A statement from CGS USA: "We believe that God and the child have a unique relationship with one another, particularly before the age of six; that growth of this relationship should be assisted by the adult, but is directed by the Spirit of God; that children need their own place to foster the growth of that relationship; and that the child’s spiritual growth is best served through tangible but indirect means. Our mission is to support catechists, parents, and others in the Church and beyond, as they grow in their understanding of the religious potential of children."

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Catholic Montessori-based practice in which a child is guided toward growing in their relationship with God. This experience requires more than just a classroom environment and instead takes place in an atrium; "The adult, the catechist’s role is to prepare the environment, to offer selected presentations from scripture and liturgy. The catechist listens with the child and together they ask, “God, who are you? How do you love us?” The atrium (or prepared environment) is one of the important elements that helps the relationship between God and the child to flourish."