CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
A Catholic Montessori program for 4-6 year olds
What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?
CGS is an approach to the religious formation of children that is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the Church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. This style of learning uses hands on activities to walk through the life of Jesus Christ and his teachings. This helps to make the mystery of God’s love concrete for the child.
The heart of the program revolves around the Parable of the Good Shepherd, hence the name. CGS helps your child hear the call of the Good Shepherd and to know that they are loved.
Faith and Spiritual Formation of the Child
Children are able to develop a deeper understanding of Catholic faith and traditions.
“Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of Heaven.”
Matthew 19:14
Prepare your child for the Atrium
Mass should be attended as a family as the child will make connections to the Mass through their Atrium experience.
Quiet and slow movement is encouraged in the Atrium in order to facilitate deep contemplation and prayer.
Ensure that your child is fed, has had a bathroom break, and is feeling well in order to allow catechists to facilitate a reverent and respectful environment for all of the children in the Atrium.
The Atrium
Children gather in a room specially prepared for them, called an Atrium, which contains simple yet beautiful materials that they use to draw near to God. In the early Church, the atrium was the place where the catechumens were prepared. For the child, the Atrium is a place of preparation for involvement in the larger worshipping community.
In an Atrium, the child can ponder a Biblical passage or a prayer by taking the material for that text and working with it – placing wood figures of sheep in a sheepfold of the Good Shepherd or setting sculpted apostles around a Last Supper table.
Resources for Parents
Please go to the parent page of cgsusa.org to find more information on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and helpful literature for parents.
Topics include:
- Praying with your Child
- The Importance of the Environment
- Parent Newsletters
Contact Information:
Joseph Nieves-Serrano
Director of Faith Formation
joseph.nievesserrano@sainttims.org
813-961-1716