The Good Shepherd Catechesis: A Deep Spiritual Approach for Children
The Good Shepherd Catechesis is an innovative and respectful approach to children's religious education, inspired by Montessori pedagogy. It aims to nurture children's natural relationship with God through sensory experiences and biblical reflections.
Fundamental Principles:
Respect for the child's pace: Each child explores the mysteries of faith at their own pace, in a calm and secure environment.
Sensory experiences: Children manipulate concrete materials to better understand biblical stories and liturgical symbols.
Bible Discovery: Children immerse themselves in Bible stories, focusing on God's messages of love and care.
Awareness of the liturgy: Children discover the gestures and symbols of the mass, understanding their profound meaning.
Spiritual Development: The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd promotes wonder, contemplation and a personal relationship with God.
Prepared Environment: The "atria" (meeting places) are designed to be welcoming and child-friendly spaces, with sensory materials and biblical representations.
Role of the catechist: The catechist accompanies the child in his discovery, respecting his pace and encouraging his personal reflection.
How does a Good Shepherd Catechesis session take place?
The Atrium: A specially designed space, with Montessori materials adapted to biblical stories and liturgy.
Presentations: A trained catechist presents a biblical story or aspect of the liturgy, using concrete material.
Personal work: Children choose an activity that appeals to them, to deepen their understanding of the theme presented.
Prayer time: A moment of calm and contemplation, to allow children to connect with God.
