Catechesis of the Good Shepherd uses a Montessori approach to the religious formation of children.  The atrium contains simple, yet beautiful materials that children use to help them absorb the most essential proclamation of the Christian faith.  It is a sensory rich experience for children that gives them the opportunity to grow in their love and knowledge of God.  The materials are attractively displayed, designed to foster independence, and invite the children to explore and deepen their experience of the presentation at their own rhythm.  The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd seeks to be an experience of life and an education in faith, through the celebration of an encounter with the Father, in listening to Jesus the one Teacher, and in obedience to the Spirit.  --Catechesis of the Good Shepherd  

          St. Joseph Parish will offer Level I and Level II of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd faith formation this fall during the Building-the-Domestic-Church Program and through St. Joseph School.  Level I is for children 3 - 6 yrs, not yet in first grade.  Level II is for children 6 - 9 yrs., grade 1 - 3.
  
         Level I and Level II classes for St. Joseph School children are held during the regular school day.

          Building-the-Domestic-Church will offer in-person classes for Level I (ages 3-1/2 to 6 yrs. not yet in first grade) and for Level II (ages 6 to 9 yrs., grades 1-3).  Classes will be on Thursday evening and Sunday morning, beginning the last week of September.
         The Sunday class will be 9:20-10:50 am.  Dates for the Sunday class will be 9/26, 10/10, 10/24, 11/7, 12/5, 1/16, 2/6, 3/6, 3/20, 4/10.
         The Thursday class will be 6:30-8:00 pm.    Dates for the Thursday class will be 9/30, 10/14, 10/28, 11/11, 12/9, 1/20, 2/10, 3/10, 3/24, 4/7.
 
                     Watch for more information and registration times later this summer.

Registration Requirements for Building the Domestic Church classes:

• Children must be enrolled with their parents in the Building the Domestic Church program.
• Level I children must be 3 years of age by March 31st of the current year and not in the first grade.
• Children must be toilet trained, able to care for themselves, and able to follow simple directions.
• Children needing assistance with personal care may attend with a parent or adult guardian.

Location: The Atria are in the St. Joseph school building, primary wing.  Entrance is from the Rahrig Center Emmaus Room doors (#2).   Visits to the Atria are by appointment only.

For More Information: Please contact the Discipleship Ministries Office.