Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of the child.  It is rooted in Sacred Scripture, liturgy, and the educational philosophy and method of Maria Montessori.

Each week the children gather in a room prepared for them called an “atrium”.  This specially prepared space contains many materials that the children can work with and use.  For example, there is an area in the room set aside for work with the articles of the Mass:  a smaller than child-size model altar, chalice, paten, lectionary, sacramentary, tabernacle, chasubles, among other articles.  Another area is dedicated to the sacrament of baptism; another has dioramas depicting key events in the life of Jesus (the Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity, the Presentation in the Temple, the visit of the magi, and the Last Supper), yet another for a few select parables, and a prayer table is set up in an area where the children gather to pray.

This particular type of religious experience is well suited to the needs and capacities of the young child.

St. Matthias has two atriums.  The upper room is dedicated to children 3-6 years of age.  The classroom area is dedicated to children 6-9 years of age.  This program is held on Sundays from 9-10:45 a.m. beginning in September and concluding in May.  It is highly recommended that children enroll in the program at age 3.  Children must have a minimum of 2 years atrium experience to enroll in the 6-9 year-old program.   ONLY CHILDREN NEW TO ST. MATTHIAS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENROLL IN THE 6-9 YEAR OLD PROGRAM WITHOUT PRIOR ATRIUM EXPERIENCE.
Contact: Dianne Laheta for volunteer opportunities and more information regarding this program 
at 440-888-8220. dlaheta@stmatthiaschurch.org