Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

"Help me fall in love with God!"

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

“Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14

Have you visited the Atrium at the All Saints Academy elementary campus? If not, please stop in sometime! We are so pleased to offer our students in 3 year old preschool through 3rd grade a chance to participate in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd during the school year!

This Montesori-like approach to experiencing our Catholic faith is built on prayer, scripture, liturgy, and sacraments. GREAT JOY is the result in the students who work with hands-on materials.

Liturgical Calendar Work

Students follow the Liturgical Calendar and experience presentations about parables, sacraments, The Kingdom of Heaven, The Nativity, The Paschal Mystery, and The Eucharist. Students hear scripture, sing songs, pray, reflect and are given various meaningful works to complete during their time in the Atrium.

With our younger students in the Atrium, there is an emphasis on practical life skills, and practicing coordination, slowing down, being quiet and taking time to work independently and reflectively.

In addition to the works mentioned above, our older students lead prayer services, learn about the Bible in an unique way and experience the History of the Plan of GOD.

For more information about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd check out the National Association’s page: National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Students using the City of Jerusalem work

"In a recent visit to the Atrium I observed a student working on a pasting work, reflecting on setting the altar for Mass (see the example below). I noticed she had put crosses over the yellow flames on the candles. I was curious to understand her thinking as this is not part of the work as its modeled, so I asked her to tell me about the crosses on the candle flames. She quickly explained to me that,

"Well, Jesus is the light of the world, you know!" 

I was struck by the sincerity of this simple expression because it captures a powerful truth of our faith. Whenever we read scripture in the Atrium we light a candle to remind us that "Jesus is the light of the world." I realized that through this altar work this young girl was expressing her connection to Jesus, the light of the world, in a very personal way."  - Miss Giroux