Catechists prepare young hearts, minds through Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
By Emily Booker
During the summer as many families were enjoying a break and vacations, catechists in the Diocese of Knoxville were planning ahead, preparing to bring young hearts to Christ.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd trainings for both Level 1 and Level 2 were held in Knoxville and Chattanooga over the summer, training catechists on the Montessori-style formation program.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a program of instruction focused on contemplation and developing a love for God. Children learn the Gospel in an interactive, age-appropriate way in a space called the atrium, which creates an environment for learning and prayer. Many parishes and schools in the Diocese of Knoxville are using this program.
The catechist’s job is less about instructing and more about cultivating an environment so that children can listen and speak with God in a space that fosters a relationship.
In July, about 20 catechists met at St. John Neumann School in Farragut for a weeklong training session on Level 2 (grades 1-3). The training drew catechists from across the Diocese of Knoxville and even surrounding dioceses.
“The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based method of teaching the Catholic faith. It respects the needs and characteristics of the child’s developmental age,” explained Sister Maria Teresita Rodkey, OP, who led the training at St. John Neumann.
“Instead of determining what we’re going to teach based on what we think the children should know, we look at how God has designed them and what they are wired to learn at this particular age,” Sister Maria Teresita said.
Catechists pass around mustard seeds and learn how interacting with the small seed helps present the parable of the mustard seed to their students and spark classroom discussion. (Photo Emily Booker)
In training to become a catechist, leaders learn the various works of the atrium and how to communicate with the children in a way that fosters growth, learning, and love of God.
The atrium is named after the entrance to a church where, in the early days of the Catholic Church, catechumens would enter because it is here that the Church’s youngest Christians grow in their relationship to Christ. It is specially designed to create an atmosphere of exploration and hands-on learning.
After receiving a presentation and discussing a parable or topic, children are free to choose from materials in the atrium and work at their own pace, tangibly exploring material, recalling the presentation, and contemplating Christ.
Materials might include a 3D map of ancient Jerusalem to understand the Temple area, mixing leaven into dough to see how it makes bread rise, or a set of Communion implements to practice what takes place on the altar at Mass.
The goal of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is to foster a deeper spirituality in the child that can be built upon in years to come. The atrium provides a prayerful space to learn, explore, question, and pray.
Sister Maria Teresita explained that at Level 2, children are beginning to ask deeper questions. They want to understand how and why. It is that curiosity that fosters a love for God and a desire to know Him better.
“In Level 2 we are seeking to meet the needs of the developing reasoning, mind, and imagination of the child,” she said.
Parishes interested in implementing the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program or receiving training can contact Deacon Jim Bello, director of the diocese’s Office of Christian Formation, at jbello@dioknox.org.