Comments on Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
We have heard on occasion about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and I found the program in a catalog today. If you have any experience with this program could you please provide input? Is it orthodox? Does it really teach the Faith? One of my concerns is that I found it in the Liturgical Training Publication catalog. LTP has never been known for its orthodoxy so seeing it there makes me wary.
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June 13th, 2006 at 6:44 pm
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is preschool catechism based on the work of Maria Montessori. The catechesis has a good reputation in my area for solid teaching, but I’ve not had the opportunity to take advantage of it.
June 17th, 2006 at 8:10 pm
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd enjoys a favorable reputation here in Central Massachusetts among orthodox Catholics. I am not familiar with the material myself, but may be looking into it in the coming years for our young daughters.
An unrelated query. Does your store carry Rosary making supplies?
June 28th, 2006 at 4:46 am
I have been involved with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for several years and I believe it to be wonderfully faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church. To me, it seems to present the truth and beauty of Scripture and liturgy in a way that is accessible and meaningful to children (and to the adults that humbly serve them). I find it matches with the Catechism of the Catholic Church in a marvelous way. It has been a blessing for me, my husbnad and my five chidlren. This is a pedagogy and approach — not a boxed curriculum. Those who enter into it as children or as catechists are formed in such a way as to be ready to receive with joy the proclamation of the Kingdom. I highly reccommend visiting an “atrium”. Blessings!
July 20th, 2006 at 9:15 am
Wonderfrul and faithful to the Church! Immerses children into the faith by practicing their faith instead of simply reading chapters and answering questions. A true, Catholic program. I would recommend it to all parents teaching thier children the faith.
August 16th, 2006 at 12:31 pm
Like most things, there is a good and bad implementation of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, the wonderful thing about this method is the fact that the catechist is not there to be a teacher. Rather, they are there to provide an environment where the Christ is teacher. They read scripture to the non-reader, in such a way as to teach reverence and they utilize the Liturgy to enrich and allow the mysterious language of the “sign” (typology) to be that wisdom which leads to truth but never attempts to circumscribe it. In this way, proper implementation of this program, actually teaches humility and prayerful virtues (comfort with silence and wonder rather than prattling off facts.) As you can see, how faithful CGS is depends on how faithful the catechists are to the gentle method, untainted liturgy and a good translation of scripture.
For those of us who are from the British-style boarding school. It is a difficult transition. I say it is one worth doing because the wonder about God’s gifts is the most effective way to seduce us to get to know the Giver. The moral age (7) is where the CGS method cleverly takes that seduction to the moral life as the enamored child asks “how can I live successfully with these gifts” rather than “what do I have to do to stay out of trouble” My catechist formation leader has helped me see that “we go toward the light” With love drawing us (child and catechist alike.)
I also want to warn that finding good catechist trainers was a difficult and frustrating process for me. I spent many a hour in training classes biting my lip and wishing they would follow Montessori’s principle of “count your words” and “essentiality, essentiality, essentiality”.
August 16th, 2006 at 12:38 pm
By the way, you can’t carry CGS as a product. It is unpublished. The best you could hope to do to help those implementing it is to sell Fontanini figures at a hugely reduced price. If there was one central place to get a raised surface map of the holy land, that would be nice. It would also be good if you found a decent supplier of miniature mass furnishings. Some other web sites already carry some of these things. Be sure to ask someone who has been working this method for years if an item is suitable before you offer it.
September 9th, 2006 at 7:18 am
COTGS is so good that many Episcopal parishes in the US use it instead of “the more Episco version” called “Godly Play.” The basis, as someone said, is Montessori’s work with the spirituality of childhood and children.
September 9th, 2006 at 7:22 am
If you’re unable to find the “stuff” for CGS (I seem to remember the characters and objects ARE made for the program and better-or at least different-from GP. But that was years ago. If you’re unable to find books, templates, etc, check the Godly Play or Center for Theology of Childhood (Jerome Berryman) websites.
September 9th, 2006 at 7:24 am
Okay, I just noted your concerns and questions about ONLY carrying books, programs, etc. that are RC orthodox. Somehow that sounds ominous–like you would refuse to carry any of the works of Henri Nouen because he was a homosexual man.
September 9th, 2006 at 9:14 am
“Somehow that sounds ominous–like you would refuse to carry any of the works of Henri Nouen because he was a homosexual man.”
Why is only carrying items that promote the Faith a problem?
And what proof do you have that Henri Nouen was homosexual? Was he actively homosexual or celibate?
September 18th, 2006 at 6:02 pm
Last June I finished my class to become a catachist and last Sunday was my first time trying to put into practice what I leaned at the Cathechesis of the Good Shepherd. It is wonderful and scary and a lot of work - well worth it I hope, if the children do respond and grow in the faith. On a practical note does anyone have names, contacts for people who might make the wooden figures for the presentations?
