The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is the response to the hunger of the child who wants to be close to God. It is an exciting alternative to the traditional religious education. The curriculum is structured so that it accommodates and nurtures the faith, moral, and physiological states of the child's growth. This non-scholastic, hands on approach is for children 18 months through 5th grade. This opportunity is offered weekly, during the school year. A variety of days and times are available. It is best to consider this program as a multi-year commitment since each session builds on previous sessions and each year build's on the child's experiences the previous year.
Atrium ... The Gathering Place
The environment, known as the atrium, is a special setting, child-sized and beautiful, where the child may come to know and enjoy the presence of God in his or her life. This place has often been described as a peaceful, prayerful environment for the child.
Curriculum ...
Because children respond in the same way to elements of the Christian message, the core curriculum includes the following.
- COVENANT…the celebration of our relationship with God and with all people.
- CHRISTOLOGY…the study of Jesus.
- LITURGY…the language of “signs” as a vital aspect of our worship.
- SACRAMENTS...gestures and words that help us on our life’s journey and join us together with God and other people through Jesus.
These themes are offered in such a way as to develop the religious potential present in every child…the capacity to love and be loved.
Delight in the Discovery of the 18 Month to 3 Year Old Toddler
Infant-Toddler Catechesis is an exploration of the very youngest child’s spirituality springing from the discovery of the child’s nature and religious potential revealed by the children to Maria Montessori, Sofia Cavalletti, Gianna Gobbi, Silvana Montanaro and those who continue to listen and observe the child in God’s light. When Rebekah Rojcewicz interviewed Sofia Cavalletti for her article in Essential Realities, she asked Sofia what was her greatest hope for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Sofia responded, “…that it would go younger and younger…” She said this out of a long process of observation of the children.
The Toddler Atrium is a prepared environment in which the youngest child’s spiritual life is fed by prayer, work and celebration aided by a catechist. Time is also given with the adults in the life of the child in this prepared environment for the infant or the young child to explore and the parent to grow in observation skills and interactions with his/her child aided by a catechist.
Join in the Wonder of the 3-6 Year Old Child
The 3-6-year-old child is particularly capable of receiving and enjoying the most essential elements of our faith—the announcement of God’s love especially experienced through Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who died and is risen. Materials on the life of Jesus Christ and his teachings help to make the mystery of God concrete for the child. The heart of the catechesis for children under six revolves around the Parable of the Good Shepherd. Jesus announces that he is the Good Shepherd who calls each one by name. The sheep listen to the voice of the Shepherd and follow him.
The 3-6 year old child enters the mystery of the Eucharist by first learning the names of the articles used on the altar and then through the most important gestures including the preparation of the chalice, the epiclesis and offering, and the sign of peace. Through the experience of seeing these gestures, presented one by one, the Mass emerges as the Sacrament of the Gift. The child becomes acquainted with the historical character of the liturgy through the events of the Last Supper, Christ’s death, and His resurrection.
Celebrate the Growth of the 6-9 Year-Old Child
The elementary age child is captured by the image of the True Vine. “I am the vine, you are the branches, whoever remains in me, and I in him, will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.” The proclamation responds to the deep need of these children to better know his or her relationship with God, family, friends, and the larger community. Moral parables offer a model for comparing their behavior with that of the Pharisee, the Tax Collector, or the Good Samaritan. The elementary children see the parts of the Mass—the Liturgy of the Word, the Preparation of the Gifts, the Eucharistic Prayer, and the Communion—as one unified prayer made of many smaller prayers. Children prepare for the celebration of First Communion (or Solemn Communion) through a series of communion meditations focusing on the relationship with Jesus. Preparation of personal missals filled with illustrations and prayers is also part of this preparation which helps to deepen their love and understanding of the Eucharist.
Honor the Independence of the 9-12 Year-Old Child
The history of salvation focusing on the plan of God as a plan of communion, a plan which links all people together through God’s love delight the older child. The emphasis is on our response to this unfolding generosity of God and recognition of the responsibilities that come with receiving God’s great gifts and seeing oneself as a collaborator with God. “What is the kingdom of God and my place in it?” is a cosmic query which lays the foundations for a life commitment in relationship with God. Materials on the Prophets of the Old Testament, the Gifts of God, the Miracles of Jesus, and expanded presentations on Liturgy and Scripture can also be found in the Level III Atrium.
For more more information contact:
Pamela Contu-Owen, Director of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, or Patty Colman, Coordinator of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
