Level One Formation Course for Adults

100 Etta Ave,Steubenville OH 43952

14 March, 2022

Description

Certification course for anyone who wishes to be a Good Shepherd catechist. This course will meet on Mondays, 6pm-9pm, throughout the school year. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children, 3-12 years of age, based on the conviction that God and the child are in relationship. Inspired by Montessori methods, this catechetical approach had its beginnings in 1954 when Sofia Cavalletti, a Scripture scholar, and Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori educator, founded the Good Shepherd Atrium in Rome, Italy. The goal of Level One (ages 3-6) of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is to help the child enjoy and be in love with God, first proclaimed as Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Such a relationship is the strongest possible foundation for life-long spiritual growth and moral living. Children hear the Gospel by working with sensorially rich, but simple materials, keyed to scriptural or liturgical moments. Central to this program is the Atrium, a sacred space prepared for the children. A place of beauty, the atrium is designed for being with and enjoying God, listening to God’s Word, and praying. Course Objectives The course is designed to attune participants to the religious life of children at 3-9 years old and to provide specific methods and materials to foster their spiritual life. The Level One course is foundational for all three levels of CGS. + To explore the religious nature and the most vital religious needs of the 3-6 year old child. + To present the methodology and guiding principles of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. + To broaden the catechist’s ability to observe and learn from children, to listen with children to scripture and to deepen the catechist’s enjoyment of God’s presence. + To offer guidelines and assistance in preparing the “atrium” environment, developing the catechist’s teaching album, and making catechetical materials. + To meditate on the scriptural and liturgical themes presented to the 3-6 year old. [The first two sessions, on February 28 and March 7 will be offered free of charge and will serve as training for anyone who wants to work as an Assistant in the atrium]