Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children.  It is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori.  Children gather in an “atrium,” a room prepared for them, which contains simple yet beautiful materials that they work with to draw closer to Christ in prayer. 

*Began in Rome in 1954
*Method serves children ages 3-12
*Developed by Sophia Cavaletti and Gianna Gobbi
*Now in 37 countries
*Embraced by many religious orders, priests, and bishops
*“Spiritual direction for children.”
*Focus on Scripture – lectio divina
*Providing a place of prayer for children

Come and See
There are thirteen active atria at various Catholic parishes and schools throughout the diocese.  For more information, to plan a visit to an atrium, or for any questions, please contact catechist and Diocesan Coordinator, Katie Haun, at [email protected] or check out the Atria Contact Information link below.

 

• Atria Listings and Contact Information
• Diocesan Catechists
• Resources for Assistants
• Information for Parents and Parishes

Photo from our 2019 Diocesan Gathering!

Level I (ages 3-6)
Part A
Southwestern, WI
Dates: June 23-25 & July 28-30, 2022
Host Contact: Angie Snyder, [email protected]
Formation Leader: Katie Haun, [email protected]

Part A
Blessed Sacrament Parish, Madison CLOSED
Dates: July 21-23 & August 18-20, 2022
Host Contact: Peggie Hansen, [email protected]
Formation Leader: Katie Haun, [email protected]


Level II (ages 6-9)
Part A
St. Thomas Aquinas, Madison
Dates: June 6-11, 2022
Host Contact: Katie Haun, [email protected]
Formation Leader: Carolyn Kohlhaas


Level III (ages 9-12)
Part B
St. Thomas Aquinas, Madison
Dates:  July 6-9 and July 11-14, 2022
Host Contact: Katie Haun, [email protected]
Formation Leader: Carolyn Kohlhaas


OTHER WISCONSIN COURSES

Level I, Part A, Green Bay, WI
Level I, Parts A & B, Hubertus, WI
Level I, Part B, Hartland, WI
Level 2, Part A, Appleton, WI
Level 2, Part A, Wisconsin Rapids, WI