Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based religious formation program for children, beginning at the age of three.  It seeks to create and facilitate a sacred “hands-on” space for children called an Atrium, in which both the children and the catechists can hear, ponder, and celebrate the most essential mysteries of the Christian faith as revealed in the scriptures and the liturgy.  Originally developed in Rome by Dr. Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi in 1954, the Catechesis continues to spread worldwide and is used with adaptation in various Christian traditions.

The process to open a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Atrium at Holy Name of Jesus began with the nudging of the Holy Spirit three times in the same week in 2016.   Much prayer, planning, and hard work has gone into the training of Catechists and creation of the materials for the Atrium. The Lord has provided the parishioners, the funding, the space, materials and all that was needed to open our Level 1 Atrium on September 15, 2019.

We are currently in the planning stages of developing a Level II Atrium which would serve children ages 6 to 9.

We are very grateful for all the Diocesan funding for the CGS Atrium and training. Most of the funding for the CGS Atrium has come from The Catholic Foundation of Northwest Florida Grant and Elizabeth Seton Grant.