Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based program that allows children to experience God completely. Through the use of both the body and mind, the child grows in their natural relationship with God. The Atrium, or prepared environment, is a place for the child to prepare for the life before them, growing and thriving in the love of God, all while experiencing the faith in an extremely “hands on” way. While Catechesis of the Good Shepherd focuses on the contemplation and enjoyment of God, the program also gives each child the tools necessary to be self-sufficient in their daily lives and works toward the complete physical and spiritual health of the child.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a one-of-a-kind faith experience for children. It begins with children 3-6 years old, and it is completely tailored to fit their love of movement, repetition, and beauty. Children can learn profound truths of our faith and how to talk to the God who loves them even at the young age of 3. In a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atrium (it does not look like a regular classroom) children will learn how the altar is prepared for Mass and the names of the sacred vessels. They will learn why the priest makes certain gestures at Mass. They will learn Jesus’ life written in the Gospels from his conception at the Annunciation to his Ascension into Heaven. These children will have hands on experiences with the parables describing the Kingdom of God. Every one of these experiences is centered on fostering the relationship the child already has with God, allowing them to discover the love of Christ with their body and mind.

This love of discovery continues for the older child, as Level II for ages 6-9 focuses on the moral aspect of the Faith. Building on what is experienced and learned in Level I, the Level II child hears more about the Gospel message, along with its moral and eternal aspects. The idea of a child's life as a "blank page" is central to the Level II atrium, where the child discovers how to best live out the Gospel message. This corralates to the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist, as the child prepares to receive these Sacraments through the lessons presented in scripture, and the experience of the liturgy. 
 

WANT TO HELP OUR CHILDREN ENCOUNTER JESUS?
WE NEED YOUR HELP! SEE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES BELOW!
 

TIME

-ASSISTANT CATECHIST: Assist trained catechists in managing atrium. You will not be in charge of planning or presenting but will be another volunteer to help children with basic needs or questions. A short training for volunteers will be held before the year begins in September.

-CLEANING & SANITIZING: Do you have an hour to give once a week or once a month to help dust, sanitize materials, or sweep? You can sign up for a flexible time during the week that fits your schedule.

*Teen volunteers welcome!

TALENT

-WOOD WORKING: Are you handy working with wood? Would you be able to help us create a small replica of the altar and tabernacle? Would you be able to help use make diorama boxes (creche style) for the events of Jesus’ life and the parables? Can you make a simple Bible stand of wood for a large open Bible?

-CRAFTING & SEWING: Do you enjoy painting and working with clay? Are you a gifted sewer? We would love to have your help! For each event in Jesus’ life, we will need small, hand-made figures of Jesus and Mary and anyone present at the events. We will also need help creating figures of the characters in the parables. Small altar cloths and cloths for our prayer table will are a great need as well.

TREASURE

-DONATE FURNITURE: We are in need of
1. Small tables similar to the size of a telephone table to hold materials children can work with.
2. Small cabinet to serve as a sacristy and hold replicas of the sacred vessels used for Mass
3. Lamps preferably floor lamps to create soft lighting
4. Baskets small and large to store work mats and materials.
5. Larger crystal bowl for Baptismal font, glass bowls and cups, small glass pitchers, & spoons.
* These items do not need to be new. Gently used items are gratefully accepted!

-SPONSOR OUR ATRIUM: Donate money towards new items we will need to purchase (Large area rugs, trays, materials that can’t be handmade)