A sacred space where children explore their relationship with God
Enrolments are open for 2025 - Term 1
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Christian formation program in the Catholic tradition for children ages 3-12. The Atrium or classroom space where the catechesis takes place is located in the Chisholm parish at Our Lady of Lourdes and operates under guidance from the National Association of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and in conjunction with the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. This Atrium is currently the only opportunity for children in the 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 Kindy-Year 3
Level 3 Catechesis is for 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 teacher is away or unwell and we must cancel.
Location and Parking
We’re located in the Parish Office, which shares a carpark with Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Navigate to Our Lady of Lourdes via the address and map below, park and then walk into the Parish Office.
Families gather in the main meeting room where you first walk in and when it’s time, the children will go with the catechists into the Atrium - parents and siblings wait for their enrolled child in the meeting room, but are welcome to peek in the window and check in on them, being mindful of distracting them from their work.
Fees
$60 per 10-week term per child
Term fees are $60 per child per 10-week term. The Atrium schedule follows the NSW school terms. Parents of multiple enrolled children only pay for the fees of 2 enrolled children at one time (if you have 3 enrolled children, you only pay fees for the first 2).
Carers and Siblings
While enrolled children are in the Atrium, their parents and siblings gather for a playgroup type experience. Families are welcome to use cones to section off the carpark for children to ride bikes and scooters, providing direct supervision. Parents often bring blocks or trains or drawing supplies as well as snack and enjoy time in the main meeting room.
Families are welcome to use both the front and back yard. See more information and photos on our Information for Parents 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.
Resources for Parents
Please visit the National Catechesis of the Good Shepherd website to review their resources for parents and for more information on the Association of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Australia under which we operate.
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.