CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to children’s religious formation based on the educational principles of Dr. Maria Montessori. Sofia Cavalletti, a Hebrew and Scripture scholar, and Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori-trained educator, developed this program which links Scripture with Liturgy. They began this work in 1954 and the study continues today throughout the world in more than 37 countries on five continents. The Missionaries of Charity founded by St. Theresa of Calcutta adopted the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for their catechetical work with children and in the formation of their sisters in 2009. Today the 5,ooo Missionary of Charity Sisters who serve the "poorest of the poor" in 142 countries help children come closer to God through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
At St. John Vianney Parish, we offer three levels of this program:
Each Level holds sessions in its own specially prepared space called an “atrium”. The atrium is not a classroom, but resembles a small retreat center. In the ancient church, the atrium was where people would prepare to enter the church from the outside world. Within the sacred space of the atrium, Good Shepherd catechists prepare the environment and give selected presentations from scripture and liturgy that “call forth” the child’s response rather than “pour in” information. The child’s work in the atrium nurtures the deep bond between God and child and helps respond to the plea of the young child, “Help me to come closer to God by myself.”
Catechists who serve in the Good Shepherd Program must be certified by the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to children’s religious formation based on the educational principles of Dr. Maria Montessori. Sofia Cavalletti, a Hebrew and Scripture scholar, and Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori-trained educator, developed this program which links Scripture with Liturgy. They began this work in 1954 and the study continues today throughout the world in more than 37 countries on five continents. The Missionaries of Charity founded by St. Theresa of Calcutta adopted the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for their catechetical work with children and in the formation of their sisters in 2009. Today the 5,ooo Missionary of Charity Sisters who serve the "poorest of the poor" in 142 countries help children come closer to God through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
At St. John Vianney Parish, we offer three levels of this program:
- Level I for the 3 to 6 year old child
- Level II for the 6 to 8 year old child (including Sacramental Preparation)
- Level III for the 9 to 11 year old child
Each Level holds sessions in its own specially prepared space called an “atrium”. The atrium is not a classroom, but resembles a small retreat center. In the ancient church, the atrium was where people would prepare to enter the church from the outside world. Within the sacred space of the atrium, Good Shepherd catechists prepare the environment and give selected presentations from scripture and liturgy that “call forth” the child’s response rather than “pour in” information. The child’s work in the atrium nurtures the deep bond between God and child and helps respond to the plea of the young child, “Help me to come closer to God by myself.”
Catechists who serve in the Good Shepherd Program must be certified by the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.