CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a wonderful religious experience, where both adults and children contemplate who God is and enjoy His presence and His gifts. Adult catechists prepare an environment, called the atrium, where the relationship between God and the child can flourish. CGS was developed in Italy by Sofia Cavaletti and Giana Gobbi, and it applies the Montessori Method to the religious formation of the child. Age-appropriate presentations encompass prayer, life in the atrium, how to take care of our materials and atrium environment, Biblical Geography, the items, prayers and gestures used in the Mass, and Biblical parables and narratives. The child is shown how to work with materials that reinforce what he/she has heard in the presentations. The goal is to have a quiet, contemplative space where the child can speak with God in his/her own way.
At St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, we have three levels:
- Level 1, for children 3-6 years of age (through Kindergarten)
- Level 2, for children 6-9 years of age (Grades 1-3)
- Level 3, for children 9-12 years of age (Grades 4-6)
There are opportunities for involvement for high school students and adult parishioners, including:
- Atrium assistants are needed for the 90-minute sessions.
- Material making for all levels of talent, from cutting paper to writing booklets and fixing broken materials.
This ministry has many available time commitment levels, a few hours each month, an hour or two each week, or every other week. Training and instructions are provided for all the assistants.
CONTACT PERSON: Maria Christensen, 402-740-5918, cgs.seas@gmail.com
