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2021-2022 CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD CALENDAR HERE
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a unique method of faith formation that we are privileged to offer for our preschool and elementary school and non-school children on a weekly basis.
Founded by Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi in 1954 in Rome, Italy, Catachesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to religious formation for children, ages 3-12. It is a program inspired by Montessori Principles of Education, the doctrine of the Church, Liturgy and Sacred Scripture.
The Catechesis is based on the conviction that God and the child are already in relationship and that the child has a deep need to experience and a special capacity to enjoy the presence of God. The task of the adult is to help the child live fully the encounter with God. When helped to do so, this experience becomes formative in the child’s whole person and generates great joy.
This method strives to proclaim the message of Jesus to children by presenting the mysteries of our faith in a Montessori learning environment which incorporates beauty and silence in a prepared setting called the atrium.The children are attracted to the Good Shepherd’s abiding love for His sheep. They develop a special love for Jesus, the Good Shepherd, even before they realize that they are the sheep. The children hear the Bible story in the words of the catechist, using actual scripture verses, and discuss and reflect on what they heard. Materials that accompany the teachings are available for the children to re-enact the story.LEVEL II
This level builds on the covenental love between God and His children, but adds the element of the merciful, forgiving love of Jesus and calls for a response from the children. Older children receive meditations to enhance their preparation for the sacraments
of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist.LEVEL III
This level focuses on the plan of God to join all people together. The child focuses on God’s generosity and the responsibilities that accompany His gifts. They are posed the question, “What is my place in the Kingdom of God?”
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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Registration takes place each spring for the following school year.
For more information or to schedule an appointment to visit the atrium at St. Joseph,
please contact the Faith Formation Office at: 651-457-8841
Christina Stokman, Director of Catechesis and Formation -
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