Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a method of helping children enter into a relationship with God. It was developed based on the educational principals of Maria Montessori, an expert who studied early childhood development in depth and greatly valued the dignity and immense potential of the child for learning.

The Atrium CGS takes place in a room called the “atrium”. This is what the entrance space in Basilicas was called in ancient times. The Atrium is “more like a church than a classroom.” (Religious Potential of the Child, 1992). It is a place where the children learn to contemplate God. This room is prepared by the catechists for the religious experience of the child.

A Child’s Prayer “The atrium is a place of prayer, in which work and study spontaneously become meditation, contemplation and prayer.” There is a big difference between a child’s prayer and that of an adult. And it is precisely this difference that makes it such a privilege to pray with little children. They lead us to an enjoyment of God that we may have been missing. When allowed to pray naturally, their simple words come straight from the heart.

Contact

Michelle Wemhoff: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Contact Cynthia Nickman via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for information about Level 1 Adult Catechist Formation.