February 8th, 2007 at 5:52 pm
Godly Play is a very different program from the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. A better site to visit for information about CGS is the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (www.cgsusa.org) or the Center for Children and Theology (www.cctheo.org). Both website offer several books and publications that give more insite into CGS.
February 18th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Yes, I am very curious about the comment concerning Henri Nouen. This is the very first time I have ever heard that some think that he was homosexual. Please, if you will, share your information concerning this claim.
March 12th, 2007 at 10:40 am
I have been trained as a catechist (100 hours of training and preparation) in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and have taught 3 to 6 year olds for several years. This program is highly orthodox because it emphasizes the importance of bringing children to the primary sources: Sacred Scripture and Liturgy. Children as early as 3 years of age are presented with scripture passages directly from the Bible, not paraphrased or rephrased in “kid language.”
The goal is to foster comtemplation and prayer through mediation on the Scripture and Liturgy. The most essential moments of the Liturgy are highlighted to young child, including such moments as Epiclesis, The Gesture of Peace, The Mingling and of the water and the wine, and Lavabo. The children are read scriptural accounts of the principal events in Christ’s life: Annunciation, Visitation, Birth and Adoration of the shephards and magi, Last Supper, death and resurrection. They also presented with parables that Jesus taught (mustard seed, grain of wheat, pearl, Good Shepherd, Hidden Treasure). Thus they are fostered in scriptural and liturgical literacy.
Since you mentioned your concern about finding it in the LTP catalog, I will also resort to some name dropping. In our local parish, people who are active leaders within Regnum Christi, the Legionnaires of Christ, Catholic World Mission, Familia, and the National Catholic Register have all had their children in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program and have enthusiastically supported CGS.
March 26th, 2007 at 3:53 pm
There was an article about this in Sower magazine. It was praising the program. Sower magazine is very solid. A subcription to Sower magazine was given to all who attended the St John Bosco conference at Franciscan University of Stuebenville this past July.
April 18th, 2007 at 6:45 am
I’m from a very conservative Biblical background, and I believe you will find the Catechesis materials to be quite orthodox– though people of all theological stripes embrace it.
I am a trained catechist for 9-12 year olds– I would not consider myself an expert because the material is so rich, and yes, Maria Montessori is a bit hard to live up to! I spent many years teaching in a more “top-down” model, and have taught college level courses, so it is hard to use less words sometimes.
My favorite parts Atrium III training include really, really meaty and hands-on materials to help children make their way around the Bible, and really, really meaty time charts to help us place ourselves in the map of God’s salvation history. I have a 20-foot timeline of “The History of the jewish People” that I’ve used to teach seminary students as well as kids, and the amazement and “aha!” experience is just the same. I’ve taken seminary classes myself, and I’ve learned so very much more from The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. It’s very accessible and beautiful.
April 26th, 2007 at 4:01 pm
Henri Nouwen is dead. It does not matter what is sexual orientation was because he does not have one now.
And so what if he was a homosexual? Such discussion is simply gossip, in line with the claims that Jesus was married. It makes no difference if he was married or not. There is nothing in the Gospel that says anything about it. Jesus being married or celibate is conjecture and therefore gossip.
Henri Nouwen was a priest, and now he is a saint. that’s what matters.
Phillip
July 3rd, 2007 at 8:40 am
Like others have said, CGS is a wonderful program. However, please don’t think that it is only for preschoolers. While Level 1 encompasses the 3 to 6 year old age range. Level 2 is for the 6 to 9 year old child, and Level 3 is said to go from 9 to 12, but can be used for older children. As far as materials, it is preferrable that they are made by the catechists themselves instead of being purchased. While this is labor intensive, it is also a very reflective part of being a part of an atrium. Also, if you do look at the program, I’d encourage you to go to http://www.cgsusa.org/ for information.
August 17th, 2007 at 10:23 pm
After reding “The Religious Potential of the Child,” by Sofia Cavaletti, I am concerned. I have not had the cgs training (too expensive.) But there are some things that concerned me in this book, and sounded a bit new age. Maybe a lot new age.
I would recommend reading this book very carefully, and form your own opinion.
God Bless
August 21st, 2007 at 8:23 am
I stumbled upon this blog doing a google search and would like to say a few things about the comments here and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) program. I have read all of the comments, and think they are wonderful. I have been involved with CGS for a few years now and have been trained in all 3 levels.
Now for my comments on the comments…
- CGS is only partly based upon Maria Montessorri. Its other (more important) foundations are Liturgy and Scripture! Thus, how could it not be orthodox.
