We are a Montessori-based catechesis for children from ages 3-12. The
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd was born from the joy of the children in their encounter with God. It is an experience of
life, an education in
faith, and a celebration of the encounter with the Father — in listening to Jesus, the one Teacher, and in obedience to the Holy Spirit.
Children who come to the Good Shepherd find a prepared environment called the
“Atrium” that responds to their vital religious needs and helps them listen and meditate upon our faith presentations that follow the Church year. The Atrium is not a place to entertain children. Here they are given the richness of faith!
We don’t teach answers. We give children the facts about Jesus and let them discover on their own. For example, Jesus said,
"I am the Good Shepherd." He never said who the sheep are, and neither do we. The children come to that revelation on their own!
Join in the wonder of 3-6-year-olds These children are particularly capable of receiving and enjoying the most essential elements of our faith — the announcement of God’s love experienced through Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who died and is risen.
Celebrate the growth of 6-9-year-olds They are captured by the image of the True Vine, which responds to the deep need of these children to better know their relationships with God, family, friends, and the larger community.
Honor the independence of 9-12-year-olds Older children are delighted by the history of salvation and God’s plan of communion. At this age, we emphasize our response to God’s unfolding generosity and seeing ourselves as collaborators with Him.
Our Atrium is located in Room 103. We have six catechists and 30 children currently enrolled, and we are open to all children up to 8th grade. Classes are
September – May on weekday afternoons
(3:30 – 5:00 PM):
Mondays for Level I (ages 3-6)
Tuesdays for Level II (ages 6-9)
Wednesdays for Level III (ages 9-12)
For more information about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, please contact Alex Daley at
410-245-3482.