Catechesis of the Good Shepherd came about through the work of two Roman Catholic laywomen in Rome: Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi. They were inspired by the educational principles of Maria Montessori, also a Catholic. The materials they prepared for children, since 1954, were based on the Bible, the Roman Catholic liturgy and sacraments, tradition, and Church teachings.

Children gather in a room specially prepared for them, called an 'Atrium', which contains simple yet beautiful materials that they use to draw near to God. In the early church, the atrium was the place where the catechumens were prepared. For the child, the Atrium is a place of preparation for involvement in the larger worshipping community.

For more information visit http://www.cgsusa.org