"Help us, O God, to enter into the secret of childhood, so that we may know, love and serve the child in accordance with the laws of thy justice and following thy holy will."

Dr. Maria Montessori

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based faith formation experience for children 3 to 12 years old.  It is a hands-on approach that invites the children to work with religious materials inspired by Sacred Scripture and the Liturgy in a thoughtfully prepared environment called an "atirum."

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd was created in 1954 in Rome, Italy by Dr. Sofia Cavalletti, a Hebrew and Scripture scholar, and Professor Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori-trained educator.


Gianna Gobbi (left) and Sofia Cavalletti (right).

Based on the scientific observations of the developmental needs of the child, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd was founded upon the Montessori method to respond to the religious potential of the child.

How do I become a Catechist?

Catechists attend intenstive formation courses that are modeled more like a retreat than a training series.  During the retreat, catechists learn how to prepare the environment, make materials and give presentations. Catechists also learn about the developmental planes of the child.

To learn more about these formation courses or how to enroll in one, please visit the National website at www.cgsusa.org.

What others ways can I help as an adult?

The atrium is a thoughtfully prepared place prepared by adults for children. It invites adults to come together as a community and to create special materials that teach children about Sacred Scripture and the Liturgy.

In order to create these materials we are always looking for people with a variety of talents, such as people who can make small materials from wood, people who can make small figures from clay, people who can paint, calligraphers, sewers, embroiderers, musicians, etc.

We also appreciate people who can help shop for supplies, cut collage pieces out of construction paper, and clean the environment.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for the atrium. please contact the Directress of Faith Formation.