Sarah Mitchell
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a program that has been introduced to Catholic parishes to implement new methods of making catechesis interesting and engaging. It is based on the idea that children of the same developmental stage, even from different cultural backgrounds, respond to elements of the Christian message in the same way. The program emphasizes the role of the catechist in preparing the environment and presenting scripture and liturgy that encourages children to ask questions and seek their own answers, rather than being taught directly. While it has attracted many actively Catholic families, there are also concerns about the program, including the influence of Maria Montessori's ideologies and the potential omission of essential Catholic doctrines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Teaching Method | Catechesis of the Good Shepherd does not follow a traditional curriculum. Instead, it is based on the Montessori ideology that children learn by tapping into a special source of knowledge that adults do not have access to. |
| Learning Environment | Catechesis of the Good Shepherd classes take place in an atrium where children are not taught but are guided to come to their own conclusions. |
| Religious Education | The program provides religious education and aims to deepen one's relationship with God. |
| Instructor | The instructor, or catechist, prepares the environment and presents selected materials from scripture and liturgy to "call forth" the child's response. |
| Instructor's Role | The catechist listens and reflects with the child, asking questions such as "God, who are you? How do you love us?" |
| Instructor's Relationship with Children | Catechesis of the Good Shepherd encourages a collaborative relationship between the catechist and children, where they work together in a spirit of unity and harmony. |
| Instructor's Relationship with Other Instructors | Catechists are expected to support one another and work together in preparing materials and observing the children. |
| Instructor's Qualifications | Catechists undergo training and are provided with album pages written by the CGS instructor during training sessions. These album pages form the basis of the class content. |
| Target Audience | Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is designed for children, specifically those of the same developmental stage, regardless of their cultural background. |
| Parental Involvement | Parents play a significant role in their child's faith formation, and Catechesis classes are meant to supplement religious education received at school or elsewhere. |
| Criticism | Some critics argue that the program does not cover essential Catholic doctrines and lacks the amount of information declared by bishops to be included in a catechism program. |
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What You'll Learn
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a program introduced to Catholic parishes
The catechist's role is to prepare the environment and present scripture and liturgy that "call forth" the child's response, rather than "pour in" information. This means that catechists do not teach but instead facilitate the child's exploration and discovery. Catechists work together in unity, reflecting with the child and asking questions such as "God, who are you? How do you love us?".
The program has been observed to attract actively Catholic families and engage retired parishioners who enjoy creating items for the children to work with. However, some have expressed concerns about the program. Critics argue that it does not cover all the doctrines and specifics of Catholic teaching that the bishops have declared necessary for a catechism program. This is partly due to a desire for ecumenism and avoiding teachings that could be offensive to other religions.
Additionally, there are concerns about the program's foundation and ideology. Some claim that it aligns with the modernist positions of Maria Montessori, who was accused of being influenced by theosophy and not being a faithful follower of Catholicism, despite being raised in the religion. However, others refute these claims, arguing that Montessori's method is profoundly Catholic and that Catechesis of the Good Shepherd expands it into religious education.
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It is based on Montessori ideology
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a program introduced to Catholic parishes that aims to implement new methods to make catechesis interesting and engaging. It is based on Montessori ideology, which posits that the child does not learn from the teacher but instead taps into a special source of knowledge that adults do not have access to. This belief is reflected in the CGS ideology, where the catechist's role is not to teach but to facilitate and guide the child's learning process, encouraging them to ask questions and discover their relationship with God.
The Montessori method is often described as profoundly Catholic, and the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd expands this approach into religious education. Maria Montessori, the founder of the Montessori method, held theological assumptions that aligned with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She believed that catechesis offers children the opportunity to relate to God, whom they "innately know and perceive." This perspective is reflected in the CGS approach, where the catechist's role is to prepare the environment and present scripture and liturgy that "call forth" the child's response rather than "pour in" information.
However, some critics argue that the Montessori method and, by extension, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, may have underlying connections to paganism or Eastern mysticism. They claim that Maria Montessori's involvement with theosophy and her potential departure from Catholicism could influence the ideological foundation of the Montessori method. These concerns are especially relevant for parents who want to ensure their children receive a solid religious education rooted in Catholic doctrine.
Despite these concerns, many actively Catholic families have enrolled their children in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, finding that it gives their children a sense of ownership over their faith. The program's hands-on materials and interactive approach to learning about the Bible and liturgy have been well-received by both children and retired parishioners who enjoy creating the items used in the program.
In conclusion, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is based on Montessori ideology, which shapes the program's approach to religious education. While there are critics who question the compatibility of Montessori methods with Catholicism, the program has also attracted many Catholic families and individuals who appreciate its engaging and interactive nature, as well as its potential to foster a deeper relationship with God.
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It is meant to supplement a child's religious education
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a program introduced to Catholic parishes that aims to implement new methods of making catechesis interesting and engaging for children. It is meant to supplement a child's religious education, providing an opportunity for adults to embrace a method of catechesis that deepens their relationship with God. This approach captivates both the mind and the heart, allowing children to encounter God and relate to Him.
