“I am the good shepherd.
John 10:11
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a religious formation program that has been in use for over 50 years in Europe, North and South America, Australia, and most recently in Africa. “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” was so named because that parable seems to best meet the needs of the 3 to 6 year old child: love, protection, care, and a relationship with God. (John 10:1-30). In Catechesis, the young adults and children together listen to the scriptures, explore the liturgy, and foster the presence of God among them.
The curriculum of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd closely follows the liturgical calendar in preparing for, and celebrating the great feasts of Christmas, Easter and Pentecost. Bible texts and Episcopal liturgy are integrated into all four levels of Catechesis. All levels include prayer, song, celebration and art. All children are encouraged to participate fully in the Holy Eucharist.
In addition the studies cover:
Level I (ages 3 to 6) –
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.
· Parables of the Kingdom of God
· Infancy narratives of Jesus
· Altar and articles used in the liturgy
· Gestures and prayers of the liturgy
· Eucharist and Baptism
· Liturgical colors and calendar
· Geography of the Holy Land
Level II (ages 6 to 9) –
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.
· History of the Reign of God
· Jesus’ parables of mercy and morals
· Sayings of Jesus
· The Lord’s Prayer
· Advanced Bible study of the Nativity and Holy Week
· Geography of the Holy Land and Jerusalem
· The Last Supper and the Eucharist
· Baptism and Confirmation
· History of the Bible
· Messianic prophecies
· Detailed study of the Holy Eucharist
Level III (ages 9 to 12) –
For the students 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 person’s own responses to the gifts of God and the responsibilities that come with receiving those gifts.
· Continuation of the history of the Reign of God with Old Testament studies of Creation,
· Patriarchs
· Exodus and the Prophets
· History and geography of Israel
· Jesus’ miracles and the parables of judgment
· Complete rites of Eucharist, Baptism, Confirmation and Anointing
Level IV (ages 12 to 18) –
For Middle School and High Schoolers at the Forth level, the focus is history. The focus is the history of the world and how it coincides with the history in the Old testament. This level will also work on prayer and incorporating prayer into the lives of teens.
· How History learned in history books relates to the Old Testament
· The Different Maps of Israel
· Creation of the world and God’s Plan
· Abraham's and Moses’ Journeys
· Prayers and the different ways to pray
· Incorporation of Prayer in our lives and taking time to be with you and God
Atrium:
Each classroom is called an Atrium, a specially prepared environment, where children and young adults live together a religious experience. It is a place where work and study become meditation, contemplation and prayer. And, according to Sylvia Cavalletti, the founder of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a place where “the only Teacher is Christ; both the children and adults place themselves in a listening stance…”
Adults (and High School Students who are interested) each Wednesday till year’s end: There will be two adult offerings this fall.
Subject: Apostolic Community - Facilitators: Mr. Peter Van Arsdale, Mr. Andy Campbell,
Fr. Tim Watts
This is the time of Peter, James, John, and the rest of those who became known as apostles. All serious discussions about Christian community must begin here. Sessions will include the social, political, and religious context of first century Palestine. This is the global environment of the new thing God was doing in his son Jesus. Come and explore such subjects as Creeds, Liturgies, Recognized Books of the Holy Bible, Ordained Offices and their purposes, and many more…
Subject: Bible Study – Facilitators: Fr. Tim and other facilitators
Adults (and interested High School Students) may choose to participate in Bible Study. We will explore Acts of the Apostles.