- CGS began in Rome when a bishop (or cardinal) asked Sophia Cavalletti, a biblical scholar of the Old Testament, to teach young children about God and Jesus. Drawing on the work of Montessori, Sophia and her friend, Gianni Gobbi a trained Montesorrian, developed the CGS program over many years. CGS is now in over 20 countries! Sophia’s atrim (classroom) is still open after 50 years!
- this program is Christian formation for children AND adults
- CGS believes that children are already in a relationship with God and Jesus, the CGS program fosters that relationship
- Most of the lessons taught are direct readings from Scripture. (Those not most are Montessori based activities that promote children learning; such as how to be quite, put away your things, etc. In the first level, children do (Montesorrian) practical life activities so they can control their bodies, so that they can be quiet, so that they can listen to God!
- another informative site for CGS is http://www.cgsma.org
- These things have happened during my time teaching this program:
- parents have told me that their children have cried when they find out they aren’t going to CGS
on a given week
- the classrooms of children ages 4-7 are typically quiet as they work with materials
- child has wondered what the Kingdom of God looks like
- child has written many times, ‘Jesus loves me’
- children love working with the mini altar in the class room
- constantly draw pictures of the cross
- here in New England, both the Catholic church and the Episcopal church use it more and more in their dioceses. In fact in training, many classes have a mix of both faiths. Teachers are of either faith as well.
- during the training courses, any and all liturgical differences between Catholic and Episcopal are mentioned and taught to students.
- training can be expensive, but there is grant money to lessen the cost for the individual
- I would agree that Godly Play (GP) is different!
- This program has deepened my relationship with God and Jesus.
Sorry for being long winded.
In His Peace,
Ron
September 12th, 2007 at 9:07 am
Has anyone had success using the atrium method with children with special needs?
February 24th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Yes, I have used the CGS method with special needs children. We had several autistic children between ages 4-12, also some down syndrome, and MR students with various disabilities (one non-verbal). We had 3 - 4 adults familiar with some aspect of special needs work and about 6 - 10 children attending faithfully. CGS works well because it focuses on the need of the child where that child is in his/her personal relationship with God. The children in our atrium were welcomed and invited to choose individual work from the shelves when they arrived. The lessons follow the Liturgical Year. The last 20 minutes we shared with the children a brief scripture using the CGS material that we had made and a closing prayer or song. The material was then made available for the children to work with individually when they came to the atrium the following weeks. The children loved coming and grew to understand one anothers needs (learned how to get along with kindness and loving acceptance). These children showed CGS to be a ‘living catechesis’ experience where they could come to know Jesus in a very personal relationship.
April 17th, 2008 at 5:36 am
In response to Kay, who is concerned about New Age overtones in Sofia Cavaletti’s book. I have not read the book, but I have recently completed training 3-6 Part I.
I am very anti New Age and ANY form of education which promotes it indirectly or otherwise.
I can only say from my own experience of training in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd that it has fed me in my hunger for True, Orthodox, Catholic formation and passing the Faith onto my own children, and I would never have connected it with anything New Age. Perhaps I should read the book though, to understand your concerns, but if you do have concerns it would be well worth discussing them with a trained catechist to put your mind at rest.
Two of my children (3 and 6) have been attending the Atrium for less than 6 months, but their joy and faith has just grown incredibly. . . my 3 year old told me two days ago: “Mummy, let me tell you about God: God is a miracle because He died on the cross . .”
In her simple words it was clear to me that she could grasp Christ’s passion and resurrection in a way that we would not expect of a 3 year old. She also named God as “God is Spirit . . . God is Father . . .” She led me in a discussion on the Trinity!!
This is the work of the Catechesis, that the children will encounter God, Love Him and that the faith will take root in their hearts and grow, and remain!!
God Bless, B
May 18th, 2008 at 12:49 am
According to a segment in FIRST THINGS a few years ago, Fr. Henri Nouwen apparently acknowledged that he struggled with same sex attractions. This is not the same as saying he was “gay”–which is a socio-political, ideological identity. It is important to note that the article pointed out that Nouwen courageously defended the Church’s teaching on homosexuality at a cost and that he lived a chaste life.
