Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: 3 – 6 years
Pre-K, Kindergarten and First Grade.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a unique method of faith formation we are offering to 3 – 6 year olds. It is a Montessori-based religious education program, rooted in the Bible and the liturgy of the church. Using Maria Montessori’s “self-teaching” principles, Dr. Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi developed an approach that appealed to the religious intuition of children. The program was introduced in Rome approximately 70 years ago, and it continues to spread worldwide.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is grounded in the belief that the child already has a relationship with God before s/he arrives in the atrium, but desires to understand more fully the nature of that relationship and to celebrate it. The children practice the stillness that is needed to really listen to God’s Word. They also develop a sense of ownership for the care of the space and the materials in it.
Children gather in a sacred space called an “atrium”, a room prepared for them, which contains simple, yet beautiful materials for “hands-on” learning. The adult catechists present passages of Scripture verses and the children discuss and reflect on what they heard. The children are attracted to Jesus’s abiding love for His sheep and nurture a relationship with Him. They develop a special love for Jesus, the Good Shepherd, even before realizing that they are the sheep.
Materials are available for them to re-enact the stories they hear. Through geography, the words of the prophets, and infancy narratives, Jesus is established as a real person. The Paschal narratives are explored using model cities of Jerusalem, empty tombs and cenacles for the Last Supper. Selected parables further the child’s wonder and curiosity. Through this program, the children become familiar with the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist.