CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD (ATRIUM)
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd/ "Atrium"
WHAT IS THIS PROGRAM?
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (aka "Atrium") is a religious formation experience for children ages 3-12 years old. It is offered as an option for traditional faith formation and part of religious education for all children at Our Lady of Sorrows School.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is based on the belief that young children have their own unique relationship with God. It is the role of the catechist to help foster and develop that relationship. The work of the CGS is done in a specially prepared room called an atrium. In the atrium, children use hands-on materials to explore and meditate upon the Holy Bible, The Mass and prayer based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Together, children and adults reflect on the great mysteries of the Christian faith.
HISTORY
CGS is a Montessori approach to religious formation. It was developed by Dr. Sofia Cavalletti, a Roman Catholic who was a Hebrew scripture scholar, and Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori educator, more than 50 years ago in Rome. Today the CGS exists in 37 countries worldwide. This approach to religious education is used by many religious orders including the Sisters of Charity, the Dominican Sisters and Sisters of Leaven of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. CGS also has a large presence in Birmingham, Alabama in many Christian churches of various faith traditions due to the beauty and richness of the program.
WHAT ARE THE LEVELS AND WHAT ARE THE CHILDREN TAUGHT?
In CGS, there are three levels of atria: level 1 (age 3-6), level 2 (ages 6-9), and level 3 (ages 9-12). Each atria is specifically designed for the developmental needs of the children it serves. In each atrium, children will be exposed to presentations that focus on prayer, the liturgical seasons of the church, Biblical Geography, Eucharistic Gestures and the Holy Mass, the Sacraments, the Incarnation and infancy of Christ, and The Kingdom of God. Older children will also study Salvation History, the History of the Jewish people and participate in Old Testament Bible studies. After having a presentation, children then continue to work with the materials during personal work time to further learning.
WHERE ARE WE LOCATED?
All of the atria are located in the building next to the PSR building. Class sizes are limited so please fill out the CGS waiting form below if you are interested. To learn more about the program or schedule a tour, please contact the PSR office.
WHAT IS THIS PROGRAM?
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (aka "Atrium") is a religious formation experience for children ages 3-12 years old. It is offered as an option for traditional faith formation and part of religious education for all children at Our Lady of Sorrows School.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is based on the belief that young children have their own unique relationship with God. It is the role of the catechist to help foster and develop that relationship. The work of the CGS is done in a specially prepared room called an atrium. In the atrium, children use hands-on materials to explore and meditate upon the Holy Bible, The Mass and prayer based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Together, children and adults reflect on the great mysteries of the Christian faith.
HISTORY
CGS is a Montessori approach to religious formation. It was developed by Dr. Sofia Cavalletti, a Roman Catholic who was a Hebrew scripture scholar, and Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori educator, more than 50 years ago in Rome. Today the CGS exists in 37 countries worldwide. This approach to religious education is used by many religious orders including the Sisters of Charity, the Dominican Sisters and Sisters of Leaven of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. CGS also has a large presence in Birmingham, Alabama in many Christian churches of various faith traditions due to the beauty and richness of the program.
WHAT ARE THE LEVELS AND WHAT ARE THE CHILDREN TAUGHT?
In CGS, there are three levels of atria: level 1 (age 3-6), level 2 (ages 6-9), and level 3 (ages 9-12). Each atria is specifically designed for the developmental needs of the children it serves. In each atrium, children will be exposed to presentations that focus on prayer, the liturgical seasons of the church, Biblical Geography, Eucharistic Gestures and the Holy Mass, the Sacraments, the Incarnation and infancy of Christ, and The Kingdom of God. Older children will also study Salvation History, the History of the Jewish people and participate in Old Testament Bible studies. After having a presentation, children then continue to work with the materials during personal work time to further learning.
WHERE ARE WE LOCATED?
All of the atria are located in the building next to the PSR building. Class sizes are limited so please fill out the CGS waiting form below if you are interested. To learn more about the program or schedule a tour, please contact the PSR office.
