Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
St. John’s is excited to offer the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for our children. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy, and Montessori methods. As this method was developed, children of various ages were presented with many elements of liturgy and scripture. The initiators of this method wanted to know, how do children experience and develop a relationship with God. What is the mystery of God that children most want to hear at various ages? What brings them joy, peace, and deep contentment? The responses of the children governed the development of this approach. As the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd spread, it became apparent that children around the world possess great spiritual capacities to know God, beginning with Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who knows his sheep, calls them by name, cares for them, gathers them together, and lays down his life for them. Given the right environment, the young child can fall in love with God, and the older child can know how the mystery of God meets the expanding world that is coming into the child’s view.
Saint John’s provides an “atrium,” a specially prepared environment for religious formation, containing beautiful materials that are introduced by the presenter and used by the children. These materials enable the children to understand, in a hands-on way, various elements of Scripture—the parables, the life of Jesus, the history and geography of Israel, the moral life—and liturgy, especially the sacraments of the Eucharist and Baptism. These attractive, hand-finished materials are accessible for the children to choose from any time after they have received a presentation with them.
It is with immense joy that we announce that this fall we are resuming Children and Youth Ministries through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (ages 3 to 12), along with extended liturgical and family events such as the Christmas Pageant & Lessons and Carols.
Sunday mornings 10:00 am -11:30 am: The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
Thursday after-school *3:30 pm - 5:30 pm: The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
*late arrivals due to school dismissal times are happily accommodated.
To register, please email our new Children’s Christian Education Director, Gaby Gastelum ggastelum@stjohnstroy.org
Fall 2022. Preparation for Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. We are inviting children and youth to a series of morning-long CGS meditations. See our calendar for more details or Contact Gaby Gastelum.
Extended Liturgical Events. Throughout the academic year, we will offer morning-long events on Saturdays or school holidays, focusing on seasonal or sacramental themes.
Spring 2023: Morning-long sessions on the Eucharist, Lent, and Pentecost.
Family Events. Save the Date!!
Trunk or Treat, Sunday, October 30 from 2-4 pm. We invite all families and the St. John’s community to this annual event. Put your thinking cap on for ideas to dress up your car and come to the parking lot for a fun afternoon of greeting the neighbors, handing out treats, and admiring the creativity of fellow parishioners
Christmas Pageant & Lesson and Carols, December 11 at 10 am. Join us as we joyfully anticipate the feast of Jesus’ birth by hearing lessons, singing carols, and reenacting the mystery of Christmas. If you would like to participate, please email Gaby Gastelum,Tiffany Dzembo at tdzembo@stjohnstroy.org, or call the office.
We need your help!
Children & Youth Ministries will appreciate volunteers on a weekly rotation to be observers in the atrium since two adults are required in the room to have classes. Please contact Gaby if you are interested. Other opportunities to collaborate: Making materials for the CGS presentations and Catechist assistant.