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April 17, 2026The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a religious education program using the Montessori method of instruction. Everything from the room (the atrium) set up to the materials that are used provide a sensory experience for preschoolers and kindergartners as they explore their Catholic faith through the messages of Jesus.
The parable of the Good Shepherd’s abiding love for his sheep is the foundation for the teachings and help the children to develop a relationship with Jesus. The children will typically hear a Bible story and then use the materials provided to re-enact the story.
Sister Angelica from the Handmaids of the Heart of Jesus is a catechist.
“It’s a great gift to teach these children how to enter into silence and prayer so they can encounter Jesus in their hearts,” Sister Angelica said.
“Catechesis of the Good Shepherd also helps them understand what is happening in the Mass so they can participate in it,” Sister Angelica explained.
Sister Angelica tells a story about teaching the children the importance of the Preparation of the Chalice in Mass. How Father puts a drop of water into the wine.
The children pretend to prepare the chalice, pondering how God wants to be so close to us,just as close as all that wine is to that tiny drop of water.
“After showing one child this work, I attended Mass the following Sunday. Her family happened to be chosen to bring up the gifts. There she was, with a huge smile on her face, carrying up the water cruet. She was beaming. After Mass, she ran up to me and exclaimed, ‘Sister! I got to carry up the water cruet! The REAL one!’ This little one knew what she was holding, what it would be used for, and she was excited about it!.” Sister Angelica said.
Kindergartner Stella Brandt also has learned about Mass through Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. “Every day at Mass a miracle happens when the bread and wine turn into Jesus’ body and blood,” She went on to say that the model altar is her favorite place to play in the atrium.