Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Toddlers-5th Grade

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 Toddlers through 5th grade. This opportunity is offered weekly, during the school year, for an hour and a half. 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 experience 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.

History

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd originated in 1954 in Rome, Italy. Inspired by Montessori principles of education, this program can be found in many countries such as Africa, South America Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina, Chad, Mexico, Australia, Canada, and the United States. Atriums can be found in homes, churches, and schools.

The program runs from approximately September through May. For further information or to become involved as a volunteer please call Pamela at (480) 874-3712 or stop by the parish office.

Registration

This registration is for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Toddlers - 5th Grade). This includes Catholic children who are ready to prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist as well as those who are 7 years old and in need of all Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion).

Registration for Faith Formation sessions at OLPH is supported by our Sunday collection. There is no fee for registration. Please consider this when discerning your Sunday contributions. If your child is preparing for a sacrament, there will be a a retreat day with a fee of $40 which will be collected at the time of rergistration.

Those looking to take advantage of adult faith formation opportunities or who are interested in becoming a Catholic do not fill out this form but should contact Claudia Rodriguez at crodriguez@olphaz.org or (480) 874-3702

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Toddler - 5th Grade)

NOTE: If you child attends OLPH Catholic School and is in K - 3rd Grade, they attend their weekly session during the school day.

Parents, use this schedule to determine which session your child will be attending. You will enter the session code on the online form that follows.

OLPH Catholic School Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Sessions:

Kindergarten: Classroom KA
Kindergarten: Classroom KB,
1st Grade: Classroom 1A
1st Grade: Classroom 1B
2nd Grade (& Reconciliation Prep): Classroom 2A
2nd Grade (& Reconciliation Prep): Classroom 2B
3rd Grade (& Confirmation/Eucharist Prep): Classroom 3A
3rd Grade (& Confirmation/Eucharist Prep): Classroom 3B

Toddler & After School Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Sessions:

Toddler 18-36 Months: Monday 9:00am-11:00am Precious Pearl Atrium Toddler 18-36 Months: Tuesday 9:00am-11:00am Precious Pearl Atrium Toddler 18-36 Months: Wednesday 9:00am-11:00am Precious Pearl Atrium

Pre-School 3-5 years old: Monday 9:00am-11:00am Mustard Seed Pre-School 3-5 years old: Tuesday 9:00am-11:00am Mustard Seed

K-1st Grade: Monday 4:00-5:30, Room: Mustard Seed Atrium
K-1st Grade: Tuesday 4:00-5:30, Room: Mustard Seed Atrium
K-1st Grade: Wednesday 4:00-5:30, Room: Mustard Seed Atrium

Reconciliation Prep (2nd Grade): Tuesday 4:00-5:30, Room: Good Shepherd Atrium
Reconciliation Prep (2nd Grade): Tuesday 4:00-5:30, Room: Good Shepherd Atrium
Reconciliation Prep (2nd Grade): Wednesday 4:00-5:30, Room: Good Shepherd Atrium

Confirmation/Eucharist Prep (3rd Grade): Tuesday 4:00-5:30, Room Good Shepherd Atrium
Confirmation/Eucharist Prep (3rd Grade): Tuesday 4:00-5:30, Room Good Shepherd Atrium
Confirmation/Eucharist Prep (3rd Grade): Wednesday 4:00-5:30, Room Good Shepherd Atrium

4th-5th Grade: Tuesday: 4:00-5:30, Room: Vine and Branches Atrium
4th-5th Grade: Tuesday: 4:00-5:30, Room: Vine and Branches Atrium
4th-5th Grade: Wednesday: 4:00-5:30, Room: Vine and Branches Atrium