Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Level I, Part I Dates:
June 22-24, 29-July 1, 2020
8:30 am—4:00pm

Level I, Part II Dates:
(June 21-23, 28-30 2021)
 8:30 am—4:00pm

That Which Was Lost by YongSung Kim

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is based on the Montessori method of teaching, which is self-directed activity and hands-on learning. Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was an Italian Catholic, physician, and educator. Through her scientific studies on educational theory and pedagogy, her philosophy on education was born. Dr. Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi developed Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, which serves children from ages three to twelve. 
(The Catechetical Review, link below)

CGS seeks to create and facilitate a sacred, “hands-on space” in which both the children and their catechists can hear, ponder, and celebrate the essential mysteries of the Catholic faith as revealed in Scripture and the Liturgy.

The Atrium is a specially prepared place for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. It is a place where we gather with children to listen to God through:

• Sharing of Holy Scripture
• Learning about the Sacraments
• Exploring the Parables Jesus shared about the Kingdom of God and how we should live in God’s Kingdom
• Learning about the Mass, including the articles used, the priest’s garments, prayers and gestures, and the colors and cycle of the church year
• Understanding the history of the life of Jesus through the BIble and Biblical geography
• Prayer – communal and individual 
• Practical Life Exercises – meant for development as well as meditative movement
• Art – as an expression of relationship to God

CGS follows Maria Montessori's studies of human development. Following that, children aren't grouped by their grade, but by their stage in development. There are three levels in CGS that coincide with a child's stages of development.
Level I (ages 3-6)
Level II (ages 6-9)
Level III (ages 9-12)