Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori based approach to Religious formation which links Scripture with the Liturgy of our Church. This "hands - on" approach differs from the more traditional manner of learning which generally includes workbooks and sitting in desks.
The Missionaries of Charity, founded by St. Teresa of Calcutta, adopted the Catechsesis of the Good Shepherd for their catechetial work with children in 2009. Now, the Missionary of Charity Sisters help children come closer to God and love Jesus in 142 countries around the world.
There are three Levels of this program:
Level l for the 4 - 6 year old child
Level ll for the 6 - 9 year old child
Level lll for the 9 -12 year old child
Each Level holds sessions in its own specially prepared space called an "atrium". The atrium is not a classroom but more of a small retreat center. Within the atrium, the Good Shepherd catechists give Presentations from the Holy Bible and Liturgy that allow the child time to reflect and ponder what he/she has just seen and heard.
To learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at our parish, please contact Marcy Scott, Religious Education Director at mscott@archdpdx.org or call the parish office at 503-777-3321.