The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based approach to the religious formation of children, rooted in Sacred Scripture, Liturgy, and respect for the child’s rich relationship with God.

We believe God and the child have a unique relationship with one another. Children need their own place to foster the growth of that relationship. The growth of this relationship is assisted by the adult, in the atrium but is directed by the Spirit of God within the child.

The Atrium environment for religious formation is not a classroom, not a place of religious instruction, but of conversion. Upon entering the environment, one should see child -sized furniture, fine religious art hung at child eye-level, and representations of Scripture that can be seen, touched, and moved around. It should be a place of spiritual retreat for children. A place of work, study, and prayer, where work and study become contemplation of God, and prayer.

“If God is presented to the child through tangible and meaningful activities, it will do more for the child than just arouse interest; it will create in the child a sense of joy, admiration, and wonder.”

Maria Monetessori