Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a developmentally appropriate program for spiritual formation and religious education based on the work of Dr. Sofia Cavalleti and Dr. Maria Montessori. Children meet in a specially prepared environment with materials to facilitate a life of prayer and learning about the life and parables of Jesus, the geography of holy lands, the history of the Bible, and the origins of liturgy and the history of worship. The deep bond between God and a child, when nurtured, produces in the child a desire to draw near to God. Our goal is to provide a place to embrace this relationship and nurture its growth. Please check with Debra Satterfield about details that will work best for your family. At the closing hymn of the 9:00 am service, a crucifer will lead all children attending an atria out the West Nave doors. Please accompany your child the first few weeks so that we have the required emergency contact information on file and that your children are familiar with this new procedure. A parent or other legal guardian must remain on the church property if your child is participating in a formation program. Late arrivals will be greeted in Blaisdell Dining room. The Little Lambs atrium is a place for older twoyear- olds to become familiar with basic skills and simple prayers. If your 2 year old is in the Toddler Center after the 9:00 a.m. service, we will lead them down to the Little Lambs room at 10:20 a.m. New or visiting children are always welcome, emergency contact information will be required.

The Mustard Seed atria is for ages 3-SK and gathers in Blaisdell building.
The True Vine atria is for grades 1-3 and gathers in Blaisdell building.
The Kingdom of God atria is for grades 4-5 and gathers upstairs in Greenwood Room 317.

Be prompt in returning for your younger child, ages 3-3rd grade, arriving no later than 11:05 a.m. in the Blaisdell Dining hall. Please be courteous, as many catechists and assistants attend the 11:15 service. For the older children, we will follow parental instructions as listed on the registration information.

If you would like to visit in an atrium to take time apart from a busy life to marvel and wonder with children about God’s love for us, contact Debra Satterfield(dsatterfield [at] holycommunion [dot] org).