Jesus said: “Let the Children Come to Me” Mt 19:14
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a hands-on Montessori religious program that beautifully embodies this invitation from Christ. It provides an environment that encourages children to joyfully fall in love with God and His Church that He left to us as a means of being in relationship with Him. The children work with materials that signify different aspects of Christ’s life and the life of the Church. They listen to a brief presentation each session but the majority of the time is spent working with dioramas of events such as Christ as the Good Shepherd, the Annunciation to Mary, the Last Supper and the Mass, the parables, and the Empty Tomb.
This method began its development over 60yrs ago in Rome by two Roman Catholic followers of Dr. Maria Montessori, Hebrew Scripture scholar Dr. Sofia Cavalletti and Montessori educator Gianna Gobbi and continues today in over 37 countries.
CGS takes place in a specially prepared room called an Atrium which dates back to early Christianity when churches were built with an entryway called an Atrium. In this space, catechumens received religious instruction before being initiated into the Church. It is in this quite, meditative environment that the children encounter the Holy Spirit as their primary teacher with the catechist acting as a guide to bring the two together.
Level I: children ages 3 to 6 hear about the Good Shepherd’s deep love for His sheep, even the ones who are lost, from the Bible. They come to realize that the sheep are His people and includes themselves who Jesus would lay down his life for and wants to give life in abundance. A painted wooden Good Shepherd, sheepfold and pasture accompany the scripture and are available for the children to re-enact the story. Other topics include: gestures of the Mass, the land of Israel, infancy narratives, resurrection, Baptism, liturgical colors, the altar and accompanying articles, city of Jerusalem, Last Supper, Kingdom parables.
LEVEL I Catechists are trained for 90+ hours in how to best help the children listen to God's voice while in this place of prayer. Adults are welcome to visit an atrium session, however, there are guidelines that observers will be asked to follow while observing to ensure the focus of the best learning environment for the child is first and foremost.
LEVEL I Catechists: Heather Dunaway, Kimmy Binkley and Allison Dunaway
Contact the Director of Religious Education for more information!
