Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Developed by Sofia Cavalletti, an Italian Hebrew scripture scholar, building on the work and methods of Maria Montessori, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) seeks to give children the guidance and vocabulary which enable them to become aware of their relationship with God and give expression to it. With the Catechesis we help each child to continue to fall in love with God while building community among peers. 

Two rooms in the school attached to Sacred Heart have be converted into what is termed an Atrium for the CGS program available to 3-12 year olds. If you look in the Atrium, you will see many child-sized materials that correspond directly to our faith. CGS is a catechetical program that utilizes the Montessori method of learning through the senses (hands-on).

The atrium is a place where the child comes to know the great realities of…life as a Christian, but also and above all, a place where the child begins to live these realities in meditation and prayer. There is nothing of the academic classroom about the atrium; it is not a place for religious instruction but religious life. - Sofia Cavalletti 

The word “atrium” actually means “portico, or porch entrance to a large house.” The ancient church called the gathering space between the Church Proper and street, the atrium. This was the place where those preparing for initiation into the Church would receive instruction. The special space here is called an Atrium, since it has a similar purpose for our children, as it is a place to help them enter into full, conscious and active participation in the liturgical and communal life of the Church.

Many of the materials in the Atrium have been handmade by people across the community. This a way for more people to help participate in the handing of our faith down to the next generations. Others assist directly with the children by presenting as well as participating with the children in hearing God’s word. This program tends to create the atmosphere of a retreat with it presentations, Scripture, contemplation, work and silence. A fundamental aspect of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program is for the child to understand the person of Jesus as their Good Shepherd and fall in love with Him. The child, as well as the adult assistants, grow in faith during this experience!

Sacred Heart’s CGS program has had children participating from all over Aberdeen and the region. Sacred Heart members should sign up their child in early September. We highly recommend beginning your children at the age of 3 in order to start aquainting them with the space and method ('normalizing them to the environment' in Montesorri language).

Currently the CGS program offers 4 level I (ages 3-6) sessions, two level II (ages 6-9) sessions, and 1 level III (ages 9-12) session. In order to maintain or possibly expand our session offerings, we need more volunteers to assist in the program as well as people willing to be trained in as CGS catechists. No teaching background is recommended, and we are looking for mature teens and adults who simply want to grow closer to our Good Shepherd and help bring the littlest sheep into His fold. More information about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program can be found on the national website: https://www.cgsusa.org/

If any of this information sparks your interest or you would like to tour the atrium space and find out more about CGS please contact Thomas Eskro in the office ([email protected] or 605-225-7065).. This program is truly one that you have to see and touch in order to grasp its uniqueness.