Sunday School What is the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd? Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to religious education which honors the “spiritual potential” of the child. Based on principles articulated by Maria Montessori, an educator and pioneer in the field of child development and Biblical scholar Sophia Cavaletti, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd offers the essentials of the Christian Faith in a way that engages and delights children ages 3 -12. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a developmentally based method. It is not graded or organized primarily by school grade or even strictly by age. It is structured around three levels which are based on “sensitive periods” in a child’s spiritual development. The levels are:
Level I age 3 – 6 Catechist:
Level II age 6 – 9 Catechist:
Level III age 9 – 12 Catechist: Curriculum
- COVENANT ...the celebration of our relationship with God and with all people.
- CHRISTOLOGY ...the study of Jesus.
- LITURGY ...the language of "signs" as a vital aspect of our worship.
- SACRAMENTS …gestures and words that help us on our life’s journey and join us together with God and other people through Jesus.
What are the elements used in CGS?  Atrium - The environment in which the children experience CGS is called an atrium. The atrium is a place of worship, community and religious life. Atriums often will include maps of Israel and miniature environments that represent historical events or elements of parables. In order to facilitate the young children's experience of working in their own rhythm, the atrium is prepared with child appropriate furnishings and activities. Miniature baptismal fonts and altars with their related furnishings help welcome the child to our church's liturgical life . This arrangement of space and time in the atrium facilitates both independence and interdependence as children are taught to care for their materials with “practical life” presentations and to interact with their peers with “grace and courtesy” appropriate to a faith community.
Presentations - tell Bible stories and explore liturgy using three-dimensional materials. During the presentation children watch and listen together as the Scripture is read and the materials are moved to “act out” the story. Follow-up opportunity to “work with” the materials individually encourages a deeper connection to the story. Worship - A model altar, a miniature chalice and paten, the colors of the church shown in model vestments and many other materials present in the atrium prepare the child to participate in worship with the congregation in a meaningful way. Wondering - The young child’s natural wonder is honored as the unique gift of their spiritual life. Presentations are followed with “wondering questions” which are open ended and invite the child into reflecting and integrating Bible and liturgy into their own experience. Prayer and Silence - A young child’s natural ability to turn inward and experience God’s presence when taught to quiet her or his body and listen for God’s still, small voice is valued and encouraged with “prayer circle time” and games and presentations that teach control of movement and centering. Catechists - Each atrium has at least one adult who has received leadership training in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) method. This adult is called a catechist. The catechists learn the CGS approach in on-going formation sessions. They learn the stages of a child’s spiritual development, see and practice each presentation, and listen to and reflect on the central mysteries of the Christian faith as they are demonstrated in the presentations. Rather than pour in information, the catechists serve as a guide and co-wonderer with the child. Together they ask: God who are you?
- How do you love us?
- What is the kingdom of God like?
- What is our place in it?
Adults who train as catechists often consider the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to be the most exciting form of spiritual growth they’ve encountered. Participation in this ministry is open to any member of the parish. Additionally, each atrium also has two or three other adults who have received assistant training. The catechist and assistants' role is to prepare the environment and make lesson presentations that call forth the child's desire to draw near God. How is CGS Organized? Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is divided into three levels. Each level has a central image drawn from the Bible. Level I (Ages 3 – 6) In Level I the controlling image is Christ, the Good Shepherd. The child comes to discover who the Shepherd is and who the sheep are. What stands behind all this is the first moment of the covenant, the moment of gift. Level I stays focused on the moment of gift, with the aim of children coming to a deep enjoyment of it. The enjoyment of the gift of God’s own self to the child is the foundation of further religious insight and moral development. Level II (Ages 6 – 9) The controlling image is Christ the True Vine, and the History of the Kingdom of God. The child begins to discover the vast cosmic history of God’s plan of salvation and that they have something to contribute to it. Moral sensitivity/awareness begins here and grows with the presentations of Jesus’ maxims, and moral parables. The child’s desire to carry out the requests of the Good Shepherd naturally flow from the relationship of loving trust that was established in the previous level. Level III (Ages 9 – 12 ) The controlling image is the Plan of God as worked out in the Bible and human history. The child begins to deal with the advance of the Kingdom and people’s opposition to it. The paradigm of Creation-Redemption-Parousia guides a more thorough exploration of Scripture, particularly the Old Testament. Throughout all three levels, the child encounters the essentials of the Faith. All three levels include presentations on the Sacraments, the Bible, Geography, Infancy and Passion Narratives, Prophecies, Parables, and Maxims in a manner that is developmentally appropriate. The presentations increase in detail and sophistication as the child matures. For further information or to become involved as a volunteer please call (818) 240-3860 or stop by the parish office. Journey to Adulthood Program The Journey to Adulthood Program was developed to attract, instruct and nurture young people at the time of their lives when they are most likely to drift away from the Church. The program is based on two key concepts:
- Manhood and Womanhood are gifts from God
- Adulthood must be earned
The program is built around three distinct phases of development, each encompassing two years of the child's life:
- Rite-13 recognizes the passage from childhood to manhood and womanhood.
- J2A works with teens as they practice adulthood skills and positive life attitudes.
- Young Adults in the Church (YAC) asks youth o assume the responsibilities of an adult in the church.
Rite 13 – Youth Advisers: Geoff
Howard, Katie Hunter, David Lazier and Keith Sharp This program assists young people as they take the first steps of passage away from their families and into their own lives. It begins with a liturgical celebration of the gift of womanhood and manhood. During these two years, the community acknowledges the gift of gender, celebrates the amazing creative power and potential of these young people, and creates a safe haven to explore new ideas, new interests, and new abilities. Meets: Sundays 10 AM, Location J2A – Youth Advisers: Kendall Wyman
This program blends action and contemplation in teaching young people faithful living. To prepare them for adulthood, they learn six basic skills: active listening, negotiation, assertion, research, partnership, and leadership. This program also helps them understand and affirm Christian living. They are recognized at the end of the two years as young adults, rather than children, and invited to take a holy pilgrimage. Meets:
Tuesdays 7:30-9:30PM, Location – The Fish Market YAC (Young Adults in the Church) – Youth Advisers: Susie Kenny Fowler This program encourages older youth to take on adult responsibilities in all aspects of parish life and community, including the opportunity to be confirmed. They will be challenged to become good stewards of their time, talent, and treasure. Guided by adult advisers, they use the Anglican model of Scripture, reason and the tradition of the church to guide the lifelong pilgrimage in their faith. Meets: TBA
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