Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Across the world and in five of our local parishes, children are reflecting on Sacred Scripture, learning the meaning of each part of Mass, and growing deeply in relationship with Jesus, the Good Shepherd through prayer in the environment called the “Atrium."

The Good Shepherd environment is a room carefully designed to help children listen to the Holy Spirit while working with materials suited to their developmental needs.  Knowing that each child is created for a deep relationship with God, the catechist proclaims Christ through scripture and liturgy. And the Cathedral of Saint Andrew is looking for new individuals excited to help as catechists!

In the Atrium environment, the child comes first.  The catechist prepares the environment so that the child has access to real, beautiful objects.  But, the objects are there to serve the child and his/her response to God. Ms. Joan Dobry, a catechist at Cathedral of St. Andrew had shared that during one of her recent sessions, the glass candle holder for the sanctuary lamp in the altar area was accidentally broken.  While her amazing helper, Marvis Ekah, cleaned up the glass, she focused the attention of the children on what the lighted sanctuary lamp in the church means (and because it is a recognition that Jesus is truly present there in the Eucharist, the sanctuary candle in the Atrium is never lit). 

She said that this knowledge prompted an unscripted trip to the church to visit Jesus in the tabernacle where the sanctuary lamp is always burning.   She thanked God for that little accident in the Atrium that drew them to Jesus.  Ms. Joan said: “I pray that seeds of confidence in God’s constant presence in the tabernacle, and especially in their lives, continue to grow in all the children present that night.”

The level one atrium for children ages three to six consists of many other materials the children can freely choose to use as they learn and pray.  These include a miniature altar and vessels of the Mass, the most precious pearl or tiny mustard seeds for pondering the mysteries of growth of the Kingdom of God, a miniature model of the City of Jerusalem for reflection on the passion of Christ, and more.

While inside the level two atrium for ages six to nine will reveal more works needed for deeper reflection on Scripture and Liturgy as well as timelines of the history of the Kingdom of God and materials to explore the moral parables. 

The children in level three atrium for ages nine to twelve ponder more deeply into their Catholic faith, engaging in small group reflection and take active participation in the Kingdom of God. 

A catechist helper in level three,  Ms. Kathy Edwards, shared that the children all seem happy to attend and explore their faith in God through activities that spark a sense of wonder and contemplation.  She said that being around the children and hearing their thoughts and questions has enriched her own spiritual growth.  She learned to slow down and ponder about God and who He is. 

In the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd environment, the catechist serves both God and the child by fostering their relationship.  In humility and trust in the Holy Spirit, the catechist facilitates an environment where the child can be with God in work, study, and contemplation.  God does His work in the child, building a relationship of love that lasts for eternity.

Fr. Joseph, the Rector, says that he has seen the hearts of children find peace and a true relationship with their loving Father and a real life of prayer through this wonderful program that treats children as people worth teaching how to pray.

The following is a list of atria currently offered in the diocese of Little Rock: Cathedral of St. Andrew ( level one, two, and three), St. Peter the Fisherman in Mountain Home (level one, two, and three), and St. Raphael in Springdale (level one), St. Patrick in North Little Rock (level one and two), and St. Augustine in Dardanelle (level one). 

 If you are interested in learning more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, come visit the Cathedral atriums or the website of cgsusa.org.  Are you being called to help children encounter Jesus as helpers or would like to be trained as catechist, contact Sr. Mary Rose Tin Vu at Cathedral of St. Andrew @ pre@csalr.org