St. Columba Introduces Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at our Preschool

Is it time to rethink how we guide children in faith?

In the realm of children’s faith formation, many have questions. Bishops and pastors wonder if children are learning the Church’s teachings, and if catechists are well-prepared. Parents, on the other hand, ask, “What should I do if my child resists attending Mass or class?” or “How can I balance religious education with other activities?”

But what if we asked instead: "What does the child need to grow spiritually?" Starting with the child's needs could shift the focus from rigid structures to nurturing their relationship with God. Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi explored this idea over fifty years ago. Inspired by Maria Montessori's methods, they created the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a program that respects a child's natural spirituality. By offering a calm, reflective environment, children as young as three can experience God's love through Scripture and liturgy, without being overwhelmed by adult expectations.

Despite its success, the program remains underutilized due to challenges in training and resources. Yet, it offers a fresh perspective—honoring the child’s spiritual potential and inviting adults to support rather than impose.

Here is an account from a parish that has introduced Catechesis of the Good Shepherd into it's early childhood faith formation. 

From small beginnings, our parish gradually embraced the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) program. Alongside training catechists, parishioners contributed by crafting child-sized altars, liturgical calendars, dioramas, baptismal fonts, and other materials for the atrium—the sacred space where children explore their faith and learn about God in a setting that is created with their needs in mind.

The results have been inspiring. Families have returned to the Eucharist, parents are more engaged in their children's faith formation, and there’s a noticeable shift in attitudes toward religious practice. Children now willingly attend sessions, and their joy and reverence for their faith are evident. Younger children speak of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, while older ones show a deepening desire for communion and a sense of calling in God’s plan.

We’ve seen firsthand how serving children through CGS nurtures their spiritual growth. It's a reminder that, when we start by asking, "What does the child need to develop a relationship with God?" the results are truly profound.