Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a three-level, nine-year approach to religious education that offers children a living encounter with God. It was developed over 60 years ago in Rome, through the research and practice of Dr. Sofia Cavaletti (Hebrew scholar and member of the Ecumenical Commission of the Diocese of Rome), and teacher Gianna Gobbi (one of Maria Montessori’s collaborators). This approach is now used in 32 countries across five continents.

The heart of this teaching revolves around the Parable of the Good Shepherd. Jesus announces that he calls each of us by name. The sheep listen to the voice of the Shepherd, know him, and follow him. Materials on this parable, on the life of Jesus, his kingdom teachings, prophecies regarding his birth and its geography, the sacraments of the church, and the eucharistic gestures help make the mystery of God concrete for the child. The child becomes closely acquainted with the biblical nature of the liturgy through the events of the Last Supper, Christ’s death, and His resurrection. They enter the mystery of the Eucharist by first learning the names of the articles used at the altar, and then through the most important gestures. Through the experience of seeing these articles and practicing these gestures, the Eucharist emerges as a Sacrament of gift.

Our atrium at St. James takes place on Tuesdays at 4:30pm. Children ages 3-6 are welcome, and childcare for younger siblings is available. There is no cost for this program. Snack is included.

There is an innate desire in young children to draw near to God. God and the young child share a unique relationship. An interpersonal relationship is always a mystery, and all the more so when the relationship is between God and a young child! The 3 to 6 year old child is particularly capable of receiving and enjoying the most essential elements of our faith, namely the announcement of God’s love, experienced through Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

The atrium, or the prepared environment, is one of the necessary elements through which the deep, life-long bond of love between God and the child is nurtured. Children need a space of their own in which their spiritual growth is served through tangible, yet at times indirect, means. The adult’s role is to prepare the environment, to offer selected presentations from scripture and liturgy, and to listen with the child as we ask, “God, who are you? How do you love us?”

The greatest need, and the greatest capacity, in young children is relationship. In comparison to adults, they are the most delighted with gifts, therefore it is not surprising that young children have a tremendous capacity to receive and respond to gifts in prayer. Everything we do in the atrium leads the children to listening by bringing awareness of God’s gifts, which inevitably develops into a joyful response. As the child listens to the proclamation of God’s word, or as they complete a practical work, or as they simply contemplate a particular sign, their listening, their actions, and their thinking become contemplative prayer. From this internal silence, children are often disposed to offer up spontaneous, genuine prayers: “Thank you, Jesus, for the beautiful light.” “Thank you, God, for creating me and always looking for me.” “Jesus, you are the king and you give me white clothes.” Their smiles, their eyes lighting up, their focused and engaged handwork, their songs, and their artwork also show their profound responses.