A sacred space where children explore their relationship with God
Enrolments are Open!
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Christian formation program for children ages 3-12. The Atrium or classroom space where the catechesis takes place is located at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Parish, Beresfield (within the Chisholm Pastoral region) and operates under guidance from the National Association of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. This Atrium is currently the only opportunity for children in the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle (Maitland, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie regions) to experience this beautiful Christian formation program, taught in the Montessori style. It was founded in Rome in 1954 by biblical scholar Sofia Cavalletti and Montessorian Gianna Gobbi - read more here.
"Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is rooted in the conviction that the young child possesses the profound capacity to enter into a deep and meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd" (Church Life Journal).
About Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
The Atrium
We offer Catechesis for Levels 1, 2 and 3 at the Children’s Atrium Chisholm, covering ages 3-12. Read more about the program here.
Level 1 Catechesis is for ages 3-6, or until the child is enrolled at Kindy
Level 2 Catechesis is for 6-9-year-olds (Kindy-Year 3)
Level 3 Catechesis is for 9-12-year-olds (Year 4-Year 6)
Due to Safeguarding, we require 2 catechists (teachers) to be present at each session - we will notify you ASAP in the unlikely event that 1 catechist is away or unwell and we must cancel.
More Information
For more information about our location, fees parent resources, please visit our Parent Information page.
Atrium Tours
We offer tours for prospective parents to see the Atrium in person and ask any questions. We can use this time to discuss your child’s unique needs and any concerns or particularities to your family’s situation. We’ll share the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd approach and discuss how this method can support your child and your family.
Our Location
The Atrium is located at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Beresfield, in the Parish Office building, which shares a carpark with the church
The Children’s Atrium Chisholm is 1 of the many locations for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd offered across Australia. We serve the Maitland / Newcastle / Lake Macquarie region. Check out the national website to learn more about this approach to catechesis and to search for Atrium locations around Australia.
Contact Us
Have questions about the Atrium or your child’s unique needs? Are you interested in becoming a catechist? Would you like to come visit and tour the Atrium before enrolling your child?
We’d love to hear from you! Fill out the form to get in touch.