FORMATION AND SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
Curriculum
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children that is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. The classes take place in an environment created for the children called the Atrium. The Atrium is a place of reverence filled with many beautiful materials that have been created by the catechists and members of the parish. These materials are designed first to help quiet and center the child to the work, care, and life of the Atrium, and second to direct the child’s experience towards a loving God that desires to be in relationship. This relationship is nurtured by attending the celebration of Eucharist and ongoing formation. We encourage parents to participate in the formation of their children by attending weekly Mass, praying together as a family, and assisting in the Atrium.
Children are welcomed on this life long journey at age three into the Level I Atrium. By introducing the child to the elements of the Liturgy, Geography, the Infancy Narratives, the Parables, and the Sacraments, we work towards answering the questions “Who are you, Lord?” (Level I, ages 3-6); “Who am I in light of that?” (Level II, ages 6-9); and “Where does my time fit within the Plan of God?”(Level II, ages 9-12). Each level consists of three years of presentations, creating the foundation for future presentations in each consecutive level. At the completion of Level III the child is ready to begin the preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.