Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Atrium
Our Atrium is like a retreat center for children.
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the Lord. My heart and flesh cry out for the living God. Happy are they who dwell in your house! Continually they praise you.
Young children are most open to the enjoyment of being in relationship with God. Before the Catechism is to be learned, children delight to simply bask in the love of God; to be known, called by name, and to belong to the Good Shepherd. Every child of God should receive the great gift of coming with joy into the “courts of the Lord” in the Atrium.
This touchstone experience will provide a “heart orientation” of love for continuing moral formation as your child grows to adulthood. For as a wise person once said: “when all is said and done, one cannot obey more than one loves.”
when all is said and done,
one cannot obey more than one loves
Our Atrium facilitates a touchstone experience that will provide a “heart orientation” of love for continuing moral formation as your child grows to adulthood.
Since 2003, John XXIII Montessori Center has offered CGS programs to the Front Royal community.
The Atrium is the heart of our Children’s Center; it is an integral part of our Academic programs and a stand-alone CAtrium program with weekly sessions.
Approved in the Arlington diocese for use as a catechetical program for the sacramental preparation of children 3-12 years of age, our CGS sessions for children ages 1 - 12 have ongoing enrollment while there is available space. Leading the John XXIII Atria are experienced Catechists who are certified by the National CGS office.
At John XXIIIMCC we offer several Atrium session options
Toddler
for 1 - 3 year-olds
Level I
for 3-6 year-olds
Level II
for 6-9 year-olds*
Level III
for 9-12 year-olds**
*Level II includes First Confession and Communion Sacramental Preparation. Click here for First Communion Parent Information PDF)
**Level III includes Confirmation Preparation for twelve year olds in their final Atrium year.