History
The vision for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd formation began in 1954 with Dr. Sofia Cavalletti, a Hebrew and Scripture scholar and member of the Vatican Commission for Jewish - Christian Relations, and her colleague, Professor Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori trained educator.
Sofia was asked by a mother to give her son some religious instruction. At first she refused not having much to do with children in her academic world, but eventually she consented. This experience with the 7-year-old boy changed her whole life and began what we now know as the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Dr Cavalletti saw in that child, and in numerous other children since, a way of being in the presence of God that is unique to the child and a gift to the adult who stops long enough to notice.
Children desire to draw near to God but need the sensitive guidance of the adult as well as the inner guidance of the Holy Spirit to nurture this relationship.
Today
Today the Catechesis can be found in many liturgical traditions (Episcopal, Lutheran, and Roman Catholic) as well as in schools throughout the world.
It has grown and spread amazingly to at least 19 countries - Australia, Austria, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Germany, Haiti, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, Singapore, South Africa, Tanzania, and the United States.
Australia
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd was introduced into Australia in 1995 when Linda Kaiel, from the International Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, gave the first training course for 3-6 year olds.
In the following year, after much work involving many people making materials, several atria for 3-6 year olds, commenced in the Brisbane Catholic Diocese. In the beginning, the Atria were held in rooms beneath parishioner's homes, but as the work continued to grow, two Atria moved into Parish settings.
Our thanks go to our overseas trainers. Linda Kaiel and Carol Dittberner, who continued to give the relevant training needed. Some of our trainers also continued their training in the United States.
In January 2005, Linda Kaiel presented the final training for the Level Three: 9-12 Part 2.
It has been a very exciting time over the last eleven years as the Catechesis has spread across Australia in the Anglican and Catholic traditions.
2005 marked our 10th anniversary. We are in awe how the Shepherd continues expanding the pastures of this work in Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia.
Many are catching the fire of this work and what it means, not only for our children who are the future of our society, but also for us as adults, as we too, learn to listen for the voice of our Shepherd for our lives.
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