Starting Small: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd’s growing effect at St. John Vianney

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd’s growing effect at St. John Vianney  

By Christine Schreck

Photos courtesy of 
Shannon Rogers and
St. John Vianney

As Catholics wondering how to keep younger generations engaged in the life of the Church, St. John Vianney in Walnut Creek has found an answer: start them early with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS). The program allows small children to encounter Jesus through hands-on experiences guided by their natural curiosity and interests. It is making an impact in the parish beyond the lives of their youngest parishioners.

CGS, developed by Dr. Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Giobbi in Rome in 1954, teaches the faith through Montessori principles. The program encourages each child to establish a deep relationship with God.

Shannon Rogers, pastoral associate for Family Based Faith Formation, came to St. John Vianney in 2018 specifically because of the parish’s plan to begin a CGS program. The program, which runs from October to June, began in 2019-2020 with two groups of 12. Despite the challenges of the pandemic during its inaugural season, the program has thrived. “God’s timing is different from our timing,” Rogers said.

“It’s the best program for the youngest parishioners,” she explained. “It’s helping get children to Mass at a younger age as they joyfully encounter Jesus, and it is affirming to young parents.” 

Children gather in a space called the Atrium, named for the gathering spot for catechumens in ancient times to receive formation, a place between the church “proper” and the street.

“This is a space for them. It’s made for them, and that’s how they build a relationship with Jesus,” explained Rogers. 

The tables and chairs are child-sized. At the beginning of each year, a plant is placed in the Atrium for the children to nurture. They use real candles and real glass. “Kids see beauty. [We tell them,] we’re trusting you with this glass because Jesus trusts you,” Rogers said. If something breaks, they clean up after themselves.  

“The work is guided by the child’s interests. A sense of ownership, pride and accomplishment come from their work. All the materials build on each other and keep building,” Rogers explained. 

Children ages 3-6, who are in Level 1, often choose  to work independently in the Atrium.

In Level 2, ages 6-9, the concept of morality plays an important role. The work is focused on listening to the Good Shepherd and discerning when He is calling them to the table, to Holy Communion. They also tend to be more social, choosing to work in groups.

“We are not the teachers. Jesus is the teacher. We are guides,” Rogers said.

Impact on the children

Jenell Jimenez began catechist training when her two daughters joined Level 1. Catechists receive 100 hours of training  for Level 1 and another 90-100 hours for Level 2. Although the commitment is substantial, Jimenez believes her own understanding of the faith has deepened because of her training.

CGS engages the whole person, learning from the heart instead of memorizing things. It’s tactile. Children share with others and practice problem solving. “It’s amazing what they grasp. I don’t think we give them enough credit,” Jimenez said. “They are closer to the Holy Spirit because they are so pure of heart. They see the mystery and they’re okay with it. They’re pure love. They want to be with Jesus because he is pure love.” 

Rogers recalled a 5-year-old girl helping prepare the Atrium’s altar with the crucifix. The girl, who had recently lost her father, pointed to the crucifix and said, “My daddy’s with Him.”

Sylvie Hill joined CGS as a catechist when she moved to Walnut Creek. A Montessori teacher, she has been a catechist in other religious education programs throughout her life.

She enjoys witnessing the children’s excitement about their achievements. She recalled a little girl showing her “God’s book” that she had written and one boy who, after receiving first Communion, did a celebratory fist pump. “The privilege of working with the children 
is beyond anything else,” Hill said.

Hill said that, to receive her first Holy Communion as a child in Paris, she was tasked with creating a list of seven sins to confess to the priest. The list went to her teacher, then to the principal. She got called to the office for being short one sin and then for choosing one at random – adultery – to complete the list.

It’s a marked contrast to the children from the Atrium celebrating the sacrament of Reconciliation. Rogers’ son ran to the priest. “They’re excited for Reconciliation. Where are the blocks? Where do we not allow the Holy Spirit to come to us? Those are the questions we ask.”

Rogers believes that engagement at such a young age will result in future vocations and continued active participation as adults in the church.

Building a village

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd has brought the generations together at St. John Vianney. The older generation shares their gifts, as either craftspeople or catechists, involving them in the experience. All of the materials in the Atrium are handmade by community members, including the tiny vestments in Level 1, sewn by the parish secretary, that help the children learn about the liturgical seasons.

Linell Rooney sews a special first Holy Communion garment for Level 2 CGS participants who are receiving first Holy Communion. The children sew a red cross onto their own garments. After the child receives the sacrament of Reconciliation,, the child’s parents put the garment on the child.

Rooney has also volunteered as a catechist since she retired in 2020. “As soon as I could, I started doing it. It was always in my long-range plan for retirement. It’s fulfilling for me to see these little people getting into something religious,” she said.

“Shannon has created a community of young families. They are excited to participate,” Jimenez said. Parents are invited to volunteer to help with various tasks, although it’s not required. 

CGS has also strengthened the other faith formation programs, according to Rogers. CGS catechists present to all parish ministers and those in the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA), formally known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). “The program involves the whole parish. It gave space for young moms to gather. Families come together. We’re building community,” Rogers said.

“It takes time to build a community village. It starts small and grows,” she said. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit: www.sjvianney.org/yff/62660-cgs-youth-faith-formation