The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd accompanies children in their ‘Faith Journey’ helping them to develop a personal relationship with God.
It involves children from the age of 3 to 13 and over.
Children enter gradually and more deeply year after year in the Mystery of the Kingdom of God, through the Bible, the Liturgy & Sacraments and Prayer.
Each presentation is followed by practical work leading the child to meditate on the spiritual reality behind what has been presented. The little ones can use materials with figures to “act” the scriptures that are read to them, work with collages, drawing, paint and clay etc. Personal activities will help them focus and get a glimpse of the love and glory of God, which will be progressively unveiled in the other levels.
For instance, the younger children work with a small model altar including a small Chalice, Paten, Crucifix, candles, tiny missal, purificator, corporal etc. which they will be presented in association with the gestures of the Mass (Blessings, Offertory, Consecration essentially).
At the next level (6 to 8 years old) they will go deeper into these and start making their own little missal. When they reach the age of 9 they are presented with the whole of the Holy Mass, rebuilding every step thanks to detailed cards of each prayer and gesture of the Eucharistic Sacrifice of the Mass. They also delve more profoundly into the Bible: the Old Testament with its fulfilment in the New, through a study of the Plan of God, Plan of Love and Salvation, from Creation to Parousia.
Ideally sessions would be 60 to 90 minutes for the younger ones. From the age of 6 onward, we aim at one and a half to two hours. Those who find this too long are the parents!!! The children are always willing to stay longer!
