What is the Catechesis?

Last Updated on Wednesday, 26 January 2011 11:27 Monday, 11 January 2010 09:11

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an innovative religious education programme for children.

Designed by Sophia Cavaletti, in association with leading Montessori educator Gianna Gobbi, the programme grew from Montessori's innovative teaching methods now employed around the world.

Development of conscious minds

The Montessori method believes that children begin to develop their conscious minds from age three to six. At this stage they use physical activity to develop their wills and their memory. You can see this demonstrated by children’s repetitive play. The course is designed to use these ‘sensitive periods’ to allow children to explore and deepen their spiritual life.

The Atrium

The Catechesis program is presented in a designated area called an “Atrium”, where all materials are child-sized to allow maximum engagement. Children are given “presentations” which help them explore a concept, with the catechist using a story from the Bible, or a parable, or an aspect of the church’s liturgical life. This not sitting the children down and telling them “God is this…” nor is it about knowing all the answers. It is about creating an environment for them where they are safe to wonder, to explore, and to develop the answers for themselves.

Relationship between God and child

The Catechesis is based on the belief that God and the child are in relationship. There is a deep bond between them that produces in the child a desire to draw near to God. The task of the catechist is to prepare the environment and make the presentations that call forth a response - to help the child live fully the encounter with God. Together, both adult and child develop the ability to listen as they ask together, "God who are you and how do you love us?"

Be still and wonder

Our children are bombarded with activity and sound throughout their daily lives. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd gives children an opportunity to be still and wonder about their world.

The children learn and practise practical life skills as well as matters of faith. There are sound geography and history components to the programme.

Learning is matched to child development levels.

Further resources

Anglican Diocese of Dunedin
The National Association of the catechesis of the Good Shepherd
The Good Shepherd Experience in Australia