Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a program of Christian formation for children ages 3 through 12. It begins with the understanding that there is a deep bond between God and each child. CGS is based primarily on the teaching style of Maria Montessori. This is a very hands-on approach to the Gospel. After hearing God’s word proclaimed, children are free to work with materials that represent the essence of the Christian message. The Atrium is the spiritual environment that is specially prepared for students. It’s a prayerful place where students encounter God through prayer and contemplation. It is our hope that through these weekly visits to the Atrium, children will begin to fall in love with God and understand the importance of prayer, scripture, and sacred liturgy.
There are 3 levels of the Atrium:
Level 1: Ages 3-6
Level 2: Ages 6-9
Level 3: Ages 9-12
Level 1
- Prayer…At the center of the Atrium, Celebratory, Honors the expression of the young child’s individual praise and thanksgiving
- Scripture…Parable of the Good Shepherd and the Found Sheep,Incarnation, Biblical Geography of the Holy Land, Messianic Prophecies,Parables of the Kingdom of God (The Precious Pearl, The Mustard Seed, The Hidden Treasure, and The Growing Seed, Paschal Mystery: Last Supper, the City of Jerusalem, and the Resurrection narratives
- Liturgy…Liturgical colors and calendar, vestments of the priest, Seasonal celebrations, Liturgy of Light, Articles and Gestures of the Mass, Eucharistic Presence of the Good Shepherd, Symbols and Gestures of Baptism, Practical Life
Level 2
- Many of the same themes and parables that are learned in Level I are built upon in this level, although students dive more in-depth into every aspect of the Atrium. In addition to learning the specific prayers of the Mass, students also get to ponder several new parables that are introduced at this level as many of them are preparing for their 1st Reconciliation and Holy Communion. Many new works are presented, including learning more about the Bible and categorizing the many books that accompany it. Salvation History is also a major focal point at this level as well. Students come to understand the vastness of the Kingdom of God and most importantly, their role in it.
Level 3
- In the Level 3 Atrium, the 9-12 year old child expands their understanding of the Good Shepherd in the context of the Plan of God. Students explore the immensity of God’s plan, which reaches out to every person in every time and place. This theme is presented through various timelines that weave together an intricate understanding of the past, connects it to the present, and helps them ponder the future. In addition, students expand their understanding of the Mass and the Sacraments through various works that help them learn the prayers the priest offers for and on behalf of the people of God.
Monthly Virtues
Using Education in Virtue from Ignatius Press, staff and students at DPA focus on a new virtue each month. Each classroom spends time studying the virtue and learning ways to cultivate it. At the end of each month, one student from each classroom who did a great job exhibiting the monthly virtue will win a Virtue of the Month Award! Awards are presented to students at weekly Mass by Fr. Andrew.
"Being a disciple of Christ is a way of life that must be taught, nurtured and practiced daily; we must strive to love Jesus Christ and thereby imitate him. The culture teaches us that we must be successful at what we do… sports, education, our jobs and even our ministries, often times without attaching importance to our interior disposition. Being a disciple of Christ means following him, imitating him; a disciple of Christ lives virtuously not only in what he does, but who he is."
- Disciple of Christ: Education in Virtue
Ignatius Press