Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Two new CGS Level 1 Formation Courses
will begin the summer of 2022.
For more information and to register
click here

Developed by Sofia Cavalletti, an Italian Hebrew scripture scholar, building on the work and methods of Maria Montessori, the Catechesis seeks to give children the guidance and vocabulary which enable them to become aware of their relationship with God and give expression to it. With the Catechesis we help each child to continue to fall in love with God while building community among peers. 

• The atrium is a place where the child comes to know the great realities of…life as a Christian, but also and above all, a place where the child begins to live these realities in meditation and prayer. There is nothing of the academic classroom about the atrium; it is not a place for religious instruction but religious life. (Sofia Cavalletti) 

• The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd takes its name from the parable and image of Jesus that seemed to appeal most to young children.

The Atrium
What is this word Atrium? Montessori coined this term recalling the part of the Early Christian church building where catechumens would gather in preparation to join the church. How fitting that this special room in which we are preparing our children to enter/participate in the church be called the same. The Atrium is the meeting ground of two mysteries: the mystery of God and the mystery of the child 
“An interpersonal relationship is always a mystery; it is more so when it involves a relationship with God; when the relationship is between God and the child the mystery is greater still.” (Sofia Cavalletti) 

Each atrium is specially designed with child-sized furniture including a prayer table for gathering, a model altar, as well as materials to deepen their familiarity with more parables and the Mass itself. After being presented with new material in a small group, children are free to choose work which particularly speaks to them to foster the growth of their own relationships with God.

The Catechist
The role of the adult in the atrium is secondary. It is the child’s own inner guide and teacher, the Holy Spirit, which directs the mind and heart. The importance of the catechist is to place materials within reach and share scripture that fills a particular longing at each stage in a child’s spiritual life. 
 
Training:
Training is offered in the diocese regularly. For more information about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd training visit bismarckdiocese.com/cgs or contact Neil Albaña at nalbana@bismarckdiocese.com or 701-204-7206.
 
Additional Resources
            National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
            The Prairie Sheepfold - local group for CGS Catechists to connect and continue formation