4th and 5th points of Reflection

The Characteristics of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

32 Points of Reflection

What are the principal points which distinguish this catechesis and because of which it is called the “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”?  The following characteristics are intended to represent the principal aspects of the catechesis as they have emerged after more than fifty years of work with children of different countries, cultures and socio-economic backgrounds.  These characteristics are reflective of the constants which have presented themselves in this work and are presented here with the invitation to go deeper into them for further reflection.

continuing.....

4.    The transmission of the Christian message in the atrium has a celebrative character.

• The catechist is not a teacher, remembering that the only Teacher is Christ himself.
• The catechist renounces every form of control (such as quizzes, texts, exams, etc.) in the spirit of poverty before an experience whose fruits are not her/his own.

5.    The themes presented in the atrium are those to which the children have responded with depth and joy.  These themes are taken from the Bible and the liturgy (prayers and sacraments) as the fundamental sources for creating and sustaining Christian life at every developmental stage and, in particular, for illuminating and nourishing the child in his/her most vital religious needs.