What is the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a formation education program based on the methods of Maria Montessori. Central to the catechesis is the atrium, a room containing beautiful materials that focus the child's attention on key scripture passages or liturgical moments. After an introduction by the catechist, the children are invited to work with a material on their own to continue their meditation.

Since 1954, Dr. Sofia Cavalleti and her co-worker, Gianna Gobbi, have developed the catechesis by observing and working with children between the ages of three and twelve. It is the joyful, peaceful response of the children themselves that has inspired and determined the content of this unique program.

The National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd supports the work of catechists throughout the United States and issues certificates upon completion of an approved course. These courses are offered by the Center of Children and Theology in cooperation with the Association.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd:
Level I (3-6 year-old curriculum)
Level II (6-9 year-old curriculum)
Level III (9-12 year-old curriculum)

Goal
Formation in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is designed to attune participants to the religious life of the child at 3-12 years old and to provide specific methods and materials to foster their spiritual life.

Contact
Contact the Center for Children and Theology, cct@cctheo.org to register for courses or call (202) 250-5905.

Location
Classes offered through the Center for Children and Theology, are held at Christian Family Montessori School, 3628 Rhode Island Avenue, Mount Rainier, MD.  Lodging can be arranged for out-of-town participants.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Course Offerings at the Center for Children and Theology Level I (3-6 curriculum)

Dates Courses meet for 10 sessions on Saturdays, 9 am to 4 pm, from September to June: 3-6 Course Dates September 2008-June 2009 September 20, 2008 October 11, 2008 November 8, 2008 December 6, 2008 January 10, 2009 February 7, 2009 March 7, 2009 April 4, 2009 May 2, 2009 June 6, 2009 Course Facilitators: Jill Hall has served as Director of Religious Education at Christian Familiy Montessori School and is trained as a primary Montessori teacher. She studied the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd with Rebekah Rojcewicz and Catherine Maresca. She leads formation courses in Maryland and Pennsylvania. Davette Himes is the Director of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd parish and outreach program at All Saints Episcopal Church Sharon Chapel in Alexandria, VA. She is certified in all three levels of this work for children ages 3 to 12 years. She has spoken at regional and diocesan meetings about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd with a particular focus on evangelization and outreach. Tuition: $600 first participant from an atrium $400 additional participant from same atrium $300 student or Christian Family Montessori School parent Auditors: $300 $150 student or Christian Family Montessori School parent

Level II (6-9 workshop) Using 3-6 atrium materials with 6-9-year-olds September 20, 2008 9AM - 4PM During the transition to establishing a 6-9 atrium, catechists can successfully adapt 3-6 materials for use with older children. This workshop explores ways to meet the 6-9-year-olds needs within the 3-6 atrium. Workshop Fee: $60 The Course for Level II (6-9) will be offered 2009-2010. Contact the Center for Children and Theology to register for courses or call (202) 250-5905.