As I was sitting at Mass last Sunday, a family settled in behind me.

As soon as the deacon

placed the book of Gospels on the altar, I heard a little voice say,
What is that red book?
A quiet response came from his parent. Then, within minutes of the priest and deacon
taking their places, he said,
Why are they wearing dresses?

I immediately thought that, in those brief interactions, this child was teaching all of us the
importance of beginning faith formation with 3 years olds (and younger). As Catechesis of
the Good Shepherd programs in our diocese and around the world are beginning the new
catechetical year, we are reminded of the early presentations that the children receive on
the objects of the altar, the liturgical colors and calendar. These foundational works allow
children to explore in the atrium what they will see at Mass and, as my little fellow
parishioner showed me last week, that what children will observe at Mass they can further
ponder in the atrium.

Maria Montessori writes, “The liturgy, magnificent expression of the content of the faith,
may well be called ‘the pedagogical method’ of the Church which, not satisfied with
teaching by means of the word preached to the faithful, makes the various acts of religion
real, makes them come to life, and allow the people to take part in them each day. “1

Later during the Eucharistic Prayer, I heard the little voice again,
I hear bells!

His curious and absorbent mind, in the rich sensorial environment of the Liturgy, were
allowing this child to observe and learn.

Montessori continues, “It has been proved beyond any doubt that during the ages of 3 ½ to
7 years children when placed in the right conditions can, and do, absorb an immense
amount of knowledge spontaneously…”2

This dear family left before I could talk to them about their experiences with faith
formation for their children. When we greeted each other, I could see that their youngest,
inquisitive little guy was about three or four years old.

The work of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is to provide the environment, materials,
and time appropriate for a child’s developmental stage which will foster the relationship

1
Standing, EM. The Child in the Church, p22
2
Ibid p.58
with the Good Shepherd. We are excited to see the beginning of the CGS Apostolate Center
which will form new catechists and parents in our region.