Help me to come close to God
by myself
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a particular way of journeying with children toward God for children aged between 3 and 12 years. It is grounded in scripture and the liturgy of the church, then framed by Montessori principles of education.
Based on the belief that God and the child are already in a relationship, the central aim of this faith formation program is to help nurture and strengthen this relationship. This is done by creating a specially prepared environment to allow this relationship to develop. The adult's task is to serve the child in this environment, in a way that calls forth their own response and assists them to come close to God in their own way.
To find out more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, watch the video further down this page.
The 'Atrium' is the name of the place prepared for the child to come and be with God. The Atrium can be compared to a retreat centre. Rather than being a room for religious instruction, it is a place to live out one’s religious life, a place of community and worship. It is a place that facilitates a conversation with God.
In the early church, the Atrium (or foyer) of the church was the place where adults were prepared for initiation into the church. For the child too, the Atrium is a place of preparation for involvement in the larger worshipping community.
Materials
The Materials in the Atrium are intended for use by children as aids to meditation and prayer. After being presented with a theme using the materials, each child is free to choose an activity that will lead them into conversation with God.
These materials are closely linked to their biblical and liturgical sources. They are handcrafted by the adults who work with the children. In the Atrium, they are displayed attractively to invite the child to explore the themes presented through these materials at their own pace and rhythm.
The materials cover elements of:
- Scripture
- Liturgy
- Practical life (activities related to everyday life and care of the Atrium)
Need more information or to enrol your child:
Contact: Angela Hague or Rose Aung-Thein at old.childrens.atrium@gmail.com
For further information on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd please visit: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Australia Website