Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a religious formation program developed to nurture the child’s relationship with God. The format, inspired by the Montessori method, is simple. The catechist gathers with the children in small groups in a beautiful environment containing interactive materials representing the Bible and the Church’s liturgy. This room, especially prepared for the children, is called the “atrium.” Here a catechist presents key scripture passages and parts of the Church’s liturgy to the children.

Also included in the presentation is an invitation to prayer, song and meditation. The children then have the opportunity to ponder these biblical passages or liturgical prayers while working and praying with the figures representative of the passage and prayers. Often the children’s prayer is done by reenactments of the text and meditation. They may do this by placing wood figures of sheep in a sheepfold of the Good Shepherd, setting sculpted apostles around a Last Supper table, or preparing a small altar with the furnishings used for the Eucharist. Through this process, the children develop a sense of awe, wonder, and joy in our God.

The Work of the Child:

Sofia Cavalletti, with the help of Gianna Gobbi, began this work in 1954 in Rome. A known Hebrew scholar/theologian, Sofia discovered that the child received the Word of God from Holy Scripture with joy. She discovered that the children want only the essential things, the big truths, not watered down. Sofia discovered that the child already has an established relationship with God, and what is primary for the child is the relationship with God.

Who gave us the gift of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?

Another important aspect of the CGS is the knowledge that the adult cannot replace the work of the Holy Spirit in teaching the child about God. The adult (the catechist) prepares the materials, studies the Scriptures, prays, and then makes a presentation to the children. The work is then put in the hands of the child, trusting that God’s own Holy Spirit is working within the child to nurture the love relationship between God and the child. Therefore, we say that the true teacher is the Holy Spirit, not the adult!

How does Maria Montessori’s work come into it?

Children learn from the environment.
The prepared environment helps the child respond to the child’s vital religious needs, respecting the relationship that already exists between God and each child, meeting the child’s needs both developmentally and spiritually.

What do you mean by Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 atrium?

In the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, there are three levels of atrium.

• The Level One atrium is for children ages 3, 4, and 5.
• The Level Two atrium is for children in first, second, and third grades.
• The Level Three atrium is for children 4th through 6th grades.

In each atrium there are children from 3 different age groups, as the materials in the room grow with the children. Likewise the children learn to work together, with the older children as “mentors” for the younger ones.

How Can I Be involved?

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Program involves so many people. We are always in need for people to:

• Take training to be a Catechist!
• Take training to be an assistant
• Volunteer to clean the atrium rooms
• Volunteer to help make materials
• Volunteer to sew some materials
• Volunteer to “shop” for materials

When is CGS offered?

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is offered to 3-6 year olds on Monday mornings from 9:30- 11 am, Monday nights from 6:00-7:30 pm, and Wednesday nights from 6:00-7:30 pm.  Level II for children in first to third grade is offered on Wednesday nights from 6:00-7:30 pm.  Level III for children in grades 4-6 is offered on Wednesday nights from 6:00-7:30. Classes will begin the week of September 26, 2011.

How do I register?

REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED FOR 2011/2012

You may contact Amy Crowley at 282-8542 at any time to register your child.

For more information, please visit the website of the National Organization at www.cgsusa.org.