful way.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is rooted in Sacred Scripture, the Liturgy, and the contemplative spirituality of the child. It has often been called “the meeting of two mysteries” — the mystery of God and the mystery of the child. Within the Atrium, both children and adults are invited into a sacred space of wonder, prayer, listening, and encounter with the Good Shepherd who calls each of us by name.

As Pope Paul VI beautifully reflected about Nazareth:

“First, we learn from its silence… The silence of Nazareth should teach us how to meditate in peace and quiet, to reflect on the deeply spiritual, and to be open to the voice of God.”

Whether you are curious about CGS, longing for spiritual renewal, or simply seeking a deeper and more contemplative relationship with God, we would be honored to welcome you into the quiet beauty of the Atrium.

May the Good Shepherd continue to guide and bless each of you.

Kindly RSVP by emailing cgsnazareth@stfranciswichita.com or by messaging Fey at (316) 871-4008 to let us know you will be attending. Due to the sacred and intimate nature of the Atrium environment, our gathering space is limited to 25 participants per session.

Nazareth House BIG MOVE 

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School is preparing for the Nazareth House BIG MOVE scheduled for Monday, June 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. We will be relocating furniture, supplies, and boxed materials to the new atrium space in the school basement.

We would like to respectfully request assistance from Bishop Carroll Catholic High School students and athletes who are in need of approved service hours. This would be a wonderful opportunity for students to serve the parish and school community through meaningful physical service and teamwork.

Our Keepers of the Nazareth House, Marilyn Holloway and Betty Zajowski, along with Catechists Theresa Herman, Cindy Goodwin, and Fey Barles, will be present to help supervise and coordinate the work. The St. Francis maintenance teams and summer teacher staff will also be assisting throughout the day.

Many hands make light work! We are preparing to move a significant amount of furniture, materials, and sacred items during the Nazareth House transition.

Items to be moved include approximately:

• 15 solid wood shelving units

• 10 tables

• 30 chairs

• More than 100 boxes of materials

• A solid wood chapel altar including a tabernacle

• 26 benches

• 6 statues and sacred devotional items

• 12 wooden garden benches

• Several plants and garden materials

Because of the size and weight of many of these items, we are hoping to gather approximately 20–30 volunteers throughout the day to help make the move safe, efficient, and manageable for everyone.