Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Would you like to help your young child enjoy a deeper relationship with God? The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based approach to the religious formation of children, rooted in Sacred Scripture, Liturgy, and respect for the child’s rich relationship with God.
We are happy to be offering Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 for 3-6 year old children this fall. Level 2, for children 6-9 will be offered to children who have completed level 1. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an experiential approach to the spiritual formation of children.
Developed by Hebrew scholar and theologian, Dr. Sofia Cavaletti, and Montessori trainer, Gianna Gobbi, the Catechesis recognizes the existing relationship between God and the child, and aims to nurture this relationship by helping the child “come close to God all by myself.”
Based on the Montessori principles of education, the Catechesis introduces the child to the Scripture and the Liturgy through hands-on materials. These materials free the child to contemplate his/her own relationship with God and the Church. The catechist and the child are co-learners, seeking together the mystery of God and God’s Kingdom.
The catechists who work with the children will participate in nearly 100 hours of formation and are preparing a special environment for the children, which is called the Atrium.
The Atrium
What is a “prepared environment”? The prepared environment is a Montessori concept that the environment can be designed to facilitate independent learning by the child. In a prepared environment, children work with materials of their own choice and at their own pace. They experience a combination of freedom and self-discipline in a place especially prepared to meet their developmental and spiritual needs.
Why is it called “Atrium” anyway? The word “atrium” actually means “portico, or porch entrance to a large house.” The Atrium was a term given to this space by Maria Montessori. It was chosen because in the ancient church, the atrium was a gathering space between the Church Proper and the street. It was the place where the catechumens, those preparing for initiation to the Church, would receive instruction. The Atrium has a similar purpose for our children, as it is a place to help them enter into full, conscious and active participation in the liturgical and communal life of the Church.
Registration
Step 1. Create a Profile and Add your Whole Family
Family Info Registration
- Enter information about yourself first,
- Under "household members" add your spouse and your children
Step 2. Sign Up for CGS
Program Registration
- Click register and sign in with the phone number/email associated with yourself (the parent)
- Then choose each family member participating in the program and select their participation type.
- During registration, most basic information will be auto populated from the form in Step 1. You will still need to answer questions specific to the program.
- At the end of each registration you will be prompted for the registration fee. Please complete each registration in full before moving on to registering a student(s) for another program
We offer atrium sessions on the following times:
First day of classes is the week of September 11th and it ends the week of May 7th
Click HERE to View 2022-2023 calendar
Level 1 (children 3 to 6 years old). Classes will take place at the PCC Atrium
Monday mornings 10:00- 11:30 AM
Tuesday mornings 10:00- 11:30 AM
Tuesday evenings 5:00-6:30 PM
Wednesday mornings 10:00 - 11:30 AM
Wednesday evenings 5:00-6:30 PM
Thursday mornings 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Thursday afternoons 5:00-6:30 PM
Sundays 8:45-10:15 AM
Level 2 (children 6 to 9 years old). Classes will take place at the School Atrium
Tuesdays 5:15-6:30 PM
Wednesdays 6:15-7:30 PM
Please contact us if you are interested in being an aide for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
For questions, please call us at the office at (817) 431-3857.
Volunteer for K-6 Classes and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN PASSING ON OUR CATHOLIC FAITH TO OTHERS?
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - Aide RegistrationElementary RE - Catechist/Aide registration
Not sure where to volunteer? If you would like to explore the opportunities, take a minute to fill out our Catechist/ Aide Volunteer Form. We'll contact you to discuss how you'd like to help, and answer any questions! You can also call us in the Religious Education Office at (817) 623-2409.
OUR VOLUNTEER NEEDS FOR K-6:
You teach in a classroom setting, assisted by an aide. You will be using a catechist guide (book) to work from and use to plan your lessons in advance.
Classes are one hour 15 minutes long, on a Tues. at 5:15 pm or Wed. evening at 6:15 pm, from Sept. to May. Child care for preschool children of volunteers is available.
Requirements:
You must be willing to take on the responsibility of teaching children in the Catholic Faith through the use of the provided curriculum, and being a model of Christ to them.
You must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church, and sign an Oath of Fidelity to the Catholic Church.
You assist the catechist in the classroom.
Classes are one hour 15 minutes long, on a Tues. or Wed. evening, and run from Sept. to May.
Child care for preschool children of volunteers is available.
Requirements:
You must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church, and sign an Oath of Fidelity to the Catholic Church.
You must complete the Keeping Children Safe class.
Substituting for a catechist or classroom aide who is absent. You are not obligated to be available all the time. You will just be on a call list and sub if you can.
Requirements:
You must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church, and sign an Oath of Fidelity to the Catholic Church.
You must complete the Keeping Children Safe class.
WE'RE HERE TO HELP
We recognize that not everyone's faith journey looks the same. So whatever the situation, we're here to assist each family on their unique journey. If you have questions or concerns about the process, just let us know.
