Christian Education

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Ages 3 to 6)

This program is an approach to the religious formation of children, rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. It fosters the unique relationship between the child and God. The growth of that relationship is assisted by trained adult "catechists" but is directed by the spirit of God within the child.

The central image for the child six and under is the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd who calls his sheep by name. "The Sheep hear his voice and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out" (John 10:3). Jesus came to live among us and show us God and said, "I am the Good Shepherd". He protects his sheep and calls them when they are lost, even gives his life for them. This is our God, the Good Shepherd

We currently use Levels 1 and 2 of the program. Children and the adult catechists gather on the first floor of the Parish House at 9:50 a.m. Everyone goes upstairs to the atrium together for the Good Shepherd program (see picture below), until 10:45 a.m., at which time everyone walks over as a group to the church and joins their families for the Eucharistic portion of the Sunday service.

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program is open to all children age 3-Grade 5. For further information, please contact the church office or e-mail us at sundayschool@christchurch.org.

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Curriculum

The curriculum is based on the essentials of the Christian faith. The learning components are:

Becoming familiar with the physical elements in the sacrament of the Eucharist

Learning that in the sacrament of Baptism we are beginning a new life as a member of God's family

Developing personal prayers of praise and thanksgiving

Celebrating important feasts of Christmas, Easter

and Pentacost

Recognizing the seasons of the church calendar and their liturgical colors

Listening to a storyteller relate Bible parables

working with wooden figures and materials to retell parables

Learning about the vastness of God's creation and how we fit into the plan of God's history

Level I, Age 3-Grade 1
An essential element in this curriculum is the announcement of God's love in the person of the Good Shepherd. The child discovers who the Good Shepherd is and who the sheep are in a prepared environment of child-sized handmade wooden models. These include the Good Shepherd with sheepfold, altar with candles, chalice and paten, Baptismal font, liturgical vestments, and a prayer table. Presentations of parables, prayers, songs and the infancy narratives of Jesus enhance the child's awareness of the church seasons.

Level II, Grades 2-5
This curriculum continues with the basics of Level 1 while exploring the cosmic history of God's plan beginning with the Creation, the image of Christ, the True Vine, and the History of the Kingdom of God. Handmade projects further the child's prayerful understanding of each unit.

The Journey to Adulthood is a complete youth ministry program of spiritual formation for middle and high school students. It uses Bible study, prayer, rites of passage, outreach ministries and both serious and playful activities to underscore its core principles:

Manhood and womanhood are free gifts from God.
Adulthood must be earned.

There are two levels in our program:

Rite-13, 7th & 8th graders
This curriculum focuses on celebrating the individuality of each young person and their creative potential. The Rite-13 liturgy (A celebration of Manhood and Womanhood) is the community expression of this.

J2A, 9th-11th graders
This program engages youth with the skills and critical thinking involved in adulthood. The youth plan and embark on a pilgrimage together at the end of this segment.

Wooden Figures

The Atrium for the Catechesis of the
Good Shepherd