The catechist plays a crucial role in preparing the environment and presenting scripture and liturgy that "call forth" the child's response rather than merely imparting information. The catechist listens and reflects with the child, asking questions such as "God, who are you? How do you love us?" This method encourages children to come to their own conclusions through inner spiritual knowledge, which some critics argue may result in essential Catholic doctrines being overlooked.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd has been observed to attract actively Catholic families, with children developing a sense of ownership of their faith. It is based on the idea that children of the same developmental stage, regardless of cultural background, respond similarly to elements of the Christian message. This approach to religious education is meant to supplement a child's faith formation, with parents or guardians playing a central role in shaping their child's religious beliefs and values.
While the program has its supporters, some critics argue that it may not adequately cover the doctrines and specifics of Catholic teaching. They assert that the Montessori-influenced approach, where the child is seen as having access to a special source of knowledge, could potentially result in key aspects of Catholic doctrine being omitted. Critics point out that the program may not include sufficient details on the Trinity, sanctifying grace, original sin, and angels.
In conclusion, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is designed to enhance a child's religious education by providing an engaging and interactive approach to faith formation. While it encourages children to explore their relationship with God and develop their own understanding, critics caution that it may need to be supplemented with more traditional forms of Catholic education to ensure a comprehensive grasp of Catholic doctrine.
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It is meant to deepen one's relationship with God
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a religious education method that aims to deepen one's relationship with God. It is a common religious experience involving children and adults, with a focus on the religious values of childhood, such as contemplation and enjoyment of God. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd approach is based on the belief that God and the child are already in a relationship. It is grounded in Sacred Scripture and the Liturgy of the Church, framed by the educational principles of Maria Montessori in a hands-on, sensorially rich environment.
The catechist's role is to prepare the environment and offer selected presentations from scripture and liturgy that "call forth" the child's response rather than "pour in" information. The catechist listens with the child as they reflect on questions like, "God, who are you? How do you love us?". The atrium, or prepared environment, is a crucial element that helps the relationship between God and the child flourish. It is a place of community and worship, providing a peaceful and calm atmosphere for prayer and reflection.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd method has attracted many actively Catholic families, as it empowers children to take ownership of their faith. It is designed to meet the developmental characteristics and needs of the child. For example, Level 1 is tailored for 3 to 6-year-olds who love to explore the world through their senses and have a strong need for order and naming things. Level 2, for 6 to 9-year-olds, introduces the concept of salvation history and the child's place in it, helping them reflect on their covenant relationship with God.
By embracing this method of catechesis, adults can deepen their relationship with God by learning from the child and serving them. It is a journey meant to be shared, as catechists support one another in preparing materials, working in the atrium, and observing the child. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd helps both children and adults to encounter Christ and fall in love with God, fostering a unique and profound relationship with the Divine.
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It is meant to be both instructive and experiential
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a programme introduced to Catholic parishes that aims to implement new methods of making catechesis interesting and engaging. It is meant to be both instructive and experiential, captivating both the head and the heart. This means that while it provides religious instruction for adults that deepens their relationship with God, it also encourages a hands-on approach where children are not explicitly taught but are allowed to come to their own conclusions through inner spiritual knowledge.
The catechist's role is to prepare the environment and give selected presentations from scripture and liturgy that "call forth" the child's response rather than "pour in" information. For example, the catechist and the child may reflect together on questions generated by the presentations, with the materials offered aiding the child's reflection. The catechists work together in a spirit of unity and harmony, in tune with God's plan for communion in the history of salvation. They generously offer their talents and experiences for the good of all.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd has been observed to give children ownership of their faith, which may be harder to achieve through other methods of catechesis. It is based on the theological assumption that children innately know and perceive God, and so it is not a "catechesis of definition but a catechesis of invitation". This approach is similar to the Montessori method, which has been criticised for its potential links to paganism and Eastern Mysticism, and for not being truly Catholic in its foundations.
Despite these criticisms, some Catholic parents have observed that their children became more attentive in Mass after attending Catechesis of the Good Shepherd classes, and that the programme attracted many young, actively Catholic families to their parish.
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Frequently asked questions
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a new program introduced to Catholic parishes that aims to implement new methods to make catechesis interesting and engaging.
In the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, the catechist prepares the environment and presents selected materials from scripture and liturgy. The child is then encouraged to come to their own conclusions through their inner spiritual knowledge.
Some concerns include the program's foundation in Montessori ideology and potential links to paganism and Eastern Mysticism. There are also worries about the amount of Catholic doctrine being taught, with some claiming that essential details on core concepts are missing from the curriculum.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd has been observed to attract actively Catholic families and engage children in their faith journey. It provides an opportunity for adults to deepen their relationship with God and captivate both the "head and heart". Children are encouraged to take ownership of their faith and reflect on their questions about God.
The answer to this question is a matter of debate. While some claim that the program is ""deeply Catholic"", others argue that it is not faithful to Catholic doctrine and teachings. The controversy surrounds the interpretation of Maria Montessori's influence and the extent to which her ideology shapes the curriculum.
