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Our Mission
Addressing the growth of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program within our Bismarck Diocese, the Office of Catechesis and Youth has established the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) Committee. The committee is born out of the great desire to further support our catechists who have been trained in CGS in order to assist parishes, faith formators, Catholic schools, and catechists with the faithful implementation of CGS in their own parishes and schools according to the Catholic Montessori Method and sound Catholic doctrine.
The CGS Committee will serve as a liaison to all CGS Catechists throughout the diocese and exist as a resource for continued formation and assistance.
Some areas that the CGS Committee may be able to assist you with:- Preparing the atrium environment according to Catholic Montessori principles.
- Aiding in questions related to, but not limited to, child development, observation, proper use of materials, how to redirect children, the importance of phase-in, parent communication.
- Aiding in questions related to the practicalities of implementing CGS in a parish or school.
- Observing your atrium session and offer feedback.
- Connecting you with other CGS Catechists (both novice and seasoned) throughout the Bismarck Diocese
The CGS Committee will also be working with the Office of Catechesis and Youth to provide Diocesan wide training and local retreats for Catechists.
If you desire to participate in local CGS events and formations, or need to contact one of the members of the CGS Committee, please contact us at [email protected].
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CGS Committee Team
Sr. Chiara Thérèse Jacobson, AFL, MA: Atrium Catechist at Christ the King Catholic Montessori School
Sr. Chiara Thérèse, originally from Bismarck, has been an atrium catechist at Christ the King Catholic Montessori School in Mandan since 2015. She is trained in all four levels of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and finds her greatest joy in sharing the Kingdom of God with the youngest and preparing the children to receive the Sacraments. She holds a Bachelors degree from NDSU, a diploma in Spiritual Theology from the Teresianum in Rome, and a Masters in Theology and Christian Ministry from Franciscan University. Upon completing the required observation hours, she will also hold an AMI Assistants to Infancy (0-3) Montessori diploma.
She is the first member of the Servants of Children of Light, a religious community dedicated to Catholic Montessori Education, with the charism of honoring Christ in the child.
Ashley David: Children’s House Guide at Christ the King Catholic Montessori School
Ashley is originally from Saint Louis Missouri. She attended college in Fargo, while earning 2 degrees in Human Development and Family Science (NDSU) and Elementary Education with a Kindergarten and Title One Endorsements (VCSU). Ashley is currently entering her 10th year of teaching at Christ the King; she has spent the last 8 years teaching Children's House and 2 years teaching traditional Pre-Kindergarten. She is currently training to become AMI certified through Northwest Montessori and working on getting her masters in Montessori. Ashley is already trained in Montessori through Center for Guide Montessori (IMC).
Currently Ashley lives North of Mandan with her husband Ryan, her daughter Eleanor, and her two dogs Max and Bailey. In Ashley's spare time she loves to go shopping at Target, Travel, enjoying her family, being outdoors, and being out on the water .
Ashley loves Montessori because it empowers the whole child both mind and body. Ashley also recognizes the independence Montessori instills in a child. Her favorite Montessori quote is: "These very children reveal to us the most vital need of their development, saying : 'Help me to do it alone!'" (From Childhood to Adolescence, p. 67).
Nancy Magnuson: Religion Teacher and Elementary Faith Formation Instructor for Bishop Ryan High School
Nancy Magnuson has been an elementary educator for 36 years. Currently, she is the elementary faith formation instructor at Bishop Ryan Catholic School in Minot, North Dakota, catechist at St. Therese Church of the Little Flower, Minot, and catechist for Confirmation at Church of St. Nicholas in Garrison, ND. She is trained in all three levels of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and has been the head catechist in all three levels for approximately ten years, in both a traditional Catholic school setting as well as in a CCD program. Mrs. Magnuson is the wife of Deacon Thomas Magnuson; they have four children and eight grandchildren.
Rev. Nick L. Schneider, SLL, SLD: Director of Worship for the Bismarck Diocese and Pastor of Church of St. Vincent de Paul, Crown Butte. Chaplain for the CGS Committee.
Fr. Nick Schneider is a priest of the Diocese of Bismarck, North Dakota. Ordained to the priesthood in 2009, Fr. Schneider holds degrees in music performance, humanities, philosophy and theology, as well as a Doctorate in Sacred Liturgy from the Pontifical Atheneum of St. Anselm in Rome, Summa Cum Laude. Father’s doctoral studies focused on liturgical philology and linguistics. Fr. Schneider also holds the AMS Montessori diploma for 9-12 year olds and is in course to receive the AMI Elementary Diploma for 6-12 year olds. He has been an upper elementary (9-12) Montessori guide at Christ the King Catholic Montessori School since 2018. He has also served as Director of the Office of Worship in the Bismarck Diocese since 2011.