What does “catechesis” mean?
The word catechesis comes from the Greek meaning "to echo the teaching”. "Catechesis is nothing other than the process of transmitting the Gospel, as the Christian community has received it, understands it, celebrates it, lives it and communicates it in many ways." (General Directory for Catechesis #105)
How was the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd developed?
Founders Sofia Cavalletti & Gianna Gobbi understood that the child, already in relationship with God, needs language and space to help this relationship grow. They believed that the Holy Spirit is the primary teacher of the child and will move the child to what he or she needs most. As they listened to the children’s questions and interests, they made materials and observed the children working with them. When the materials met the child’s inner need to know and love God, the child responded with deep interest, concentration and joy. When a material was not satisfying the child in this way, it was removed from the catechesis. Through this method of trial and error, they honed in on what was essential to the child’s spiritual development.
The word catechesis comes from the Greek meaning "to echo the teaching”. "Catechesis is nothing other than the process of transmitting the Gospel, as the Christian community has received it, understands it, celebrates it, lives it and communicates it in many ways." (General Directory for Catechesis #105)
How was the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd developed?
Founders Sofia Cavalletti & Gianna Gobbi understood that the child, already in relationship with God, needs language and space to help this relationship grow. They believed that the Holy Spirit is the primary teacher of the child and will move the child to what he or she needs most. As they listened to the children’s questions and interests, they made materials and observed the children working with them. When the materials met the child’s inner need to know and love God, the child responded with deep interest, concentration and joy. When a material was not satisfying the child in this way, it was removed from the catechesis. Through this method of trial and error, they honed in on what was essential to the child’s spiritual development.
What is the adult's role in CGS:
In CGS, the adult is not in the role of a teacher. Instead, the adult is a co-wonderer with the child, listening and loving God with great joy. The adult’s job is to listen carefully to each child’s needs and questions and provide resources to help their relationship with God grow.
In CGS, the adult is not in the role of a teacher. Instead, the adult is a co-wonderer with the child, listening and loving God with great joy. The adult’s job is to listen carefully to each child’s needs and questions and provide resources to help their relationship with God grow.
Level 1 (age 3-6)Young children have 2 essential spiritual needs:
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Level 2 (age 6-9)As the children mature, they begin to ask:
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Level 3 (age 9-12)The older child reflects on the teachings of Jesus to help understand the meaning of life and to discern:
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