As to CGS, orthodox Catholics should be happy to supplement strongly cognitive and directive catechetical approaches with intuitive and affective approaches that have appeal to children and those whose personalities have a bias in favor of the “experiential.” Why? As long as orthodoxy is not endangered and can be successfully wedded to such methods, it is better to have such means at our disposal so as to help keep them within the fold, least such individuals feel restles and wander off in search of “something more” only to fall into the clutches of misguided liberals who currently dominate the market for all things “touchy-feely”. In a society with a cultural bias that values intuition and imagination over reason and truth, faithful Catholics should not let orthodoxy be boxed in by stereotypes. We need to be able to demonstrate that orthodoxy is not some limited option for emotionally-constricted logical types only, but that orthodox Christianity is universally valid regardless of personality type and is, in fact, especially favorable for developing full, well-integrated individuals and communities, morally, spiritually, psychologically, socially, aesthetically, etc. More concretely, if you have a particularly sensitive, inquisitive child, do you really want to leave his “right-brain” unnurtured to the point that he may later become vulnerable to heterodoxy because his childhood experience of conservative Christianity felt like a strait jacket? We are Catholics, not fundamentalists. We are not are not afraid of new ideas or of the capacity of emotion that God gave us.
So, don’t shy away from CGS and its potential without compelling reasons. If necessary, baptize it and steal the thunder from the pagans and heretics! If it is already valid, graced with truth, then why let it fall into the hands of New Agers and let it become associated with them? Be pro-active, not merely defensive, in your orthodoxy if you really love the Church and believe that her mission is to claim and re-claim all things for Christ. Plant the flag!
May 31st, 2008 at 3:25 pm
I am a trained Montessori teacher (Association Montessori Internationale) for both primary (3-6 yr. olds) and elementary (6-12 yr. olds) and also trained in Levels 1 and 2 in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. In addition, I am a homeschooling mother currently using Seton Home Study and Kolbe Academy materials for my children as well as my Montessori background.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program is excellent — under certain conditions. The materials are wonderful and have such marvelous potential to nourish the interior spiritual life. I myself started an Atrium (our name for the area or space devoted to catechetical activities) in our church which is dedicated to the extraordinary form of the Roman Liturgy under the auspicies of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP). I am not currently operating it now because my own growing family commitments make it too difficult, but we had outstanding success with it, not the least of which was a number of children who received their First Holy Communion at age six because they were so well prepared spiritually due to the formation received in the Level 1 Atrium.
Having said that, duty obligates me to say that if you take the catechetical formation courses, there is frighteningly little emphasis laid on the necessity of teaching children the Christian doctrine thoroughly. I was saddened to note that in preparation for reception of the Sacraments, very little emphasis was laid on the necessary doctrine required to receive them. I was particularly appalled at how poorly the children were prepared to make a good Confession. There was no mention made of mortal sin, venial sin, the five points necessary to make a good Confession, proper examination of conscience, the Ten Commandments, or why Our Lord came to this earth to die on the Cross and what our sins cost Him. It was all “let’s all be happy and feel good”.
The best way to use the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is to modify the dialogue in the lessons to be sure the essential element gets through and be sure the children are well-drilled in their Baltimore Catechism. The combination of a modified CGS and the Baltimore Catechism is unbeatable in my opinion; the former provides reflection, thought and a deep spiritual life while the latter provides the solid foundation in the truths of the Faith. I have already seen several adults who received nothing but CGS in liberal parish settings as children, and they have left the Catholic Church. Is it the fault of the parents, the liberal parish, the catechists, or the method? This is a question which, unfortunately, has no clear-cut answer. However, it is a good idea to investigate further into the possible root causes and try to come to solutions.
Trained Montessorians, trained catechists and all parents and teachers need to always think about what will best meet the end of their work. Each methodology is only that: a methodology. Some are excellent, like CGS and Montessori, and need only to be taught by people who are willing to modify the method in order to be sure that essentials are not left out. Unfortunately, there are a lot of purists in the Montessori field who consider it heresy to vary one jot from the prescribed norm and consequently imperil our children as a result.
My advice: choose carefully and observe the instructor. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or bring your concerns to the teacher. If you have concerns after talking to them, don’t put your children in the program.
July 9th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
” there is frighteningly little emphasis laid on the necessity of teaching children the Christian doctrine thoroughly. I was saddened to note that in preparation for reception of the Sacraments, very little emphasis was laid on the necessary doctrine required to receive them. I was particularly appalled at how poorly the children were prepared to make a good Confession. There was no mention made of mortal sin, venial sin, the five points necessary to make a good Confession, proper examination of conscience, the Ten Commandments, or why Our Lord came to this earth to die on the Cross and what our sins cost Him. It was all “let’s all be happy and feel good”.
You have only had the training for level 1 and 2, which goes up to age 8.
Level 3 goes to age 11 and covers those things you are worried about.
If you only got “let’s be happy and feel good,” out of the training, I think you missed something - how I don’t know.
July 27th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a dynamic faith-filled program. It educates children to trust and hope in Jesus and the Church. It is very present in the Cleveland Diocese. Like Cathy, I recommend that you personally observe an atrium in operation. You will find reverent children who come to link scripture and liturgy to a growing understanding of their own position within the faith-filled community.