CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd offers Christian formation for children ages 3 through 12. Through this experience, children are helped to form an authentic, faithful relationship with God. The Catechesis is grounded in scriptural and liturgical study framed by Montessori’s principles of education. This gives children the opportunity to hear the Gospel and absorb its message through the use of sensorially rich materials and the work of their hands.

This method of catechesis began in Rome, Italy in 1954 by Sofia Cavalletti, a Hebrew and Scripture Scholar, and her colleague, Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori trained educator. Both women were Roman Catholic. In their work with children, they sought to discover what face of God children most needed to see in order to grow in their knowledge and love of God. Children need the sensitive guidance of the adult and the inner guidance of the Holy Spirit to nurture this relationship. The adult prepares the sacred space for children, called the atrium, which allows them a prayerful place to learn to listen to and respond to a relationship with God through Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

The atrium is a place of community and worship. It is a place to be with God, enjoy Him, listen to His Word, and to pray. It is designed to reflect the beauty of His creation and God’s abiding love. It is also a place to begin to learn and recognize the signs and symbols that speak of Him through the liturgies of Baptism and Eucharist.

For more information, please contact the Parish Office at 419.422.2646.

HOME-BASED RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish Guidelines

The Diocese of Toledo has had guidelines for pastors and catechetical leaders for several years regarding the responsibilities of both the parish leaders and the parents who choose to home-school their children. St. Michael the Archangel Parish has tailored our parish’s guidelines based on those of the diocese. All parents who home-school should become familiar with these guidelines (listed below) so together we can best serve your family. 

1. Regular Catechesis/Religious Education
2. Each family is to complete the Home-Based Religious Education registration form (see below).
3. The parents are to schedule a meeting with the Director of Religious Education (DRE) or representative to discuss a suitable catechetical plan.
4. If the parents are choosing to use a textbook series other than that recommended by the parish, the parents are to seek approval of textbook and materials from the DRE.
5. Students should meet periodically with the DRE or representative to review progress. (Recommend 2nd, 4th and 7th grade years.)
6. Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist
7. Parents are to attend the parish Parent Meetings provided for parents with children at St. Michael who wish to prepare and receive these sacraments. (Usually at 2nd grade year.)
8. Students will meet with DRE or representative to ensure properly prepared.
9. The students are encouraged to participate in the parish celebrations of these sacraments.
10. Sacrament of Confirmation
11. Parents and students are to attend the Parent/Candidate meeting, which is held each spring for those who wish to prepare for and celebrate the sacrament of confirmation the following year.
12. The students are to attend the Confirmation Camp and other activities scheduled throughout the year related to confirmation preparation.
13. The students will participate in the parish celebration of Confirmation along with the SMS and Discipleship students.

For more information or to register please contact Geri Leibfarth at 419.422.2646 or gleibfarth@findlaystmichael.org