What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a reflective-based religious formation that helps a child to further develop his/her relationship with God in a developmentally appropriate way. It is rooted in Sacred Scripture, the Liturgy and Prayer. Children meet in small groups along with a catechist within a prepared environment known as an atrium. Within the atrium, the 4-6 years old are filled with wonder and awe as they joyfully encounter the Good Shepherd and discover his unconditional love and care. The atrium provides a space, based upon the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori, for children to pray, work, and contemplate the presence of God in their lives.

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This Catechesis is not a replacement for Mass on Sundays. On the contrary, this Catechesis pairs with going to Mass on Sundays and is meant to help your child have a deeper understanding and appreciation for the mass and help them develop a prayer life.  

A 4 to 6-year-old child is particularly capable of receiving and enjoying the most essential elements of our faith—the announcement of God’s love especially experienced through Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who died and is risen.  Materials on the life of Jesus Christ and his teachings help to make the mystery of God concrete for the child. The heart of the catechesis for children under six revolves around the Parable of the Good Shepherd. Jesus announces that he is the Good Shepherd who calls each one by name. The sheep listen to the voice of the Shepherd and follow him.  

Level I children receive individual lessons each week, on Scripture narratives about the life, death and resurrection of Christ, the Geography of the Land of Israel, and Parables of the Kingdom of God.   

Level I children also begin to understand the Mass by learning the names of the articles of the altar, as well as discovering the meaning of the most important gestures from the Mass: the preparation of the chalice, Epiclesis and offering and the sign of peace.  Sessions begin and end with singing and prayers of thanksgiving.

Children ages 4 to Kindergarten are invited to participate in our Level 1 CGS Atrium sessions. Children age 4 who would like to participate must be fully potty trained and independent in using the restroom.