St. James Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Atrium
Running Tuesdays am and Fridays pm
Starting September 28.
For further information contact Dorothy Burns
[email protected] or 403-829-7187

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Christian Ministry for children aged 3-12 years that is based on the Bible and liturgy of the church; it is inspired by the principles of Montessori education. This is an opportunity for children to fall in love with Jesus, the Good Shepherd, in a child-friendly space called an atrium. In small groups, facilitated by trained adults (catechists), once a week children will experience guided activity to aid meditation on Scripture and the mysteries of the Christian faith.

In the atrium the children discover ‘God is love’ ‘Jesus is Risen’ and ‘We are His sheep’, through meditating on selected Bible stories such as the birth of Jesus and the account of the Last Supper and the prayers of the church (i.e. the Mass or Holy Communion). In the stories of Jesus (parables) they encounter the mystery of the Kingdom of God; while in the Parable of the Good Shepherd the children enter into the mystery of our covenant relationship with God. The children work with child-friendly figures in dioramas and miniature articles used in the church (i.e. baptismal font) to help them wonder and ponder on answers to their questions. They are also given opportunities to celebrate the seasons of the church; Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter and the Liturgy of Light and Pentecost. There will also be practical life skills that relate to work in the atrium.