The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, hereafter referred to as CGS, is the result of a long period of careful observation of children by Sofia Cavalletti and her Montessori collaborator, Gianna Gobbi, in Rome. It is a programme specially thought of for children between the age of 3-6 years, to journey together with their parents through a parent-child programme.
The CGS Approach
We believe that God and the child have a unique relationship with one another, particularly before the age of six; that growth of this relationship should be assisted by the adult, but is directed by the Spirit of God; that the children need their own place to foster the growth of that relationship; and that the child's spiritual growth is best served through tangible but indirect means.
A sacred space, named the Atrium is prepared where it allows children to hear the Gospel through the use of sensorially rich materials. The children are free to work with these materials that represent essential proclamations of the Christian message. The adult's task is to prepare the sacred space for the children, in the Átrium', so that they can respond to this relationship first proclaimed to them through Jesus, the Good Shepherd. The Atrium is a place of community and worship rather than a classroom for academic study. It is a place to be with and enjoy God, listen to the word, and to pray. It is designed to reflect the beauty of creation and God's abiding love.
Our mission is to support catechists, parents, and others in the Church and beyond, as they grow in their understanding of the religious potential of children.
Kindly contact
Vincee Monraj
vmonraj@gmail.com
012 – 290 9354