What is the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?
Since 1954, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd has been offering children and adults a method of faith formation that focuses on the religious capacities of young children. Children ages 3 to 12 years gather in a prepared environment called the Atrium to pray, to work and to contemplate the most essential themes of our faith. Using Montessori principles of education the Atrium offers children time and space to use catechetical materials developed under the guidance of scripture scholar Sofia Cavelleti and Montessori teacher Gianna Gobbi, in Rome, Italy. Along with many children and catechists from all over the world, Cavellti and Gobbi developed a comprehensive program for children that faithfully serves both the catechetical aims of the Church and the developmental needs of the child.
Adult formation is offered in three consecutive courses that focus on children ages 3-6, 6-9, and 9-12. Everyone begins with theLevel I course (ages 3-6), which is foundational to becoming attuned to the religious life of the child. All courses cover age-appropriate themes for children from the Bible and liturgy, the purpose and use of the handmade materials, an introduction to the atrium, experience in presenting materials, and help in preparing a personal handbook (the catechist "album").
The Catechesis, because of the hands-on approach of the Montessori Method, is a wonderful model of catechesis for parishes with multi-cultural needs. There are over 1000 Atria in Mexico and many others in Central and South American countries. The materials are simple, direct and are easily translated. Adult formation materials are now printed in the United States in Spanish. We are excited to be able to offer this course in Spanish to better serve the need for bi-lingual catechesis in our parish and in our diocese.
Course Format
Courses are offered in a variety of formats in our diocese and the state, including weekend and weeklong models. Each course formation is approximately 90 - 100 hours of training. To find a local training, search on CGS USA's "Find a Course" webpage.
Certification
Participants who complete the courses will receive their Level certificate from the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. This course is credited towards Catechist Certification in our diocese by the Catechetical Institute.
Where to see Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Catechists welcome visitors!!
Immaculate Conception, Durham
Contact: Susanne Newman, 919-682-3449 ext. 249, newmans@icdurham.org
Levels offered: I, II, III & T
Holy Infant, Durham
Contact: Michalene Sutton, 919-973-0013, msutton@holyinfantchurch.org
Levels offered: I, II beginning in 2027
UNC Newman Center, Chapel Hill
Contact: Amy Randall, 919-929-3730 ext. 1004, arandall@uncnewman.org
Levels offered: I
St. Peter's School, Greenville
Contact: Danielle Kennedy, 252-752-3529, dkennedy@spcsnc.net
Levels offered: I
St. Mary Magdalene, Apex
Contact: Suzanne Will, 919-657-4800 ext. 7280, will@stmm.net
Levels offered: I
For more information
The National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd web site is: www.cgsusa.org.
The primary publications describing the work can be ordered from the National Association or from LTP under The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd label.
“Seed-planting” workshops. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a “mustard seed work” – it begins very small in hidden ways, sometimes taking a long time to take shape … and this is good. Parishes interested in beginning Catechesis are encouraged to host a seed-planting workshop where a trained catechist/s shares with members of a parish community an overview of the Catechesis and discusses logistics for beginning the work. The workshop can be as short as ninety minutes or as long as a retreat day. Those invited might include members of parish councils, catechists, parents, clergy, teachers and principals and other lay leaders of the parish. Catechists from Holy Infant, Durham, welcome the opportunity to provide such workshops, in English and in Spanish, for your community.