Catechesis Terminology
Atrium – The atrium was the place in the early church where the catechumens were prepared for baptism and life in the Christian community. This is the name we use to describe our classrooms. For the child, the atrium is also a place of preparation for involvement in the larger worshiping community.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd – This is the name for our Christian Formation program and is based on the parable of the Good Shepherd, which is the theme of the presentations for children three to six years of age.
Catechist – Each classroom has teachers who have received leadership training in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd method. The teacher is called the catechist. It is the catechist’s role to prepare the environment and present lessons that not only nurture the child’s desire to draw near to God but also connect the child to the materials for further meditation.
Gestures – hand motions of the priest
Materials – items used in a presentation
Practical Life Skills – These are Montessori activities used to prepare the child for further works in the atrium. These skills are also important because they allow the children to be responsible for their environment and to further enjoy the beauty of the items in the church.
Presentation – the lesson offered by the catechist
Work – “Work” describes what the child does in response to the presentation. This work takes on many forms, such as the child’s own re-telling of the presentation, matching, tracing, coloring, or individual artwork.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd – This is the name for our Christian Formation program and is based on the parable of the Good Shepherd, which is the theme of the presentations for children three to six years of age.
Catechist – Each classroom has teachers who have received leadership training in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd method. The teacher is called the catechist. It is the catechist’s role to prepare the environment and present lessons that not only nurture the child’s desire to draw near to God but also connect the child to the materials for further meditation.
Gestures – hand motions of the priest
Materials – items used in a presentation
Practical Life Skills – These are Montessori activities used to prepare the child for further works in the atrium. These skills are also important because they allow the children to be responsible for their environment and to further enjoy the beauty of the items in the church.
Presentation – the lesson offered by the catechist
Work – “Work” describes what the child does in response to the presentation. This work takes on many forms, such as the child’s own re-telling of the presentation, matching, tracing, coloring, or individual artwork.