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Welcome to theCatechesis of the Good Shepherd at St. Luke’s
St. Luke’s welcome you and your child to the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Montessori-based Christian formation program where children ages 3-
12 strengthen their relationship with God.
Directed by the Holy Spirit, catechists and their assistants help guide children to their discovery of God’s love through activities in the Atrium including:
Presentations of the Bible or Liturgy by catechists proclaiming the Word of God and a demonstration of how to use the associated materials
Time for children to work with materials of their choice at their pace
Gathering together to worship at the prayer table.
The Atrium is a sacred space for children and was built by the St. Luke’s parish. When entering the Atrium both children and adults are asked to show grace and courtesy by following the rules, respecting the environment and one another.
During their time in the Atrium children work with beautiful, often handmade, materials that are closely linked to the Bible and Liturgy, allowing them time to meditate and reflect on the stories and traditions of our faith. By working with these materials they gain a deeper understanding of the biblical story and Liturgy and develop practical life skills. These skills prepare the child for further works in the Atrium and allow the children to be responsible for their environment.
Child Development and Program Design
St. Luke’s offers three levels for children ages 3-12. Level One is intended for children ages 3- 6, Level Two for ages 6-9, and Level Three for ages 9-12. The program is organized based on child developmental progression and led by catechists trained through the national program of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Each of our catechists has completed a minimum of 100 hours of training with focus on each developmental stage. The work of the catechist is to prepare the Atrium, create materials, present materials and guide your children in their discovery of God.
Suggestions and Information for Parents
As a parent you can support this important work by bringing your child to the Atrium regularly and arriving on time. New presentations are made to the children almost every week and they delve further and deeper into the faith as they progress. Your child’s participation in the Catechisis will contribute to the spiritual growth of your entire family.
Going to the Atrium is more like going to church than going to school. Just as it might feel strange to have someone question you about what you did or felt in worship, children may not wish to answer questions about their time in the Atrium, or may not be able to put into words what they have experienced. Here are a few suggestions on how to communicate with your child about his or her experience in the Atrium:
Use the word “work” instead of “play”. Children are working by building their relationship with God and this term helps to emphasize the importance of what they are doing.
Use phrases such as, “Did you enjoy your time in the Atrium?”, “Did you feel joy/peace today?”, “Would you like to tell me more about the Atrium?” Avoid asking, “What did you do today?” or “What did you learn today?”
You can also support your child’s work in the Atrium by offering affirming comments about your child’s time spent growing with God. Throughout the year children create artwork and collages which are collected in a personal folder. From time to time your child will review their work with the catechist and then bring home a collection of work. Unlike the typical Sunday school very few papers and crafts are sent home; however, children take something home on the inside from their time in the Atrium just as we do from church.
We will communicate with families about life in the Atrium through various means. Also, we ask that parents share any observations with their child’s catechist whose contact information is printed on this pamphlet.
Contact Information
Should you have any questions or comments about your child’s involvement in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, please contact their catechist.
Martha Benson(804) [email protected]
Susie Thomas(804) [email protected]
Richard Cole(804) [email protected]
Elizabeth Forrest(804) [email protected]
Tammy Rogers (804) 403-3059 [email protected]
Peggy Sincock (804) 938-7718 [email protected]
Jeannette Pugh (804) 598-3538 [email protected]
City of Jerusalem
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at St. Luke’s
“I see the love of God in you; the Light of Christ comes shining through;
and I am blessed to be with you, oh holy child of God.” *
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based Christian formation program that provides children ages 3-12 the opportunity to grow in their relationship with God through a deep engagement in Scripture and Liturgy.
Founded in 1954 by Sofia Cavalletti, a Scripture scholar, and by Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori educator, this approach explores the religious nature and vital needs of children; it lays the foundation for a life grounded in God’s love.
For 60 years children have experienced this powerful, formative program in more than 35 nations. Now, through St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Powhatan, Virginia, your child can experience this unique opportunity to draw nearer to God. We gather at 10:00 AM on Sundays during the school year in the Parish House.
*Anonymous, “I See the Love of God”. Sing with Joy. Treehaus Communications, Inc., 2002.
Catechesis of theGood Shepherd
Informational Brochure for Families
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 2245 Huguenot Trail
Powhatan, VA 23139(804) 794-6953
[email protected] www.stlukespowhatan.org