Combining my passions
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Over 20 years ago, I began my journey leading a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atrium. I am fully certified in ages 3-12 and have worked with all ages. The foundation of the Montessori method of education is the Four Planes of Development. At each plane, the associated human tendencies and characteristics inform how one can best prepare an environment for optimal learning. The beauty of combining Montessori principles with spirituality is that it connects all the senses; children are able to take the Word of God deep into their hearts. The spirituality I've experienced with children as they work in the atrium has been life changing for me. Montessori allows the pre-reader to take scripture in deeply, to be rooted in the love of the Good Shepherd.
Why CGS with Seniors?
My CGS training took place as a adult. Training allows you to experience the Montessori atrium just like a child would. It made me long to be a child and work in the atrium myself. As a mother and an adult, daily Mass has been an important part of my faith journey, keeping me on the vine. At daily Mass, I look around me and see the cute little old couples, the widows and widowers and I see a generation who is in the final stages of preparing their hearts to meet God. When Covid hit and people couldn't go to church, it really hit home, how deeply this was felt by what I affectionately call the "daily Massers". While praying during the lockdown in 2020, God put it on my heart to start using CGS with the elderly and in particular those with dementia.
Beginning This Journey
This is going to be a journey. Hopefully a lifelong one. I hope someone will do CGS with me when my mind starts to go. We become like a child, but works that touch the heart of a 7 year old might be different than an 87 year old. I also want to use the works with anyone who loves Jesus, not just Catholics. "I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice; and they will become one flock, with one shepherd." I want to use CGS to help the elderly hear The Good Shepherd's voice, to be comforted, and to touch that part of their soul that is longing to be close to God.
I Need Your Help
I would like to start "experimenting" with using CGS with seniors. What works come deeply into their souls? What do they need? How can I adapt the works to arthritic hands and wheelchairs? Are you a healthy, active senior playing Pickle Ball twice a week?
Is your loved one struggling with dementia, causing you to feel like you’ve lost the person you once knew? Whatever stage you or your loved ones are in, if someone might describe you as "vintage", I'd love to work with you. Ideally, to begin, I'd love to work with 1-5 people where I bring the work and present it in a 30-60 minute session with some extra time to hear about your faith journey. Someday, I envision an atrium adapted for seniors in one room and a caregiver support group across the hall in another room. If you'd be willing to go on this journey with me, please reach out.
My Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Guide my hands and heart as I care for the frail and elderly, especially those suffering from dementia. May I be a vessel of Your love, offering comfort and connection to Your divine presence.
As Isaiah 9:2 reminds us, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” Let Your light shine through me, bringing hope and peace to those in my care.
And in the words of Isaiah 46:6, “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Help me to trust in Your promise, knowing that You sustain and carry each person, no matter their age or condition.
Lord, grant me the courage to serve without fear, to act boldly and not procrastinate in helping others. May I go in haste to be the hands of the Good Shepherd, leading them gently towards Your eternal embrace.
Amen.