Children

Imagine a space where children aged between 3 to 12, can experience and immerse themselves in building a personal, loving relationship with God.  The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Catholic formation process developed by the teaching principles of Dr Maria Montessori.

In 1954, a Biblical scholar Dr Sofia Cavalletti (1917 – 2011) and a Montessori Educator, Professor Gianna Gobbi (1919 – 2002) started the Good Shepherd Centre of Catechesis for children and adults in Rome.  Since then, it has grown to 65 countries around the world.

The Atrium is the space particularly designed to immerse children in the teachings of the Gospel using sensorially rich and age-appropriate materials that engages the child to revel in the wonder of God.  The Atrium is unlike a classroom and is designed to reflect the beauty of God’s creation and enables the children to experience how to pray and to simply be with God.

In Tasmania, there is currently one Atrium at the St Aloysius Church in Kingston designed for children in Stage 1 (3 – 6 years old) and Stage 2 (6 – 9 years old) led by the Catechist, Catherine Sandric. Sessions for Stage 1 and 2 are currently running during the school terms and are assisted by volunteers who help prepare the space for the children.

To learn more about CGS and the Atrium, click here to watch this video.

If you would like to assist in this rewarding ministry, please contact Catherine at csandric@smc.tas.edu.au to express your interest.