Pre-Kindergarten religious education at St. Martha Catholic School is based on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Level 1). This is a Montessori-based religious formation program for 3-6 year olds, originally developed in Rome by Dr. Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi over 50 years ago. It seeks to create a sacred, “hands-on” space for children called an atrium, in which both the children and the catechists (teacher) can hear, ponder, and celebrate the most essential mysteries of the Catholic faith as revealed in the scriptures and the liturgy.
The environment is specially prepared to help create a very peaceful and quiet place where the children will experience wonder and awe which is guided by the very real presence of the Holy Spirit. In the atrium, the lights are dimmed and quiet voices used to enable the children to draw near to the Lord with song, scripture readings and various presentations. The environment allows the child’s religious potential to come alive on their own... the capacity to love and be loved.
PRE-K:
Learn about the Good Shepherd and the boundless love of the shepherd for his sheep as described in the scriptures
Use materials and hear presentations on the life of Christ and his teachings
Learn geography, the words of the prophets, and infancy narratives where Jesus is established as a real person
Use model cities of Jerusalem, empty tombs and cenacles for the Last Supper
Hear selected parables about the Kingdom of God
Use miniature altar and font to become familiar with the articles of the Eucharist and Baptism
Learn liturgical colors and calendars of the church year and its celebration of the Paschal Mystery: Christ has died, Christ is risen, and Christ will come again
Use a prayer table reflecting the liturgical time of year by means of appropriate colors, prayers, songs, artwork and readings