Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a faith formation program for children ages 3 through Kindergarten. It introduces children to the Love of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, basic Gospel stories and the Sacramental Life of the church using the montessori menthod which is hands on and allows each child to learn at his or her own pace. 

We will meeting on Wednesdays through late May. We will be offering 2 sessions one at 10 a.m. and another at 3 PM.

What will children be doing?
Sessions will typically include time to "work" with materials, scripture stories music and prayer.  The time children spend working with materials is essential to helping them take the lessons of Jesus' love for them to heart.

Where will we gather. 
Children will gather for their sessions in a room called an Atrium which will include child sized furniture, as well as artwork and materials they can work with on their own. Almost everything in the Atrium is something which children touch, explore and use creatively. 
Our Parish's Atrium is located in the Parish Center on the Holy Rosary Campus

How long will sessions be? 
At the beginning fo the year sessions will be 1/2 and hour to 45 minutes based on children's attetion span. As their skills expand and they are able to engage with more of the materials sessions may last longer but will never last more than an hour and 15 min. 
 
What is the role of parents?
A Parent or caregiver is asked to wait on site during class. We will do a regular newsletter to keep parents up to date on what children are learning. Ocassionally during the year there will be liturgical celebrations which parents/caregivers and older siblings will be welcomed to join us for.
 
Health Concerns
We will be throughly cleaning the atrium after every session. Fiven their age children will not be required to wear masks though adults are free to choose to do so. We do
ask that parents use common sense and keep their children home if they are sick.

How may children will be in each class?
There will be no more than 6 students in each class. We can add additonal sessions if needed. 

Is there a cost to attend?
We ask families to consider making a donation of $40 per child (no more than $100 per family including older children in religious education.) No family will ever be turned away because they are unable to make a donation and we do not question families who register but do not make a donation at that time. 

How can I volunteer to help? 
We would be delighted to have the help of any practicing catholic in high school or older. If they have not already done so, volunteers will need to take a CORI and do Safe Environment Training. Then Mrs. Sweeney will meet with them to go over the basic "rules" of the atrium and tasks they may be asked to help with. 
Additionally we have been looking for volunteers to donate items for the Atrium check out the wish list at the back of each church for items needed. 
Contact Mrs. Sweeney at 9786320253 or religioused@annunciationgardner to learn more about how you can help. 

What about other family members? 
Many of the children in our program have siblings. We have a room set aside for older siblings who wish to bring school work or a game etc. to occupy themselves. younger siblings are welcome to stay with parents. though it is their responsiblity to supervise them. On occasion children other than those partcipating in this program are welcome to join in seasonal Celebrations but for the most part we try to focus on our students age 3- K to allow them the space to discover and deepen their relationship with Jesus.  

Please note that all openings for this year are currently full. We hope to expand our schedule in the 2023-24 school year.