Catechesis Shepherd - Assistant

Kirkwood, MO, US,

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 Title: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) Assistant

Location: St. Peter Catholic Church, Kirkwood, Missouri – Archdiocese of St. Louis

Reports To: Director of Religious Education

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) Assistant supports the work of the parish Atrium by helping create a peaceful, prayerful, and developmentally appropriate environment for children. This part-time role includes preparing materials, observing children, and assisting the lead catechist during Level I and Level II sessions. The assistant helps nurture each child’s relationship with God by modeling reverence, quiet presence, and respectful guidance while upholding the CGS method and the sacredness of the space.

• Maintain a calm, orderly atmosphere during sessions.
• Assist children with materials when needed, while honoring their autonomy and spiritual rhythm.
• Greet and dismiss children reverently at the start and end of sessions.
• Observe children silently to support the catechist’s discernment of readiness for presentations.

• Prepare the Atrium before each session and restore the space afterward.
• Clean, restock, and organize materials with attention to detail and beauty.
• Assist with repairing or crafting CGS materials as directed by the lead catechist.

• Work in harmony with the lead catechist, following their cues and respecting the CGS approach.
• Share observations and insights after sessions when requested.
• Attend staff meetings or planning sessions as needed.

• Provide gentle assistance to children (e.g., tying aprons, locating materials).
• Support transitions, bathroom needs, and other logistics while maintaining reverence for the child’s experience.

• Participate in initial orientation and ongoing formation related to CGS and child spirituality.
• Represent the mission of the Church through love, patience, and attentiveness in all interactions.

• 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, CGS Assistant Orientation or Level I Formation is highly valued.

This is a part-time, session-based position that may occur during school hours, evenings, or weekends. The role involves sitting on the floor, handling delicate materials, and working in a quiet, sacred environment designed for prayer and learning.

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.

All candidates receiving an employment offer must submit a pre-employment screening. The screening will include criminal background check, Family Care Safety Registration, drug screen, employment and educational licensure/certification verification, health screening, and any other screenings deemed necessary for employment. Any offer would be contingent upon successful completion of any required screening.