Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for Children 3-6 Years Old

- A Few More Needs for the Program (January 7, 2021)
  
  We're looking to add these items to the Atrium. Please contact Jill at 651-437-4254 x225 or jskaife@seasparish.org if you can help.
Photos of our wonderful new program! Please read the update below.
- Update on our Program and the Atrium (December 14, 2020)
  
  After 18 months of planning and training, and a summer filled with the generosity of our parishioners, the Atrium opened in late October 2020. While the pandemic has affected the number of participants we anticipated this year, we have been able to meet weekly (and safely) with three little ones (aged 3,4 and 5) on their faith journey. The fruits of that are already being seen!!
  
  The methodology of the Atrium is based upon the Montessori learning style created by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 1900’s. The Atrium is a quiet place of prayer and the children have really done a great job recognizing that and modeling good listening skills and soft, indoor voices. Everything we do and learn in the Atrium points to the Liturgy.
  
  This is what we’ve done in the last 6 weeks:
  •   Each session has a couple of movements, some we do as a group and some we do individually. Most sessions will begin with a short presentation by group or individual.
  •   There is a section of Practical Life materials, which includes a variety of things for the children to do. Most of the materials here are to help develop motor skills, coordination and for a large part, a way to develop their focus and learning to be purposeful. For example, a simple act of dusting things with a fun feather duster, teaches all of those things, including a pride in a job well done.
  • There is time each week for them to select some of those things to do. They must complete the work before they begin something else.
  •   We have talked about a “model altar”, one that is their size in the Atrium. They learned about the chalice, paten, candles, altar cloth and a crucifix. They also got to place those items back on the model altar. We also took a walk into church to see and touch the “real” one. The children were also allowed to go back to this and work on it again by themselves.
  •   We talked about the Bible, how important it is and what is included in this very important book. We also learned about the procession in church. We had our own procession as we enthroned the Bible in a very special place.
  •   We learned about Isaiah’s prophecy of the Great Light, the Annunciation and the birth of Jesus.
- What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?
  
  The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children ages three to six. It is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. Children gather in an "atrium," a room prepared for them, which contains simple yet beautiful materials that they use. Children have a natural affinity with God. They need us to merely name that relationship and give them the tools to further know and love God as they grow. We put before them the Word of the Bible and the act of liturgy to allow them to come to a deeper reality of that which they already experience, the love of God.
Online Registration for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for Preschool
- The maximum number of form submissions has been reached. This form is currently not available.
  
  This program is for children ages 3-6 years and runs Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Children must be 3 years old by October 1, 2020, and for safety, each class is limited to six (6) children. There is no fee for this program. Sessions begin October 28 and run through May 5. Registrants will receive a full schedule.
  
  Registration will end soon!
  
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  Age 3 4 5 6
  
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- Jill Skaife
  
  Director of Faith Formation, ext. 225
  
  651.437.4254
  jskaifeseasparish.org