Young children learn best by actively engaging their whole bodies and all their senses. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a distinct approach to catechesis, through which the youngest children build deep, lifelong relationships with Christ and His Church. Originating in Rome in the 1950s, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd uses a rich Montessori approach to engage children as young as 2 1/2 in age-appropriate, hands-on materials, based on Sacred Scripture and the Liturgy.
Because it engages children so profoundly, it has become the best approach to young children's catechesis in a growing number of dioceses, parishes and schools around the U.S and the world.
In the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, typically, 10-20 children gather with two or three catechists in a room called the "atrium," which is reserved exclusively for this purpose. Catechesis normally begins with songs and hymns related to current catechetical themes. Then, usually some children will receive a presentation from a catechist, while the other children select materials to work with that they have previously been presented. Children will typically work with several materials during each visit to the atrium, and work with each material many times over the years. (Because the children conduct their own works, and learn directly from the Holy Spirit, the Catechesis is not a "class," and the catechists are not the "teachers.")
The atrium is filled with a rich variety of beautifully crafted hands-on work materials related to Christ's life, His parables, the Liturgy and the Sacraments. It also includes many meditative handworks that help children quiet their bodies and minds. Visitors to an atrium are often astounded at how fully even the youngest children immerse themselves in this quiet, meditative, retreat-like environment.
❖ Hands-on, child-size, attractive Montessori-based materials
❖ Children conduct their own works, and learn directly from the Holy Spirit,
❖ Based on Scripture and the Liturgy
❖ Believes that God and the child have a unique relationship with one another and that the growth of this relationship should be assisted by the adult,
❖ Children need their own place to foster the growth of that relationship.
In the Eastern Deanery: Level I Catechist Formation Course June 2025 -February 2026 Good Shepherd Parish | In the Western Deanery: Level I, Part I Catechist Formation Course June - July 2025 St. Rose of Lima Parish |
Schedule: All sessions 6-9pm ET Thursdays: June 19 - August 14 Tuesdays: August 19 - February 17 No classes on November 25 or December 16-30 due to the holidays | Schedule: June 27-30 Friday, June 27th from 1-5 pm Saturday, June 28th from 9am-4pm Sunday, June 29th from 9am-4:30 pm Monday, June 30th from 9am-4:30pm July 25-28 Friday, July 25th from 1pm-5pm Saturday, July 26th from 9am-4 pm Sunday, July 27th from 9am-4:30 pm Monday. July 28th from 9am -4:30 pm |
Click here for more information. To register, please visit this website or scan the QR code![]() |
“If we want to help the child draw nearer to God, we should with patience and courage...seek to go always closer to the vital nucleus of things. This requires study and prayer. The child himself will be our teacher if we know how to observe him.”
Sofia Cavalletti
Last updated June 2, 2025