Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

One of the most well known images of Jesus Christ, is Jesus being the “Good Shepherd”, “for My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (Jn 10:27). Jesus is calling all of us, and we respond by following him in faith.  This interaction between Christ and his sheep begins at our baptism, and He never stops calling us to him. Our children can especially hear Christ’s voice as the Good Shepherd. This Montessori based approach has been specially designed to help our children explore all areas of their Catholic faith appropriate to their developmental age. 

At Cabrini Co-op, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an integral part of the curriculum for children ages 3 to 9 yrs of age. CGS takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
NOTE: Those students who have enrolled for MWF at Cabrini do not need to register.

Each weekly, two hour session consists of prayer, a presentation of new material based on Scripture or Liturgy, and personal time working with the material they have seen.  

What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?

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The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd invites the child to enter a sacred room, the atrium, and to hear God's word, proclaimed from the Bible. The child is invited to speak to God and work with materials created especially for their developmental age that helps them draw closer to God. The atrium is a place of prayer and worship, in which work and study spontaneously become meditation, contemplation, and prayer. The atrium is a place in which the only teacher is Christ; both the child and the catechist place themselves in a listening stance before His Word and seek to penetrate the mystery of the Liturgical celebration*. (Characteristics of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: The 32 Points of Reflection)
 
A catechist is one who echoes Christ, and announces the kerygma. As catechists in the atrium, we work together in a spirit of unity and harmony, in tune with God's plan for communion in the history of salvation and in keeping with the theme of unity so strongly expressed in the parables of the Good Shepherd and the True Vine. The attitude of the catechist has to be marked with humility before the capacities of the child*. (Characteristics of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: The 32 Points of Reflection)

Ways you can support CGS!

• Consider training to be a Catechist 
• Donate funds or items from the Atrium Wishlist.
• If  you are a woodworker. Seamstress, Artist,  please donate your time. We have many items to be made and painted. Contact Jeanay Holcomb at [email protected]
• Bibles in languages other than English
• Saint Statues and Sacred Art donations 
• Old Magnificats (2019-2022)
• Floor lamps especially torchiere lamps
• Large floor rugs in good condition 
• Cruet set with stopper 
• Indoor plants large or small
• Lastly, Please pray for this ministry. Your prayers are powerful and help us build the Kingdom by forming young Catholics. 

Interesting Facts About CGS

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CGS was developed in Rome over 60 years ago but has grown slowly like a mustard seed throughout the world, it is now a mustard tree!

There are atriums (atria) on six continents – rich and poor countries.

Mother Teresa’s order, The Missionaries of Charity adopted it not only to give to the poorest children in the world, but also as part of their formation.

The Dominican Sisters receive formation in CGS and have atria in their schools