What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children. It is rooted in the Bible, liturgy of the Church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori, along with careful observation of children by Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi, in Rome.

Through this journey of faith, children will listen to Scripture and meditate on Biblical and liturgical themes, while applying practical life activities, controlled movement, and practiced silence in order to deepen their relationship with God and their enjoyment in His presence.

The religious life of the child is the central interest and commitment of the catechists in the Atrium. The only teacher is Christ.

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.  The Atrium is "more like a church than a classroom." (Religious Potential of the Child, 1992).

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.

The Atrium at St. Raphael is located on the main level of the school, just down from the Media Center.

Helpful Links:  The National Association of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Resources for Parents

Please go to the parent page link

 https://www.cgsusa.org/discover/cgs-approach/cgs-in-the-home-parent-resources/    

to find more information on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and helpful literature for parents.

Weekly Parent Newsletters:

Contact Information:

Brandan Holbrook
Director of Children’s Faith Formation

bholbrook@sraparish.org
813-961-1716