The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

One of the basic principles of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) program is that it believes there is an existing relationship between God and child. The program's purpose is to foster that relationship.

CGS has the children gather each week in their classroom, known as the "atrium". The atrium is a room that is prepared for them and contains simple, age-appropriate materials. Their teacher, who is called a Catechist, shows the children how to use these materials. Along with each presentation of materials, the Catechist will ask the children some questions. The children may answer some of the questions; some may not be answered. That is fine, for the children are left to ponder those questions on their own. As an aid to figuring out questions, the CGS program has the children working with the material. The children will come to some answers at their own pace and need.

(Click here for more Atrium pictures!!! )

You show know that the atrium, materials and presentations are all based upon the Bible, the liturgy of the church, and some of the educational principles of Maria Montessori.

Besides the CGS being a program for child religious formation, it is also adult formation as well. The program exposes one to the familiar and the not so familiar. For example, one learns what's the symbolism behind the chalice containing a lot of wine but only a little water. (It has to do with Jesus and each one of us.) As for things not as familiar, one learns what the Epiclesis is. (It's seen each week at church during the Great Thanksgivin.) In addition to learning more about liturgy, the CGS program gives new insight into passages from the Bible.

We have two of the three levels here at St. Anne's. Level I is for children who are ages 3-6. Level II is for children who are ages 6-9. The curriculum and related materials will be handed out to parents as the children are registered.

We will continue to hold the monthly meetings with parents, catechists, helpers, and anyone else interested in the Catechesis program. The meetings will usually be scheduled for the first Sunday of the month following the 10 AM service. I envision the meetings lasting about 15-30 minutes. The subject manner will open to anything someone would like to discuss. Beyond that, I will usually try to cover any issues that have come up, what is up coming with the curriculum, evaluate what has worked and what has not, practice with the materials for presentations, and so on.

If you would like more information of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, please see Ron Desmarais, Brenda Komarinski or Rev. Peggy at church.