What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?
An innovative approach to teaching young children the essentials of the Catholic faith, based on the methods of acclaimed educationalist Maria Montessori, is catching on in Canada. It goes far beyond anything we have experienced before. This work is more than teaching children about Jesus, or about their faith, or about what they see at Church and in the sacraments. All of this happens, but the main aim of this work is to introduce the child to Jesus in the Scriptures and in the Liturgy. The work is about building a relationship between the child and God. The program was originally developed in Italy in 1954 by Dr. Sofia Caveletti who applied the educational principles of Maria Montesorri. It has since spread around the world and is used by many liturgical traditions (Lutheran, Anglican/Episcopal, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, and Methodist) as well as in schools throughout the world. On a regular basis the children gather in a room prepared for them called an “atrium”. This specially prepared space contains many materials that the children can work with and use. For example, there is an area in the room set aside for work with the articles of the mass: a small model alter, chalice, paten, lectionary, sacramentary, tabernacle, chasubles, among other articles. Another area is dedicated to the sacrament of baptism, another has dioramas depicting key events in the life of Jesus (the Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity, the Presentation in the Temple, the visit of the magi, and the Last Supper), yet another for few select parables, and a prayer table is set up in an area where the children gather to pray. The Good Shepherd Atrium, is more like a church than a classroom. It is less a place of instruction than a holy ground where Christ is encountered in word and action. It is a place that calls forth the child's response rather than pouring in information. In it, the child seeks to find out who God is and how God loves us. It is a room of wonder. The Atrium contains models of elements used in actual worship. Things they can touch, as the Apostles actually touched our Lord. The children become familiar with the parables, the prophecies, the geography of Israel, and the life of Christ. Child-sized materials convey the essentials of the faith in a manner appropriate to the child's development. The child is invited to work individually with the materials in a hand-on manner to internalize and respond to God in the personal manner that all Christians are called to. Children from 3 to 6 years of age are especially sensitive to Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd who protects his sheep and calls each by name; to the Eucharist as the greatest gift of love of the Father; to the response human beings give to God; and to Jesus Christ as the light of the world. * For more information on how you can become involved, or to register your child, please call the Pro-Cathedral Parish, Erin Tayler at 476-8509 or email cgsnb@yahoo.ca.
- Why gather such young children?
- What is an Atrium?
- What need does this 'new kind' of catechesis serve?
- When does this catechesis begin?
- 1. Why gather such young children?
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This ‘new kind of catechesis’ is of the understanding that children are already in relationship with God and time is needed to nurture this relationship. Time becomes sacred because it is away from the business of the world. Sacred time is quiet and nurtures the child's natural ability to calm and listen. It is in this quiet, calm that the mystery of God and the mystery of the child meet developing an inner peace that we so long for as adults.
Children are given the richest teachings of the Church, the Kingdom of God parables. Children are able to relate these teachings to the liturgy of the Mass. Many parents have commented that they have noticed a peace and joy about their child that they contribute to their child's time in the atrium.
- 2. What is an Atrium?
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A sacred space would be needed to allow for this sacred time. This space is called the ‘Atrium’ it was known as the entrance into the Church. The place for the formation of early Christians before they entered into the Christian Church.. The atrium is the place children gather to form their spiritual relationship with God. The children gather outside of Mass, to spend time away from the business of the world. Presentations would be made by trained catechist's who would then invite the children to use the materials. This repeated use of the materials becomes their work, their contemplation and their prayer. These hands—on materials are specially prepared to meet their needs developmentally, nurturing their relationship with God.
- 3. What need does this 'new kind' of catechesis serve?
The child's deepest need is for relationship. We know that we grow and are formed through relationships. We also know that there are different degrees in which relationships contribute to our personal development and harmonious integration. The "image" of God, which is in all of us (Genesis 1:26), is reflected with a special transparency in children. God is the necessary Partner the child's need for the fullest possible self-formation. When like finds like, enjoyment is born.
There is a special rapport between young children and God. In this covenant relationship with God, children find what is most precious in themselves: the capacity to love.
The relationship with God is basically an experience of love, of love without limits. In the covenant relationship there is a meeting between God who is "Love," and the child, who is so rich in love; different in their capacity and yet alike in their quality, they truly encounter one another.
- 4. When does this catechesis begin?
We are beginning October 18, 2008 with the children in the Good Shepherd Atrium for the first year. Registration for October starts with a phone call to any of the numbers listed below.
If you are interested in registering your child or learning more, please contact;
- Karen at the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption Parish office at 472-3970
- or Lynn at Corpus Christi Parish office at 472-2127
- or Erin Tayler at 476-8509 or email cgsnb@yahoo.ca
