The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd ATRIUM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help

“The prepared environment is called the ‘atrium’…it is a place of spiritual retreat…in which work easily becomes prayer…a place of worship where children and adults celebrate the Word together”—— Sofia Cavalletti, “Characteristics of the Good Shepherd Catechesis”

Download Registration Form: CGS ATRIUM OLPH registration

Registrations Forms are also available at the Parish office.

Contact Veronica Isinger 780-467-8410, or Vanessa MacDonald Bv.macdonald18@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Level 1 atrium is offered at OLPH for ages 3-6 years. *Children must be toilet trained*

Sessions begin the week of September 30 2025-May 28, 2026

Tuesdays 10:00 – 11:30 am (Children must be 3 1/2 years old by September)

Thursday 9:45 am – 11:30 am 

Fridays 10:00 am – 11:30 am (Children must be 3 1/2 years old by September)

What is the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program?

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori-based catechesis program for children aged 3-12, fostering a personal relationship with God through a specially prepared environment called the Atrium. It emphasizes key elements of Christian faith such as Scripture, liturgy, prayer, and the sacraments, aiming to help children fall in love with God and understand their place in His plan.

The Level 1 Atrium at Our Lady of Perpetual Help is designed for children aged 3-6, introducing them to core aspects of the Catholic faith, particularly their relationship with Jesus as the Good Shepherd.  Here, children discover the love and protection of the Shepherd for each of His sheep, whom he calls individually by name.  This approach is facilitated by trained catechists and designed to meet children’s age-specific developmental needs. There is a focus on contemplation, prayer, and joy..

If you were to peer into our atrium, you might see children doing a variety of activities, such as 

  • pouring beans back and forth between 2 glass jars, as they learn to quiet all the noise around them and develop the critical ability to concentrate, a stepping stone to contemplation.
  • Listening to the Word of God proclaimed from the Holy Bible
  • Working with a small, model altar, naming the vessels of the Mass, preparing the cruets, or polishing the paten
  • Practicing the gestures of the Mass, such as epiclesis or the offering, at our gestures table
  • Writing their own prayer card
  • Sitting together at the prayer table, singing songs and thanking their Good Shepherd for all He has given them

The Founders of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd:

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd was created by three gifted women who had a great love for scripture and the church and a great love for children and how they learn. They saw in children a great capacity for God. The CGS is not so much instructing children but rather in listening to God with children.

Dr. Maria Montessori became the first woman medical doctor in Italy. Early in her career she started working with children in the slums of Rome. Her training as a scientist allowed her to observe the children with an eye to recognise their intrinsic needs. Montessori accumulated a series of materials that are still used in Montessori schools around the world today. The Montessori Method is based on the idea that children learn best when the environment supports their natural desire to acquire skills and knowledge. Maria was born in 1870 and died in 1952.

Dr. Sofia Cavalletti was a Hebrew and Scripture scholar. Her experience in preparing a 7 year old boy to receive the Eucharist changed her whole life and began developing the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. One of her influential books is called, The Religious Potential of the Child. Sofia died in 2011.

Professor Gianna Gobbi was an author, educator, professor, catechist and formation leader. She was mentored by Dr. Montessori and worked in Montessori schools for 15 years. Professor Gobbi and Dr. Sofia Cavalletti developed the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in Rome in 1954. One of her helpful CGS books is entitled Listening to God With Children. Gianna died in 2002.