“The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a slow, deep process, full of God’s peace.”
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is religious formation for children that is rooted in the Montessori tradition. Each room, called an atrium, is prepared for the children with objects designed to foster a deeper knowledge of God, the Church and our traditions. It is a place of simplicity and order, prayer, work and community.
Read about the National Catechesis organization here: https://www.cgsusa.org/
Click here to register your child for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
Ages 3-Kindergarten
The Atrium, Room 107 (basement classroom closest to Sydnor Hall)
10:00 am to 10:50 am
We begin with a gentle introduction to life in the Atrium for our youngest children and continued learning and lessons for our 4 and 5 year old children. Children explore the Kingdom of God parables, Infancy stories and are introduced to life in the Church in ways that invite them to greater participation in liturgy. The Good Shepherd is the central teaching – that you are known and you are loved. Parents serve as assistants to life in the Atrium, contributing to the great work that will go on all year.
Grades 1-4
Level II Atrium
Renwick Building – Ask an usher for directions
10:00 am to 10:50 am
First and second graders are entering a new plane of development and are ready for work that explores the moral dimensions of Jesus’ teachings and are ready to see life in a bigger context. They begin to hold prayer services for their class and to connect to God through studies of time and creation. Exploration of the Mystery of Faith – Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again – is added to their understanding of God’s work in our world.
Children in the third and fourth grades grow in their understanding through Catechesis materials designed for the middle years touching on geography, moral parables and creation history. The children work to develop a deeper connection to the worshiping life of our community through studying the Eucharist and the Bible.
Grade 5-6
Level III Atrium
The Atrium (basement classroom closest to Market Square)
10:00 am to 10:50 am
Level III of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd uses huge timelines to allow children to see where we as Christians come from and to make connections to their own lives. We explore other faiths as well – seeing ourselves in context of God’s plan. Level III allows time for deep Bible study of Genesis, Abraham and Sarah and Exodus to name a few as well as the sacraments of the church and a deeper exploration of reconciliation.
Contact Hecti Musa for more information.