The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children. It is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. Children gather in an "atrium," a room prepared for them, which contains simple yet beautiful materials that they use.
You may be wondering how these materials help the religious life of children? If an adult hears a beautiful passage from the Bible, the adult might take a Bible, find the passage, and read it slowly again and again. He or she may think deeply about the words and perhaps speak to God in a thankful or hopeful prayer. But a little child, too young to read, needs another way. In an atrium the child can ponder a biblical passage or a prayer from the liturgy by taking the material for that text and working with it - placing wood figures of sheep in a sheepfold of the Good Shepherd, setting sculpted apostles around a Last Supper table, or preparing a small altar with the furnishings used for the Eucharist. Older children who do read often copy parables from the Bible, lay in order written prayers from the rite of baptism, or label a long time line showing the history of the kingdom of God.
Further information about the Catechesis, these publications, and training in the method is available from The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, 7655-A East Main Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251; 1-480-874-3759.
Commemorative Journal: The Gift of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Order code: CJCGS | 978-1-61671-797-1 | Paperback | 8 1/2 x 11 | 32 pages | Language: English | Copyright Year: 2024
This resource commemorates seventy years of CGS and forty years as a national association with previously unpublished excerpts from Sofia’s personal correspondence with translator Patricia Coulter.
Diario Conmemorativo: El don de la Catequesis del Buen Pastor
Order code: SCJCGS | 978-1-61671-798-8 | Paperback | 8 1/2 x 11 | 32 pages | Language: Spanish | Copyright Year: 2024
This resource commemorates seventy years of CGS and forty years as a national association with previously unpublished excerpts from Sofia’s personal correspondence with translator Patricia Coulter.
Nurturing the Whole Child
Montessori Principles Applied to the Catechesis of Children
Order code: NWC | 978-1-61671-780-3 | Paperback | 6 x 9 | 128 pages | Language: English | Copyright Year: 2024
Gianna Gobbi, cofounder of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) and Montessori educator, explains how Montessori principles are practically applied with children in the context of religious formation.
Vida en la vid
El camino de gozo continúa
Order code: SCGSLV | 978-1-61671-740-7 | Paperback | 8 x 10 | 112 pages | Language: Spanish | Copyright Year: 2023
Now available in Spanish, this companion to The Religious Potential of the Child 6-12 years old by author Rebekah Rojcewicz documents the journeys that catechists and older children have made with Jesus the True Vine.
Life in the Vine
The Joyful Journey Continues
Order code: CGSLV | 978-1-61671-598-4 | Paperback | 8 x 10 | 112 pages | Language: English | Copyright Year: 2021
In this companion to The Religious Potential of the Child 6-12 years old, author Rebekah Rojcewicz documents the journeys that catechists and older children have made with Jesus the True Vine.
The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old
A Description of an Experience
Order code: CHILDP2 | 978-1-61671-441-3 | Paperback | 6 x 9 | 192 pages | Language: English | Copyright Year: 2020
Cavalletti draws on her long experience with children from diverse cultures to describe the religious needs of older children (6 to 12 years old).
Journals of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd 2014-2018
Order code: CGS5 | 978-1-61671-442-0 | Paperback | 8 1/2 x 11 | 168 pages | Language: English | Copyright Year: 2020
This volume compiles the last five years of the Journal, including art from children in the atria and reflections on catechetical development.
The Religious Potential of the Child
Experiencing Scripture and Liturgy with Young Children
Order code: CHILDK3 | 978-1-61671-518-2 | Paperback | 6 x 9 | 256 pages | Language: English | Copyright Year: 2020
Steeped in a form of catechesis that is profoundly biblical and sacramental, this book offers a glimpse into the spiritual capacities of children.
Know Your Catholic Faith
Order code: KYCFF2 | Folder | 9 x 12 | 4 pages | Language: English | Copyright Year: 2019
This thoughtfully designed folder will help both children in the primary grades and people who are journeying in the Christian initiation process learn basic prayers and tenets of the faith.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Journal 2018
Order code: CGSJ18 | 978-1-61671-432-1 | Saddlestitched | 8 1/2 x 11 | Language: English | Copyright Year: 2018
This annual journal provides ongoing formation in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. This issue focuses on the theme of Building Invisible Bridges.