The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

[Terraland]

Hi everyone, this is my first time to take part in this forum so please bear with me. I am wondering if any of you know anything about or have had any experience with a children’s catechism program called The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. I can’t tell by the info provided on line if it is orthodox or if it is one of those ‘tolerance and warm fuzzy’ type programs. It is getting harder and harder to judge the orthodoxy of things now, even in the best of parishes. Thanks for any info you might be able to share.

Pax et bonum!

 

[Corki]

It’s a hands on program for pre-readers. As long as the teacher/facilitator is solid, the program will be too. While I have seen a few programs that were not much more than play time, there is not much opportunity to do harm. And if well done, it’s a very nice way for the young ones to appreciate at least some of what Mass is all about.

 

[GregorysArmy]

It was created by Maria Montessori. I love it and believe when done well, is a fabulous program for young children.

 

[wife4life]

My best friend is going to an out of the way parish so her child can attend a Catechism of the Good Shepherd religious education class!

 

[Giggly_Giraffe]

I may need you to clarify what is meant by orthodoxy and warm and fuzzy.

Our parish has an outstanding Religious Education Administer. The volunteers for the Catachesist of the Good Shepard were required to take a two week course (8 hours a day) … What a commitment on the volunteers part!

My friend took the teaching class but did to feel confident enough to teach. Instead she assisted the teacher. This helped her understand why her son returned home calm and peaceful. IDK about the full details, but I trust my RE with my soul and the souls of our children. My husband calls her a living saint.

 

[Terraland]

Thanks to everyone who has answered my post. I find them most helpful. To clarify my meaning of orthodox and warm and fuzzy for Giggly Giraffe, I will try to explain. I have become suspicious of new programs because of how my children’s religious education at the parish was totally watered down and devoid of Church teaching. My husband and I did our best to teach and live out the faith but I wonder if there was more we should have done. They are all grown now and when I see what Catholics are facing these days I really worry about how to help them teach my grandchildren the faith. My parish is starting up a C.of the G.S. Program and I am trying to find out something about it. I’ve never heard of it and wonder if it would be a good thing to help my kids with forming their kids in the faith. There is some concern also about New Age ‘Me’ centered type of programs that are creeping into mine and many other parishes. I try to be very careful. My kids as parents are ultimately responsible for their children’s formation and my husband and myself as grandparents want to support them. Our grandchildren are such precious gifts from God and what we want most for them is that they come to know The Lord not just in intellect but more importantly in their hearts and later in heaven. Thanks.
Pax et bonum!