CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a unique approach to the religious formation of children. Begun by biblical scholar Sofia Cavalletti in 1954, it is grounded in prayer, scripture, liturgy, and the Montessori method.

 

Dr. Maria Montessori herself added a room for religious work to her schools in 1922 that she called an "atrium." The word "atrium" comes from the early church, as it was in the entryway (the atrium) of the ancient Basilica where people prepared for baptism. The atrium is a place for child-centered exploration. In the Catechesis, we follow the child into the depths of his or her relationship with God. God has already formed a relationship with the child; the atrium helps foster that relationship. A trained catechist prepares the environment for the children and offers presentations on scripture, biblical geography and history, liturgy, and prayer.

As Blessed John Paul II says in his Apostolic Exhortation On Catechesis in Our Time, “The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch, but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ.” This is the main objective of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. 

 

The Colm Cille Club currently offers CGS for Level 1 (ages 3-6) and Level 2 (ages 6-9) children.  We hope to have a Level 3 (ages 9-12) atrium in the near future.