Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
We believe that God and the child have a unique relationship with one another, particularly before the age of six; that growth of this relationship should be assisted by the adult, but is directed by the Spirit of God; that children need their own place to foster the growth of that relationship; and that the child’s spiritual growth is best served through tangible but indirect means.
Our mission is to support catechists, parents, and others in the Church and beyond, as they grow in their understanding of the religious potential of children.
Children ages 3 – 6 (entering 1st grade) will have the opportunity to participate in our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program (CGS), which we began in 2022, either following the twice monthly Sunday program at St. Ambrose or by attending weekday morning sessions on a weekly basis at St. John’s. Children participating in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd will be invited on an atrium tour prior to the start of our Atrium sessions.
Questions? Contact Luke Nolan at 585-288-5000, ext. 121 or [email protected].
Level I Atrium
Join in the Wonder of the
3-6-Year-Old Child
The 3-6-year-old child is particularly capable of receiving and enjoying the most essential elements of our faith—the announcement of God’s love especially experienced through Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who died and is risen. Materials on the life of Jesus Christ and his teachings help to make the mystery of God concrete for the child. The heart of the catechesis for children under six revolves around the Parable of the Good Shepherd. Jesus announces that he is the Good Shepherd who calls each one by name. The sheep listen to the voice of the Shepherd and follow him.
The 3-6 year old child enters the mystery of the Eucharist by first learning the names of the articles used on the altar and then through the most important gestures including the preparation of the chalice, the epiclesis and offering, and the sign of peace. Through the experience of seeing these gestures, presented one by one, the Mass emerges as the Sacrament of the Gift. The child becomes acquainted with the historical character of the liturgy through the events of the Last Supper, Christ’s death, and His resurrection.
