It is a very special program for children ages 3, 4 and 5 called The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.   This program began with Maria Montessori and was then developed by Sofia Cavaletti and Gianna Gobbi.  For over 50 years, these women worked with young children, observing what they were naturally interested in, and using different “works” which included manipulatives like figures of Mary and Elizabeth when learning about the Annunciation, or a child sized altar and items of the altar to learn about the mass, for example.  This program has been used for the past 75 years around the globe, has been lovingly researched along the way and is now going to be offered at our own church.

     The Atrium is the name of the room we set up specifically for children aged 3-5 where they can experience the love and mystery of God through the use of manipulatives especially researched to be just right for this age level.  By the experiences in the Atrium, the child comes to understand the love, joy and protection of God, life in the church, and to develop and discover on their own, a personal relationship with God. Furniture and hanging pictures are all at a child’s size and eye level.  The Atrium should have furnishings similar to a church – so whenever possible, child size wooden tables and chairs, cabinets and wooden boxes to hold the special works that illustrate stories from the bible, teach about the love of God and about life in the church.  Items are ideally provided by members of the parish, and many must be hand-made so the children can see the love their church family has for them and that they have created a special place just for them.

     Anyone interested in assisting in the Atrium should see Pamela Cross or Darleen Farland or email Darleen at [email protected] and let us know.  Training will be provided.