The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a religious formation program whose method is based on the educational principles of Maria Montessori. In the early 1950s, two women in Rome, Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi, established their first learning center called an “atrium.” Cavalletti and Gobbi recognized how the children’s own relationship with God can be opened up through the use of their own senses and material tools, as promoted by the methods of Montessori. They judged such sensory learning as a natural pathway to pass on the Catholic faith to children between the ages of 3-12. By way of these methods, children live their religious experience at its deepest, most essential elements without any “childish” overtones, as their hearts are able to be opened to a true encounter with Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.
(Cf. “The Good Shepherd and the Child: A Joyful Journey,” pages 89-91. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Press, 1994.)
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT "CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD," YOU CAN GO TO THE WEBSITE OF THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION, BY CLICKING HERE.
For more information on meeting times and registration email [email protected]
PLEASE NOTE: The Diocese of Duluth has granted exclusive permission to St. Rose Parish in Proctor to offer the pilot program for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in the diocese. Any parents who have children who participate in the program are having them do so with the understanding that this program does not substitute for parish religious education program. PARTICIPANTS IN THIS PROGRAM ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO BE ENROLLED IN REGULAR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION.