Sunday School for Children and Youth

Little Lambs

Two years old and very young three years old, Nursery Area

The Little Lambs curriculum was designed by Molly Gooch. Taught by the nursery staff, it is an age-appropriate Bible story, with song and craft activities.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to Christian formation for children that originated in 1954 in Rome, Italy. It is a Montessori inspired program grounded in scripture and liturgy that allows a child to be self-guided in his or her enjoyment of the presence of God.

This program is used worldwide and based on the work of Dr. Sofia Cavalletti, a Hebrew scholar and her co-worker, Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori educator. For more information on the program, see www.catechesisgoodshepherd.org.

Children are grouped by age or grade level and attend class in a specially prepared room called an “atrium.” The atrium contains attractively displayed handmade materials designed to invite children to deepen their relationship with God in a place of prayer and celebration at their own pace. The program is biblically based and follows the rhythms of the church year.

Atrium 1

Three to six years old, Nursery Area

Teacher: Amanda Robbins

Amanda, a trained catechist, has been involved with Atrium 1 for more than ten years. She worked as an assistant before taking her training and has been leading Atrium 1 for six years. The theme for this level is the Good Shepherd who loves his sheep and gives everything for them.

Atrium 2

Six to nine years old

Jackson Library

Teacher: Pete Shearon

Pete, a trained catechist, has been participating in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for 11 years, first as an assistant, then as a leader in Atrium 2. The overall theme for these years is the image of Christ as the True Vine, focusing on both spiritual relationship and responsibility.

Third to Fifth Grades

Room 212

Bill Stubblefield

This program is a project-based curriculum that involves the students in exploring the Episcopal Church, our parish and our community

Rite 13

Grades 6-8

Doan House, 2nd Floor, just east of Miss Lee’s, 1768 Peabody

Teachers: Donna and Jerry Sanders, assisted by Nina Callan

Rite-13 focuses on celebrating the individuality of each young person and his/her creative potential. The Rite-13 liturgy (A celebration of Manhood and Womanhood) is the community expression of this and a rite of passage from childhood towards adulthood.

J2A/YAC

Grades 9-12

The Chapel
J2A engages youth with the skills and critical thinking involved in adulthood. The youth plan and embark on a pilgrimage together at the end of this segment. This experience is often the spiritual highlight of their youth.

YAC helps older teens discern and carry out a ministry within their church or in the larger community. Vocation and development of a personal credo are also emphasized. A final rite of passage sends them out into the world as ambassadors of Christ.