HappyMama

I have several friends using or getting ready to use the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in their homes or parishes, beginning with children in the 3-6 age group, but continuing on from there.  In brief, it’s religious education the Montessori way.  This program is designed by Catholics, but is easily adapted for Anglicans, and other Protestant denominations can simply omit the altar work.  The presentations involve a lot of preparation, unfortunately - I think in the future there will be “kits” of some of the materials for you - but it’s something I’ve enjoyed immensely so far. 

There is extensive training to learn how to be a CGS catechist, and the only resource I’ve found so far for “the rest of us” who can’t do the training right now is Moira Farrell’s book sold by Our Father’s House.  I have her 3-6 manual plus a few of the books sold here, which I highly recommend.

A sample presentation shown below is for one of the parables of the kingdom from Matthew 13, the Pearl Merchant.  At left is our little Merchant in his home with his prized pearl collection.  At right is a seller of pearls, and on his display stand is the Pearl of Great Price, which the Merchant falls in love with.  At bottom is the Merchant full of joy, after he has sold his home, his other pearls, and even his cloak, to purchase The Pearl. 

One thing that I really appreciate with this method of catechesis is that nothing is watered down for the children; it is only made tangible.  During the presentation I read the actual verses out of an adult Bible to my son, I didn’t dumb down the words or simplify them.  The Bible is the Word of God, and can be appropriately given to even young children in it’s true form.  Children have a pure openness to God’s Word that can actually instruct and witness to the adults in the room. 

As with all Montessori materials, the learning is in the using.  After initial presentations, the materials are put in a specific place, and the child is free to reenact the story as he pleases.  He is also given the Scripture verses written out.  It is during the quiet moments that the child uses these materials that he is reflecting and meditating; there is room for the Holy Spirit to converse with him and inspire him.  “What is worth selling everything for?”  The catechist is only there to prepare the meeting between God & His child, not to get in the way or be disruptive.