From that time to the present, Sofia reminds adults to look to the child to see the indicator of a deeply religious life – joy – and then to ask themselves “What face of God does the child need to see?” Sofia says, “The child will be our teacher if we know how to observe them.”

HOW CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD WORKS

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd addresses the religious formation of children in a specially prepared environment called an “atrium” (place of preparation). The children gather in the atrium and work with a variety of materials readied for their use. Catechesis is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the church and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. Maria had a great influence in it’s creation. The motto of this process is; “Help me discover God by myself.”

You might wonder how “materials” can enhance the religious life of a child. If, for example, you hear a beautiful passage from the Bible, you may find the same passage and read the words again slowly to more completely appreciate and understand them. You may think deeply about the words and speak to God in a prayer about them. But a little child, especially one too young to read, needs another way. In the atrium that child can ponder the biblical passages or liturgical prayers presented to them by working with the materials provided for that text – placing wooden figures of sheep and shepherd in the sheepfold of the Good Shepherd, setting figures, representing the apostles, around a Last Supper table, exploring The City of Jerusalem, in miniature, or preparing a small altar with tiny replicas of the same articles we use at Eucharist. Older children can chose from copying parables from the Bible, laying (in order) written prayers from the rite of Baptism, planning a liturgy, discovering what their spiritual gifts may be, preparing a personal missal, or exploring, discovering and labeling a time-line showing the history of the kingdom of God.

Each of the three levels, ages 3-6, 6-9, and 9-12, offers age-appropriate themes for children taken from scripture and our liturgy. Each level builds on the previous one.

The heart of catechesis for the child under six revolves around the Parable of the Good Shepherd, revealing the absolute and unconditional love of God. The child in the second atrium is captured by the image of the True Vine. “I am the vine, you are the branches.” How God works through us is their focus. For the children at the third level, the focus shifts to a presentation of the history of salvation and God’s plan for community--a plan to link all people together. The emphasis at that point is on the child’s own responses to the gifts of God and the responsibilities that come with receiving those gifts. “What is the kingdom of God and my place in it?” is a question which begins to lay the foundation for their relationship with and commitment to God.

The catechist’s role is to foster an interpersonal relationship between God and the child by making presentations that “call forth” the child’s response rather than simply “pour in” information. The adult is a co-wanderer with the child. The catechist and the child work together addressing questions generated from exploring Scriptures with one another.

CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD AT ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church became interested in this process a little over two years ago. The time was ripe to reevaluate and renew our children’s spiritual formation vehicle. A number of options were presented at a formation meeting and several parishners, including Fr. Randy, began making trips to Church of the Good Shepherd, Vancouver to learn more about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, in place there for more than 10 years. They liked what they saw. The atrium space at Good Shepherd is vital and alive. The children of Good Shepherd are thriving in their nurturing, challenging environment. St. Paul’s wanted no less for their children.

After several glowing reports from those exploring this particular program, St. Paul’s vestry voted to support the process both spiritually and financially. Monies were budgeted to convert an unfinished, unused choir loft into the classroom spaces needed and for the training of the adult leaders. Through Herculean effort the loft conversion project was accomplished in a few short months and was ready to open in September of 1999.

In August of 1999, four women, Honi Matchell, third through sixth grade catechist, Myra Battin and Ann Horn, first through third grade catechists and Roni Rouse, pre-school through first grade catechist, made a six year commitment to training. After two years of instruction all four women have received certification as first level catechists. The catechists will begin the first year of second atrium level training this August.

In addition to Fr. Randy and the vestry’s support, the process of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd has welcomed a tremendous outpouring of support from the parish at large. Many artisans have stepped forward, offering their gifts from every medium possible. Whether made from wood, fabric, paint or paper, in one way or another, all the materials necessary for the children’s exploration/discovery process have been brought to the atriums by the family of St. Paul’s. St. Paul’s has always had a heart for children’s ministries, but in these last few years, this worship family has outdone itself in providing for the spiritual formation needs of the littlest seekers. One of the greatest testimonies of the success of the program is the children’s eager participation. Average attendance is up 20-25% over last year.

The catechists are always eager to involve more adults in this powerful and effective process. An ongoing need exists for more leaders in the atriums on Sunday mornings and for the creation of the wide variety of supporting materials necessary for the children’s use in the atriums. A commitment to participation could be weekly, monthly or for a one time project, as your schedule permits.