Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level I Part A

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is an approach to religious formation for children ages 3-12. It developed in Rome with the collaboration of two women: Sofia Cavalletti, a Hebrew Scripture Scholar, and Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori instructor. Over many years they observed children’s reaction to scripture and liturgy and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd was born. This is a “hands-on” approach for passing on the faith. The children gather in a sacred space called an atrium. The room is designed with the child in mind centered on simplicity, order, prayer, work, and community. Together with the catechist we hear, ponder, and celebrate the mysteries of the Christian faith revealed through scripture and liturgy.

In Catechesis of the Good Shepherd adults are given the opportunity to embrace a method of catechesis (or religious education) that will deepen one’s relationship with God. Catechist formation in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is both instructive as well as experiential. It captivates both the head as well as the heart. It has a holistic approach for the adult, enriching the adult in a background of scripture and liturgy, theology and prayer, as well as the pedagogy of the young child, helping the adult to see what face of God the young child most needs in order to enter into a relationship with God. Therefore, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd requires the adult to receive training in the method in a way that is “retreat-like,” giving time and space to absorb the richness of what it means to live one’s baptismal covenant and grow in the love and knowledge of God. (Taken from the United States Association of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd).