All Saints Catholic Community

About Group

CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD TAKES PLACE IN A SPECIALLY PREPARED SPACE CALLED AN ATRIUM:

• The Atrium contains age-appropriate materials that are simple and essential to the child’s development of a relationship with God.
• The Atrium items are carefully selected or created out of wood, glass, metal and fabric. Many of the materials will remind the child of what they see in church.
• Children are taught a sense of reverence for the Atrium and for the items it contains. The expected behavior in the Atrium is peaceful and respectful, similar to what is expected at Mass.
• In our busy, noisy world, many children find refuge in the quieter atmosphere of the Atrium.
• A visit to an atrium session would be a good way to understand the experience of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

EACH SESSION CONSISTS OF A PRESENTATION OF NEW MATERIAL, WORK TIME, AND PRAYER:

• Presentations include biblical geography, liturgy, the Nativity narratives, parables, and practical life lessons. Older children are also introduced to Old Testament work.
• The presentations are selected to coincide with the Church year. After the presentation, the children may choose to work with the materials during their work time. All materials remain in the Atrium the entire year so children may revisit past presentations during their work time. The children are given time for repetition and contemplation but may only choose to work with materials that have been presented to them.
• Communal prayer takes place during each atrium session. The children gather around the prayer table and are encouraged to be calm and silent. This habit helps develop an atmosphere to listen and talk to God.
• Since many of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd lessons are linked to the liturgy, children benefit greatly by also attending Mass regularly with their families.