The Atrium and The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

At Holy Trinity School, we are deeply committed to nurturing the spiritual growth of our children, and one of the most exciting ways we do this is through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS). This unique, child-centered religious formation program is designed for children ages 3 to 12 and fosters a deep relationship with God in a way that is developmentally appropriate, rooted in Sacred Scripture, the Liturgy, and the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori. Click here to the CGS website.

A Prepared Environment: The Atrium

We are in the process of creating our very own Atrium at Holy Trinity. The Atrium is a sacred, prepared space where children can engage with God and develop a deeper understanding of their faith. It’s more than just a classroom—it’s a space designed to cultivate a relationship with God in an environment that respects and nurtures the child’s spiritual, emotional, and intellectual development.

The Atrium provides a setting for meaningful work and prayer, offering children an opportunity to learn about the core aspects of our Catholic faith, including the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It also helps children understand and appreciate the sacraments, particularly Baptism and the Eucharist, and prepares them to participate more fully in the worship life of the Church through the liturgical seasons.

The Role of the Atrium in Spiritual Formation

In the Atrium, the child’s relationship with God is at the center of the experience. Unlike traditional classrooms where the primary relationship is between teacher and student, in the Atrium, the environment itself becomes a teacher. Children are given the freedom to explore materials and themes related to their faith, and through this exploration, they engage in an inner dialogue with the Holy Spirit.

This approach is grounded in the belief that children can learn just as much, if not more, from interacting with the environment and the materials it contains, as they do from direct instruction. The goal is to create a space that respects and nurtures the child's spiritual needs at each stage of their development. The Atrium allows children to ask questions, reflect, and respond to God’s presence in their lives in a meaningful way.

The Materials

One of the key features of CGS is the use of hands-on materials that help bring the mysteries of our faith to life. These materials are carefully designed to help children explore the life of Jesus Christ and understand His teachings in a concrete, tangible way.

Some of the materials in the Atrium include:

• Model Altars and other items used in the Mass, which help children learn about the importance of the Eucharist and the significance of the articles on the altar.

• Gestures of the Mass: Through carefully guided presentations, children learn the different movements and rituals in the Mass, such as the preparation of the chalice, the epiclesis (the calling down of the Holy Spirit), the offering, and the sign of peace. These gestures are presented slowly, one by one, helping children to understand the Mass as a sacrament of gift and sacrifice.

• The Good Shepherd: One of the central themes in CGS is the relationship between Jesus and His flock. Materials that represent Jesus as the Good Shepherd help children understand the loving care and protection Jesus offers us, as well as the importance of following Him.

Growing Closer to God

The CGS approach is truly transformative for children, as it allows them to encounter the mysteries of our faith in a way that is deeply personal and meaningful. Through the Atrium, children are invited to enter into a relationship with Jesus, to listen to His voice, and to respond in prayer and action.

We are thrilled to have the opportunity to create this sacred space at Holy Trinity, where our children will be able to grow in their love for God and deepen their understanding of His presence in their lives. By using the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, we are providing a beautiful, prayerful environment where the seeds of faith can take root and flourish in the hearts of our youngest learners.

As we continue to prepare the Atrium, we look forward to seeing how this approach will help our students grow in their relationship with Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and prepare them to be active, faithful members of the Church community.