How do I bring the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to my children at home?
Many parents take the atrium formation courses to bring CGS to their home. Visit
www.montessori-mcci.org for local formation courses. While waiting to attend a course, parents often begin to read the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd publications that are particularly helpful in working with children at home:
Listening to God with Children by Gianna Gobbi
The Good Shepherd and the Child, A Joyful Journey by Cavalletti, Coulter, Gobbi, and Montanaro
A Is for Altar, B Is for Bible by Judith Lang Main
God and the Child Collection, which is a set of five little books from Colombia, directed to parents.
How can I set up a child-size prayer table at home?
“If we want to assist the child in his or her religious experience, an important area which we must attend is that of prayer." by Gianna Gobbi in
Listening to God with Children, p. 117
Invite your children to go on a treasure hunt in your home looking for the following items: low child sized table, table cloths for each liturgical season (green, purple, white and red), Holy Bible, cushion or stand for the Holy Bible, flameless tea light or candle, extinguisher, prayer cards, prayer card stands, crucifix (ideally San Damiano b/c his eyes are open), Good Shepherd statue (autom.com) and a box or shelving unit to store prayer items.
For each prayer session, invite your child to set up the prayer table and afterwards restore items to a special shelving unit or box. The movement of setting up the prayer table and restoring it aids their involvement and enjoyment of the prayer time.
Do you have any prayer card suggestions?
Invite your children to write a prayer card and/or decorate it. Below are some sample prayer cards, but any prayer or scripture verse that your child enjoys is appropriate.
Children ages 0 to 6
Amen
Alleluia (use especially at Easter, families may "bury" it during Lent)
"I am the Light of the World" John 8:12
"The Lord is my shepherd. I have everything I need." Psalm 23:1 (This translation is preferred for younger children since they have trouble with the double negative "there is nothing I lack")
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me." Matthew 19:14
"Hail Mary, full of grace." Luke 1:28
For Advent: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light." Isaiah 9:1
For Christmas: "...a Savior has been born to you, who is Christ the Lord!" Luke 2:11
For Christmas: "For unto us a child is born..." Isaiah 9:6
For Christmas: "Glory to God in the highest..." Luke 2:14
For Lent: "Prepare the way for the Lord." Mark 1:3
Holy Thursday: "I am the Bread of Life." John 6:35
For Easter: "Christ is risen, Alleluia!"
Children ages 6 to 12
"Hosanna in the highest!" Mark 11:10
"Taste and see that the LORD is good." Psalms 34:9
"Abide (remain/stay) in Me and I in you." John 15:4
"Your word is a lamp for my feet, and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105
"Lord, you will open my lips; and my mouth will proclaim your praise." Psalm 51:17