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In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus holds children up as spiritual models when he says, “Unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” They may be the smallest, but certainly not the least. We consider our children an essential part of who we are and do all we can to respect and nurture their relationship with Christ.
You will find our children at the heart of our life in Christ at St. Michael. We embrace the vision and understanding of the spiritual life of children as the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the spiritual formation of children 3-12 years old based on Scripture and Liturgy and underpinned by the Montessori Method of education.
Developed in Rome over 50 years ago by Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi, this work is sometimes described as the meeting ground of two Mysteries: the Mystery of God and the Mystery of the Child. The place of this encounter is the “atrium” classroom. These environments are specially prepared spaces with developmentally appropriate materials designed to help the child come closer to God. The Atrium is a place of prayer, work, study, and community.
There are separate environments:
Level 1 Ages 3-6: "The Good Shepherd" Atrium - God's Love
Level 2 Ages 6-9: "The True Vine" Atrium - Moral Formation
Level 3 Ages 9-12: "The Golden Thread" Atrium - Historical Faith Traditions
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd has been a mustard seed work for us at St. Michael. It is a steadily growing ministry that includes a full scope of this approach for children ages 3 to 12 years. Children meet in the Atrium every week for 1.5 hours between October to May.
There are multiple ways your family can be a part of this ministry that fosters a love of God for our children:
- Have your child be a part of an Atrium.
- Volunteer in an Atrium
- Prepare materials for the Atriums
- Train as a CGS Catechist to foster your love for God!
We will have registration open for this ministry this August for the 2025-2026 school year. At this point, for next year, we only have space available for our Level One (3-6 year old) children.
We would love to continue to expand this opportunity for more children in our parish family. Our need? Volunteers who have been formed in this method.
For those interested in this retreat-like opportunity for formation, our "Summer Intensive" training will take place the following dates/location:
July 11-13 [Days 1-3], St Monica, Mercer Island
July 11-13 [Days 1-3], St Monica, Mercer Island
July 25-27[Days 4-6], St Monica, Mercer Island
The Level I course will provide an introduction to the CGS approach and the specifics of using this approach to serve the 3-6 year old child. The objectives of the course are:
+ To explore the nature of the 3-6 year old child, including developmental and religious characteristics.
+ To facilitate meditation on the biblical and liturgical themes present in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
+ To provide guidelines and assistance to catechists to enable them to set up an atrium for 3-6 year old children, prepare a Catechist's Album, and create atrium materials.
+ To deepen the ability to observe and learn from children, and explore ways to invite parents and congregations to grow this ability as well.
The Level I course will provide an introduction to the CGS approach and the specifics of using this approach to serve the 3-6 year old child. The objectives of the course are:
+ To explore the nature of the 3-6 year old child, including developmental and religious characteristics.
+ To facilitate meditation on the biblical and liturgical themes present in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
+ To provide guidelines and assistance to catechists to enable them to set up an atrium for 3-6 year old children, prepare a Catechist's Album, and create atrium materials.
+ To deepen the ability to observe and learn from children, and explore ways to invite parents and congregations to grow this ability as well.
To learn more about CGS and what we offer the children, go HERE.
To learn more about our regional CGS ministry, The Sheepfold, and what we offer, go HERE.
To register or find out more information about this Formation Training, go HERE.
To learn more about our regional CGS ministry, The Sheepfold, and what we offer, go HERE.
To register or find out more information about this Formation Training, go HERE.
If you are interested in learning more about these opportunities for yourself and your families, contact Allison Cummings, our coordinator at St. Michael at allisongcummings@gmail.com.
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