Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

A special ministry for children

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a religious education program. It was designed by Sophia Cavaletti in association with Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori educator, to teach children about religion. The program then grew from Cavaletti’s innovative teaching methods now employed around the world. The Montessori method believes that children begin to develop their conscious minds from age three to six, and it is at this stage that they develop their wills and their memory by use of physical activity. You can see this

demonstrated by children’s repetitive play. The course is designed to use these ‘sensitive periods’ to allow children to explore and deepen their spiritual life. .

The Catechesis program is presented in a designated area called an “Atrium”, where all materials are child-sized to allow maximum engagement. Children are given “presentations” which help them explore a concept, with the catechist using a story from the Bible, or a parable, or an aspect of the church’s liturgical life. The premise is not sitting the children down and telling them “God is this…” nor is

it about knowing all the answers. It is about creating an environment for them where they are safe to wonder, to explore, and to develop the answers for themselves. .

The Catechesis is based on the belief that God and the child are in relationship. There is a deep bond between them that produces in the child a desire to draw near to God. The task of the catechist is to prepare the environment and make the presentations that call forth a response - to help the child live fully the encounter with God. Together, both adult and child develop the ability to listen as they ask together, "God who are you and how do you love us?"

Our children are bombarded with activity and sound throughout their daily lives. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd gives children an opportunity to be still and wonder about their world. The children learn and practise practical life skills as well as matters of faith. There are sound geography and history components to the program. All learning is according to child development levels.
For more information about the Catechesis program look up the following websites.

Anglican Diocese of Dunedin
The National Association of the catechesis of the Good Shepherd
The Good Shepherd Experience in Australia

St Luke’s Greytown is starting a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program regardless of family church affiliation. The program will observe primary school terms:

3-5 year olds: Monday 1:15pm to 2:15pm
5-9 year olds: Monday 3:15pm to 4:30pm