Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)  Level 1program is a faith-based environment for the 3.5-6 year old child that uses over 60 years of research by Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobi as well as the self-teaching principles of Maria Montessori.  This combination led to an approach that appealed to the younger child but also evolved from the children themselves. Sofia Cavalletti said, “If we want to help the children grow near to God, we should, with patience and courage…seek to go always closer to the vital nucleus of things. This requires study and prayer. The child himself will be our teacher if we know how to observe him.”  Growth of this relationship should be directed by the Holy Spirit and assisted only as necessary by the adult.

St. Raphael’s Atrium is a prepared environment for the child to foster this relationship with God. The atrium is not a classroom, it is a place for the child to have a conversation with God through hands-on works. The Catechists role is to prepare the Atrium with age-appropriate religious materials and to give presentations from scripture that will encourage the child’s response rather than to teach the child all the information. The Catechist and the child listen and reflect on the presentations together as well as ponder wondering questions that these materials inspire within each of them.  The Catechists recognize the young child’s need for independence and the growth in faith these materials and independence in the Atrium lead to. 

Children want the opportunity to nurture this growth on their own. This spiritual growth is best served through this hands-on environment, and it captivates the soul of the child. CGS allows the child to build a relationship with God independently in an environment that makes possible a joyful expression of this relationship. The materials in the Atrium are child-sized and beautifully displayed. They invite the children to explore and expand their experiences at their own pace. All the works in the Atrium are integral tools for establishing holy habits in their religious life and the basis for First Communion preparation.