CGS takes place in a room called the Atrium. If you are brand-new to Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. The catechists, along with the parents, will determine when the child is ready to move to the next level, but each child will spend three years in each level. I have not tried these resources, but I know other families have loved them: - Cut-and-go chasubles from BettyJoSews (she also offers liturgical prayer cloths and a full set for sewing atrium materials). In the Atrium we encourage your child's religious curiosity by presenting faith presentations at their developmental level. From the 2002 Journal by Bishop Frank Griswold. Everything else has been hand-made based on measurements and directions obtained during the catechists' training. I found many materials at local thrift stores: wooden trays/wicker baskets, pewter wine cups for chalices, plates for paten and ciborium, a red candle holder for the sanctuary lamp, placemats for altar cloths, etc. Young children have natural ability to enjoy relationship with God in a deep way. From Pastoral Liturgy magazine by Barbara Matera. Since many of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd lessons are linked to the liturgy, children benefit greatly by also attending Mass regularly with their families. Catechesis of the good shepherd level 1 presentations full. They ponder Jesus as a real person, who walked the earth in a specific time and in a specific place. Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
They acquire the tools to enable them to access the Word of God (Bible) and the prayers of the church in the rites of Eucharist, Baptism and Reconciliation. If you want to learn more, The Good Shepherd & The Child podcast is a wonderful resource with many episodes on Scripture, spirituality, and the joys of listening to God with children. Has opportunities available for. "Jesus asked us to think about what it would be like if one of the sheep. In office or at-home projects! During the session, the catechist will read directly from scripture, proclaiming the Word of God. 00 per child – for the first two children, and then free for the other children of the same parents. The objectives of this Level I Formation include: ❖ To present the guiding principles of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd; ❖ To explore the religious nature and the vital religious needs of the 3 to 6-year-old child; ❖ To offer the adult time to prayerfully reflect and consider the Biblical and liturgical themes. Scripture: I found a great deal on a used Little Gospels, but my kids actually prefer our handmade Scripture booklets. CGS Sample Presentation: The Model Altar on. Based on Dr. Maria Montessori's deep understanding of the child and her resulting pedagogy, this beautiful method answers the child's silent plea: "Help me to draw closer to God by myself" by inviting him into an intimate relationship with Jesus the Good Shepherd. We have around 3 family nights throughout the year. A child can stay in each level for three years and then advance to the next level. What kind of rejoicing there was when the Shepherd arrived back with the lost sheep.
To explore the religious nature and the spiritual needs and capacities of the child. We'll put it over here. " Orthodox Diocese of Sitka and Alaska. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a religious education curriculum for children that builds upon a child's natural sense of wonder and their need to learn through rich sensory experiences in order to help the child fall in love with God. Found: Psalm 23 is a beautiful book on the Good Shepherd, but better to wait until children discover who the sheep are before enjoying together. They have a special attraction to prayer, holy things, ritual, silence and beauty. I first heard about the program from the mother of one of my PREP students. Children seem to have a relationship with God even before we try and "teach" them anything. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - Level I Training. Many of the materials will remind the child of what they see in church. Through extensive experience praying with children and observing them work in the "Atrium" they identified which Scripture passages seemed to resonate the most deeply with the children.
They develop their moral intelligence by considering the parables Jesus told of mercy and justice, as well as his moral guidelines. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - - SIOUX CITY, IA. Sundays, 11:45am-1:45pm. Upcoming Formation Leader Trainings. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children grounded in Sacred Scripture, Catholic Doctrine, Liturgy and Prayer. After the presentation, the children may choose to work with the materials during their work time.
The presentations based on the liturgy introduce children to the liturgical colors and the sacred items used at mass, such as the paten and chalice, as well as the gestures that occur during mass such as the sign of the cross, genuflection, and the Epiclesis. Can materials be purchased or are they all hand-made? To explore the methodology and guiding principles of the Catechesis of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for the 3 – 6 year-old child. Themes are presented in such a way as to develop the religious potential present in every child: the capacity to love and be loved and be in a deep relationship with God. Catechesis of the good shepherd level 1 presentations and webcasts. In Level I, some of the materials available for the children to ponder include three-dimensional scenes or figures of the Good Shepherd, the sheep, and the sheepfold; the Last Supper with Christ and all the apostles; the City of Jerusalem; the tabernacle, altar, and sacred vessels used in the Mass; and the liturgical colors. A Level III formation course prepares adults working with children ages nine to twelve years old.
The love between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is the source, model and reason for the Good Shepherd's love. Supporting and building our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program & Atrium... Kat Heffley & Family, The Hyland Family, Rick and Paula Smith, Janie Gonzales and of course, the Thomas Family. It was my first real encounter with the program, and I was excited about it. Catechesis of the good shepherd level 1 presentations in powerpoint. We anticipate offering Level III this year, and one volunteer catechist is expected to complete training for certification in Level III. The chart below explains the levels in greater detail.
Currently at All Saints 2 Levels are Offered: - Level I Atrium is for 3 through 6 year-olds. Check out the national CGS website here: Email or call 715-341-6700 x107. In addition, one of our volunteers is training for certification in Level III at the closest facility offering this training in Virginia. Candle (like this simple votive candle). Children are front and center, catechist off to the side. It is characterized by the child's virtues of joy and contemplation. Over the past two years, I've been introducing our kids to the beauty of CGS, making materials, and learning about the joys (and challenges) of being a catechist for one's own children. Children in this stage of development have a wider perspective. The Good Shepherd and the Child: A Joyful Journey by Sofia Cavalletti; Patricia Coulter; Gianna Gobbi; Silvana Q. Montanaro, M. D. ; Rebekah Rojcewicz.
We built the City of Jerusalem from this block set and inspiration from Catholic Icing. The goal is to help children develop a profoundly personal relationship with God, where the Scripture and Liturgy are at the center of the Catechesis. This habit helps develop an atmosphere to listen and talk to God. Course Dates: Part I, July 27 - 30; Part II, Dates to be determined. "I wonder how that lost sheep felt. "
Remember all the sheep pass through the gate. To proclaim that because of the great love of the Good Shepherd for us, he will seek and find the lost and bring them. We know one way was when he said, 'I am the Good Shepherd. The Religious Education Office. Gather around Good Shepherd table. What is the "Atrium"? We avoid giving them "kidee" religion but provide the deepest, most essential themes of faith, above all, that Christ died and rose again. Some of the presentations have materials that go along with them. The catechist's presentation will address scripture, using parables and demonstrating moral themes with specially designed materials. A home atrium is not ideal—but as we are all learning to live in liminal space right now, I've followed my formation leader's wisdom of not letting the perfect get in the way of the good.
First, CGS is intended to be offered in community, not primarily in the home setting. Helping children draw nearer to God. Please email Jennifer Whitehill at.