The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a hands-on-Montessori based approach to Catholic-Christian Formation. A prepared room called the “Atrium” houses materials to help facilitate the child’s understanding of Scripture and Liturgy. The Atrium is designed to be a place of concentration and contemplation; a place where work is prayer. In other words, listening for God’s voice becomes integrated into the repetitive work of the child’s hands. This approach appeals very much to children The hands-on materials attract the child to subjects being meditated upon and encourages their active participation and autonomy in working with the materials soon after they have been presented. Allows for a moral foundation built upon love and gratitude The cultivation of awe and wonder that is practiced in the Atrium fosters the child’s natural curiosity about and desire to be in relationship with the One who made them and calls them by name. Nurtures deep listening and a thirst for God From the cultivation of wonder and gratitude, the child will eagerly and actively pursue the language, knowledge and understanding of the Truths of our Faith that will enable them to ponder and discuss these truths at a high level. Enjoys widespread, cross-cultural appeal Since its conception in Rome in 1954, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd has taken root in 37 countries, is currently used by Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity in the formation of their novices and has been adopted into the educational ministry of several religious orders including the Nashville Dominicans. For additional information, visit www.cgsusa.org About our team Jenny Gray, CGS Coordinator & Catechist - a wife and mother of three (plus #4 on the way!) with a background in Behavioral Health, Jenny has long been a fan of Maria Montessori's work from a distance. Having gone through level I CGS training in the Spring of 2023, she is overjoyed to be given the opportunity to share this beautiful catechesis with the community at Christ the Teacher University Parish. Questions? Email Jenny at goodshepherd@newmanniu.org Christie Maslanka, Catechist - a former catholic school science teacher for the Diocese of Rockford, Christie has since been promoted to wife and mother to two young boys. After observing the beauty of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at an Atrium her son attended last year, Christie completed her level I CGS training in the summer of 2023. She is graciously looking forward to helping our budding Atrium to flourish. Michaela McMahon, Atrium Assistant - with a background in engineering and teaching high school physics, Michaela is fascinated by this Montessori-educational approach and looking forward to assisting in its taking root within our parish community. When not assisting in the Atrium, you may also find her at the Newman office here at Christ the Teacher, where she serves as office manager. |