CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a reflective-based program of religious formation that helps a child to further develop his/her relationship with God in a developmentally appropriate way. The program 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 3-6 year olds are filled with wonder and awe as they joyfully encounter the Good Shepherd and discover his unconditional love and care.

CGS AT ST. MICHAEL

Children attending St. Michael Catholic School and children participating in Faith Formation classes on Sunday mornings from 8:45-10:15 am or Wednesday evenings 5:00-6:30pm will be spending time in the Atrium.

WHY CATECHSIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD?

God and the child have a unique relationship with one another particularly before the age of six. The growth of this relationship should be assisted by the adult, but is directed by the Spirit of God within the child. Children need their own place to foster the growth of that relationship. This spiritual growth is best served through tangible but indirect means. 

“If we want to help the child grow near to God, we should, with patience and courage…seek to go always closer to the vital nucleus of things. This requires study and prayer. The child himself will be our teacher if we know how to observe him.” -Sofia Cavalletti

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a common religious experience involving children and adults in which the religious values of childhood, primarily those values of contemplation and enjoyment of God, are predominant. 

• The Child: The 3-6-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. 

• The Adult: The catechist’s role is to prepare the environment and to give selected presentations from scripture and liturgy that “call forth” the child’s response rather than “pours in” information. Catechists will receive hours of accredited training to prepare them for this ministry.

This unique approach to Catholic catechism for children started here at St. Michael in Fall 2022 with preschool.  Catechist training is an intensive 100 hour preparation and some of our catechists have begun to train for the next level, for grades 1-3 so that we can continue to serve the families of St. Michael parish with quality catechesis to prepare children for the Sacraments as they grow in faith and in love through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

For information about training, please contact Charity Firestone: [email protected]