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.

The Purpose of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
“Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for such belongs the kingdom of God.” (Lk 18:16). Over and over in scripture, Christ instructs us to be childlike in our faith. Why does he do this? Perhaps we can begin by examining what we observe in the small child. Anyone who has spent time with a toddler or young child will see that for them, love and trust are given freely and abundantly. This, of course, translates to their prayer life. They have no reservations in giving their total trust and love to God. You may ask yourself: does a child really have a prayer life? We know, from observing the child, that the answer is clear. However, this natural prayer life can be stifled if it is not properly fed and cared for.

The prayer life of the child is one of great mystery to the adult, as it is difficult to understand the depth at which Christ chooses to enter the heart of the child. Scripture makes it very clear that the faith of the child is incomparable to that of the adult and should be fostered in an environment that aids in its growth, and never stifled. Sofia Cavalletti, the founder of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, took great care to establish a program which accommodates the child’s spiritual and intellectual growth. She prepared an environment that allowed the child to encounter Christ and improve their personal prayer life in a healthy way. Truly, the kingdom of God belongs to the child, and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd provides the environment to foster that relationship.

How does Catechesis of the Good Shepherd aid in the Child’s prayer life? The school year begins with the young child learning how to “slow down” and hear God’s voice. This is accomplished through what the program refers to as “practical life” activities. The children do everyday tasks like polishing, washing tables, arranging flowers, etc. and these routines help them not only grow developmentally with important fine motor skills, but also it helps them calm their minds and hearts, and prepare to hear the Word of God. After a few weeks of an established calm environment, the children begin to learn the parables of Christ and enter into the liturgical life of the Church through setting the altar, learning the liturgical colors and calendar, etc. All these lessons build on one another and are centered on one key teaching: the parable of the Good Shepherd. The core message, which is the immense of love of Christ for his Church, becomes second nature to the child throughout the year. 

This program expands to accommodate the older child, and their developmental needs. The older level II children discover the whole of salvation history, and how to live their life well according to the teachings of Christ. Ultimately, the goal of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is to give these children the tools and space to grow in their personal relationship with Christ.
I invite each of you to consider this program for your children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. If you would like to learn more, I invite you to observe a session, or if you feel called to be involved in this program, please reach out!
 

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)