The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a faith formation experience for children ages 3-12. It is based upon the belief that young children can and do experience God. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd’s work is done in an Atrium, an environment created to nurture children’s spirituality through the parable method, prayer, singing, silence and exploring liturgical events. Hands-on materials are used to help children and adults reflect together upon the great mysteries of the Christian faith.

Those who work in the Catechesis believe:

That God and the child have a unique relationship with one another, particularly before age 6;
That a child needs his or her own place to foster the growth of that relationship; and
That the child’s spiritual growth is best served through tangible but indirect means.

A room, or Atrium, for children’s formation can be compared to a retreat house facilitating recollection and silence. Here the adult and child alike come to be with God, to listen to the Word of God in scripture and to pray. The Atrium is a place where community and worship can occur.

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd was developed in 1954 under the guidance of Dr. Sofia Cavalletti, a Hebrew and scripture scholar. Today, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Program exists in Episcopal, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian and Baptist churches worldwide.

If you have any questions about our program, please call or email Linda Riley, Director of Christian Formation.

lriley@emmanuelbristol.org
276-669-9488