Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a method of faith formation that combines the Bible and Liturgy of the Church with Montessori based teaching methods. The children meet in a special place prepared for them referred to as an "atrium". The atrium is full of simple, age-appropriate materials that will help the child draw closer in relationship with God. They work with materials that will help them understand the traditions and rituals of our Catholic faith.

The Atrium & Materials: The atrium is best described as a retreat space. It is a place to grow in relationship with Christ. Children are presented with scripture, parables, and church life. The catechist serves as a guide in helping the child meditate and work with the materials so the Spirit of God is free to engage the child.  The materials are made specifically for children to use. They are straight forward, yet carefully selected to help the child explore some of the essential truths of scripture or ritual they see at church.

The Work of the Child: Scripture is read together as a time of listening and reflecting. The materials are moved to illustrate the story. The work on the life of the church helps children put into context what they see at Mass.

Areas of Study: include prayer and meditation, nomenclature and movement in the church, Eucharist, biblical geography, biblical study (including prophecies, infancy narrative, parables, paschal narratives, and Books of the Bible), moral formation, sacraments, practical life, the history of the kingdom of God, and celebrations of the church year.
     
Option: Level II for grades 1-5, two or three Sundays per month from 11:15 AM-12:45 PM.  This is offered at the same time as the Sunday Middle School classes.