What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is an approach to the religious formation of children. It is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. Children gather in an atrium, a room prepared for them, which contains simple yet beautiful materials that they use.
If an adult hears a beautiful passage from the Bible, the adult might take a Bible, find the passage, and read it slowly again and again. He or she may think deeply about the words and perhaps speak to God in a thankful or hopeful prayer.
But a little child, too young to read, needs another way.
In an atrium, the child can ponder a biblical passage or a prayer from the liturgy by taking the material for that text and working with it by placing wood figures of sheep in a sheepfold of the Good Shepherd, setting sculpted apostles around a Last Supper table, or preparing a small altar with the furnishings used for the Eucharist. Older children who do read often copy parables from the Bible, lay in order written prayers from the rite of baptism, or label a long timeline showing the history of the kingdom of God.
After a long hiatus, we are so pleased to be able to offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) to a limited number of children for the 2021-2022 year. CGS will meet Thursday mornings throughout the school year at St. Mary’s, while parents (and younger siblings) are welcome to stay and meet or socialize together outside of the atrium. To ensure enough space and individual care for the children participating, there are only a very small number of spots available. If you are interested in having your child participate, please contact Jacqueline directly at 715-855-1294 x106 or Jacqueline@SMSRCatholic.com.