Religious Education: 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, the liturgy of the church, and the educational principles of Dr. Maria Montessori. Children gather in an "atrium," a space prepared for them, which contains simple yet beautiful materials that they use.

Materials and presentations on the life of Christ and His teachings help to make the great mystery of who God is more understandable for the child. Through geography, the words of the prophets, and infancy narratives, Jesus is established as a real person. The Paschal narratives are treated similarly, using model cities of Jerusalem, empty tombs, and cenacles for the Last Supper. Selected parables further the child’s wonder and curiosity about the great mystery of the Kingdom of God.

Children become familiar with the articles of the Eucharist and Baptism by arranging them in their own atrium on miniature altars and fonts. The children also become acquainted with the gestures of our liturgy and their meaning of the Paschal Mystery: Christ has died, Christ is risen, and Christ will come again. A prayer corner located in each atrium reflects the liturgical time of year by means of appropriate colors, prayer, songs, artwork, and readings.