About:

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori based approach to religious education for children ages three to six.  It enables children to live their relationship with God in profound joy and seeks to address the enormous religious potential of the young child.  It is an experience of life and an education in faith, through the celebration of an encounter with the Father, in listening to Jesus the one Teacher, and in obedience to the Spirit.  Class size max. is 12 students.

Contact Shannon Cassidy, Coordinator:
scassidycgs@gmail.com

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When we meet:

The following two-hour sessions are offered weekly: Wednesday, 1:00-3:00 PM and Friday, 9:30-11:30 AM.  
Also, we offer a late afternoon class once a week: Wednesday, 4:30-5:45 PM, which is geared toward students who are entering Kindergarten.  Sessions are held in the basement of the Parish Office building.  

The atrium:

The atrium (or prepared environment) is one of the elements that helps the relationship between God and the child to flourish. After a theme has been presented, the child is free to choose an activity that will make possible the inner dialogue with the “Interior Teacher.”

How does the atrium help to nourish this relationship?

• 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 atrium was the place in the early church where the catechumens were prepared. For the child, too, the atrium is a place of preparation for involvement in the larger worship community.

Learn more about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at the National Association's website.