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catechesis of the good shepherd

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The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children.
(The answers to each question can be shown / hidden by clicking on the capital Q.)

Q.Where did it start?
A.It originated in 1954 with the founding of the children's center or "atrium" in Rome, Italy. Inspired by Montessori principles of education, it now extends to many countries.
Q.What is the basis?
A.The Catechesis is based on the conviction that God and the child are in relationship. The child has a deep need to experience and a special capacity to enjoy the presence of God. The task of the adult (catechist) is to help the child live fully the encounter with God.
Q.What age group?
A.The age group is 3-5 years of age or Kindergarten.
Q.What is a typical class?
A.Children gather in an "atrium," a room prepared for them, which contains simple yet beautiful materials that they use. The "atrium" is a very prepared environment for the child. All teachings are at their level and is their size.

The lessons include:
Life of Christ (beginning with the prophecies from the Old Testament done at the beginning of Advent)
Parables of the Kingdom
Geography of the land of Israel during Christ's time
Baptism
Eucharist and the Liturgy involved Practical life lessons (caring for our environment within the Atrium)
Q.What is the purpose of the lessons?
A.In an atrium the child can ponder a biblical passage or a prayer from the liturgy by taking the material for that text and working with it -- placing wood figures of sheep in a sheepfold of the Good Shepherd, setting sculpted apostles around a Last Supper table, or preparing a small altar with the furnishings used for the Eucharist.

Lessons are designed to create:
a sense of awe, wonderment, and excitement about God and His love for us to help the child participate more fully in the Eucharist (Worship)
The overriding theme of the "atrium" is the Good Shepherd -- the One who knows us and calls us by name and who continually cares for us.
Q.Why are the classes so quiet?
A.The children are learning about God and the lessons from the Bible. It has been suggested that this experience is helping the children listen for the Whispers of God.

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Q.Where is the class taught?
A.The class is taught in Rooms 214 and 215.
Q.When is the class taught?
A.The class is taught every Sunday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. from September to June.
Q.Where can I get more information?
A. Ask the teachers in the room or e-mail christianed or sundayschool. Our current teachers have gone to over 270 hours of training to provide this experience to your children. The National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd located at: http://www.cgsusa.org/.