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Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Adult Formation
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Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Listening to God with Children
A Formation Course for Catechists of Children 3 to 6 Years Old
Level I, Part I
Once a month on Saturdays
Start date: Saturday, September 21, 2024
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WHAT IS THE CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD?
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an experiential approach to the spiritual formation of children 3-12 years of age.Developed in 1954 by Hebrew scholar and theologian, Dr. Sofia Cavaletti and Montessori trainer, Gianna Gobbi, the Catechesis recognizes the existing relationship between God and the child and aims to nurture this relationship by helping the child “come close to God all by myself.”
In 1984, the Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd was formed in
North America. Based on Montessori principles, the Catechesis introduces the child to the Scripture and the Liturgy through hands-on materials. These materials free the child to contemplate his/her own relationship with God and the Church. The catechist and the child are co-learners, seeking together the mystery of God and God’s Kingdom.
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"Let the children come to me and do not
hinder them, for of such is the kingdom of
God” Matthew 19:14
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To present the methodology and guiding principles of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for the 3- to 6-year-old child while preparing for work with older children
To explore the religious nature and most vital religious needs of the 3- to 6-year-old child
To meditate on the Biblical and Liturgical themes presented to the 3- to 6-year-old child
To broaden one’s ability to observe and learn from the child, to listen to the Scripture with the child, to deepen one’s own enjoyment of God
To offer guidelines and assistance in preparing the 3 to 6 Atrium environment and in making the catechist’s album and catechetical materials
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The Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd offers certification for Level I after completion of Part I (this course) and Part II: 90 hours total. Tuition includes the certification fee.
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Jena Bissaillon has been involved with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for the past 18 years. As a trained catechist in all three levels, she introduced the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to the West Houston area in 2011. In 2012, she opened and coordinated the atria at St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church of Katy TX which serve children from age 3 to age 12 and continued as Atrium Coordinator there for 7 years. She introduced the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to her home parish Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Community of Katy TX in 2021, where she now serves as Atrium Coordinator for 2 levels of Catechesis which serve children from age 3 to age 9. She is married and has 3 grown Children.
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