Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”  Matthew 19:14
 

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a method of religious formation rooted in sacred scripture, Catholic liturgy and Montessori teaching principles resulting in a profoundly personal and joyful expression of faith, unique to each child's relationship with God. This experience is shared in a place specially prepared for the religious life of children called the Atrium.

The atrium can be compared to a retreat house facilitating recollection and silence. The atrium is a place for religious life, for community and worship—not a classroom for instruction. The atrium is a place of meaningful work through which the child can have a conversation with God. The atmosphere in the atrium is quiet, contemplative, filled with beautiful materials that help the child contemplate more deeply themes presented from scripture or liturgy. 
Guided by the Holy Spirit, children deepen their relationship with God through their time in the atrium. There, they receive essential presentations from catechists and are introduced to materials that aid them in independently pondering the greatest mysteries of our faith.  Areas in the atrium include:

• Baptism area: font, scripture, gestures
• Good Shepherd table and materials
• Geography: raised surface map of Israel, model city of Jerusalem, maps, globe
• Infancy narratives
• Model altar and gestures of the Mass
• Parables of the Kingdom of God
• Liturgical year: calendar and chasubles
• Vestments of the priest
• Prayer table 
• Practical life shelf offering materials that help gain fine motor control, concentration, and control of self
• Art shelf, including collage pasting and tracing
• Care of the environment, sweeping, dusting, plant care