Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a faith formation experience for children ages 3-12 years old. It is based upon the belief that young children can and do experience God. Founded on the principles of Maria Montessori, the catechesis is rooted in scripture and liturgy. Central to the catechesis is the atrium, a special environment created to nurture the child’s spirituality with beautiful materials that focus the child’s attention on key scripture passages or liturgical moments.
Children grow in their relationship with the Good Shepherd through Gospel proclamations using the parable method, through prayer, singing, silence, and by exploring liturgical events.
Hands-on materials (made by catechists and parish members) are used to help children and adults reflect together upon the great mysteries of the faith.
The catechesis began in Rome in 1954 with the approval of the bishops of Rome, including Pope John Paul II. Dr. Sofia Cavalletti, a scripture scholar, and Gianna Gobbi a Montessori teacher, developed the catechesis through observing and working with children.
Inspired to grow in love and respect for the mystery of the love of God and the child, the catechist is invited through this formation to be a matchmaker for God and the child, both scientist and saint, in the Montessori tradition. The catechist seeks to “Let the children come to Jesus,” knowing that adults we must “turn and become like children.”
The aims of the course are:
- To explore the methodology and guiding principles of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
- To explore the religious nature and most vital religious needs of the 3 – 6 year old child
- To meditate on the Biblical and liturgical themes presented to the 3 – 6 year old child
- To further further develop the participant’s ability to observe and learn from children, to listen with children to the scripture, and to enjoy the presence of God
- To offer aid to participants in preparing an Atrium environment, and in creating the participant’s album lessons
“Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is not simply a set of techniques or special materials, but it is ‘the spiritual formation of the catecheist/educator as a servant of God’s Word…’ “
Upcoming Courses
Formation Course for Level One (3-6)
All classes held on Saturdays 8:30 am – 4:30 pm:
(2025) 9/13, 10/18, 11/15
(2026) 1/10, 1/24, 2/7, 2/21, 3/7, 3/21, 4/18, 5/2, 5/16
Location: Stella Maris Catholic Church, 1204 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island, SC
Meals: In the spirit of Catechesis, we will be enjoying our meals together. Sella Maris Catholic Church is graciously providing our lunch.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS JULY 13, 2025
Return form to:
Ann Thompson
Stella Maris Catholic Church
1204 Middle S.
Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482
843.883.3108
Tuition
Tuition is $500 for the full course, which includes a Certificate of Completion issued by the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd upon completion of 90 hours of training. The tuition does not include the required books. If space allows, we will accept auditors who have already received their Level I certificate for a fee of $100.
90 hours of course training are required for certification in Level I. Course will include presentations, reflections, practicum and materials making.
Registration Fee: $50.00
Remaining Tuition due by the first day of class: 9/13/2025
(Incremental payments by part also accepted) $200 due 7/13/2025 and $250 due 5/16/2026
Make checks payable to: Stella Maris Catholic Church
Texts
The Core Texts you will need can be found at www.cgsusa.org.
Level One Course Texts:
The Religious Potential of the Child, 3rd. Ed.
Nurturing the Whole Child Gobbi
The Good Shepherd & the Child: A Joyful Journey Revised and Updated, 2nd Ed.
Formation Leader
Mary Lata
Mary is the mother of five adult children and grandmother of twelve grandchildren. In 1987, Mary and her late husband Richard, co-founded the Children of Mary Homeschooler’s with several other WNY families. After completing twenty-five years of homeschooling, they joyfully embraced Catechesis of the Good Shepherd as their ministry. May has worked with Guardian Angel Homeschool Co-op in all three levels of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Epiphany of our Lord in Langford, NY, and most recently created and runs a Level 1 atrium in Charleston, SC.