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The Catechesis of the Good ShepherdThe Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is based on a profound respect for the religious potential of the child and an understanding of their spiritual and development needs. The Catechesis takes place in a beautifully prepared environment called an atrium. This sacred space contains hands-on materials that relate to the parables and life of Christ as well as liturgical models. Specially trained adults known as Catechists prepare the Atrium and serve as both teacher and facilitator, allowing the child to self discover the meanings and mysteries of the lessons. Based on the Montessori educational philosophy, the Catechesis is divided into three-year cycles that mirror the developmental planes of children.
Grades 1-3: Atrium of the True Vine The second cycle continues to encourage the child's relationship with God and explore a developing sense of morality, utilizing many of the parables and maxims of Jesus. Children explore the Bible as one book made of many books and the Eucharist as one prayer made of many prayers The child's increased curiosity, imagination, and intellect are fostered by lessons that present the three great moments in Salvation History: Creation, Redemption, and the Parousia. Grades 4-6: Atrium of the True Vine The child in the third cycle continues to explore the history of the Kingdom of God with a greater emphasis on one’s personal response. The child begins to deal with the advance of the Kingdom and people's opposition to it throughout history. A more thorough exploration of Scripture, particularly the Old Testament and the history of our Jewish roots is offered. Anglican liturgy continues to be examined with a deeper study of the sacraments. Throughout all levels, the child encounters the essentials of the Christian Faith that increase in detail and sophistication as the child matures. However, the role of the catechist as facilitator of the child's own discovery of the meaning of these things for themselves remains throughout. Both the child and the catechist find their faith nourished in this process. St. Peter's Episcopal Church Worship | About | Education | Parish Life | Outreach | Music | Links | Home |
Ages 3-6: Atrium of the Good Shepherd The truths that are essential to our faith are presented while the child's relationship with God is fostered, focusing on the primary element of our faith: God's love given in the person of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. The child is exposed to selected prayers of the Eucharist and Baptism, the proper nomenclature of the items used and the symbolic gestures. Selected passages of scripture include narratives of the birth of Christ and the parables of the Kingdom as well as geography of Israel. The language of prayer is introduced and liturgical celebrations mark the church year.