Woodrose, being the first school in the Philippines to integrate the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) in the Religion curriculum, hosted an information session last October 8, 2018 with the aim to promote awareness of the program among teachers and catechists from other schools and parishes.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a religious formation methodology for children ages 3-12. Rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the Church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori, the program enables children to grow in love and knowledge of God. One of its key features is the use of catechetical materials specially designed for children. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is presented in three levels, and includes time in the “Atrium,” which is a quiet environment where children learn through tactile play.
Developed in Rome in the 1950s by a Catholic Hebrew and Scripture scholar, Sofia Cavalletti, and her Montessori collaborator, Gianna Gobbi, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd has grown and spread to other countries around the world.
Two Religion teachers from Woodrose, who received specific training in the methodology, are the first catechists in the Philippines to be accredited by the CGS Association (Singapore). For the past four years, Woodrose has integrated the program in its Religion curriculum, particularly in Grade 1 and Grade 2.
During the information session held on October 8, Pressy Santos-Rowe, formation leader from the CGS Association (Singapore), introduced the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to catechists from Makati and Paranaque parishes and to Grade School Religion teachers of Assumption College. The highlight of the activity was an experience of the Good Shepherd presentation, as well as a tour of the school’s Atrium which is the only one found in the country today.