Registration is Open

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a way of religious formation for children that is quite different from published programs. The program is inspired by Montessori principles of education and does not use a series of books nor does it take place in a classroom.

In this approach there is a room (known as the atrium) prepared for the children in which every object is a help to knowing God. It is a place of simplicity and order, prayer and work and community. The atrium allows the children to come into contact with scripture, the liturgy of the church, and for the older ones, the whole of sacred history. There are other centers present as well – a baptism area, an altar table, a geography area, a prayer corner. Most importantly the room has an atmosphere of solemnity. The young child is shown how to walk slowly and speak softly so that, even though everyone in the atrium is busy and active, an atmosphere of silence permeates the space.

St. Mary Parish is grateful for the presence of Sr. Nancy Ayotte IHM, a catechist of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. A catechist is one who shares the Gospel by personal witness and by teaching the doctrines of the Church. Sr. Nancy comes to us with having served many years in this role. The donation of her time, talent and treasures is a gift to our parish as we continue to offer this early and young child faith formation opportunity. Each Sunday during the 9:30am Mass Sr. Nancy meets with children (ages 3-6) to foster their relationship with God and nurture each child’s deep religious needs.

Six St. Mary’s women have received Level I (Children ages 3 – 6 years) certification and four have begun the certification process for Level II. All are involved in varying ways with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd here at St. Mary’s. Some assist Sr. Nancy as she teaches pre-school children during the Sunday 9:30am Mass. Others utilize this form of faith formation with children in grades 1 – 2 who meet each Sunday following the 9:30am Mass. Still others work with St. Mary Grade School children (grades Pre-School – 3rd grade) weekly in the atrium. Elements of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd are incorporated into our Sacramental Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist students.

Registration for the Sunday pre-school Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is open. Please register by calling the Faith Formation Office (734-241-6097) *Please direct our questions to either Sr. Nancy Ayotte IHM (734-240-8234) or Lorie Bronson (734-241-6097).

Set up for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, catechism for preschoolers.
(Photo by Terrence Bronson)
First Communion students receive Bibles from the Confirmation class.
Learning about homelessness and our St. Vincent de Paul Society at an Intergenerational event.
Children learned about the early life of St. Paul.
A catechist, dressed as St. Paul, teaches people of all ages about the travels of Paul.
Father Marc, dressed as Paul in chains, explains to the children about Paul and his letter writing while in prison.
Three of our catechists dressed up like Paul and told the story of the life of St. Paul at an Intergenerational event.
People of all ages enjoy our Intergenerational events.

 

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