Since 2015, Parable Pastures has offered CGS to the Emmitsburg area…

What is the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?

We believe that God and the child have a unique relationship with one another, particularly before the age of six; that the growth of this relationship should be assisted by the adult, but is directed by the Spirit of God; that children need their own place to foster the growth of that relationship; and that the child’s spiritual growth is best served through tangible but indirect means.

The 3-6-year-old child is particularly capable of receiving and enjoying the most essential elements of our faith—the announcement of God’s love especially experienced through Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who died and is risen. The heart of the catechesis for children under six revolves around the Parable of the Good Shepherd. The sheep listen to the voice of the Shepherd and follow him.

The 3-6-year-old child enters the mystery of the Eucharist by first learning the names of the articles used on the altar and then through the most important gestures including the preparation of the chalice, the epiclesis and offering, and the sign of peace. Through the experience of seeing these gestures, presented one by one, the Mass emerges as the Sacrament of the Gift. The child becomes acquainted with the historical character of the liturgy through the events of the Last Supper, Christ’s death, and His resurrection.

The elementary age child (6-9) is captured by the image of the True Vine. “I am the vine, you are the branches, whoever remains in me, and I in him, will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.” The proclamation responds to the deep need of these children to better know his or her relationship with God, family, friends, and the larger community. Formation continues with additional meditation on the parable of the Good Shepherd, moral parables, the Mass, the historical events of the life of Jesus, and the vastness and unity of the history of salvation.

The history of salvation focusing on the plan of God as a plan of communion, invites the older child (ages 9-12) to recognize their personal contribution and respond accordingly. Focusing on prayer, and exploring “What is the Kingdom of God and my place in it?”, they continue to build on their relationship with the Good Sheperd. Materials on the Prophets of the Old Testament, the Gifts of God, the Miracles of Jesus, and expanded presentations on Liturgy and Scripture are also found.

Leadership

  • Jen Nelson

    DIRECTOR

  • Amy Ambrose

    ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

  • Abby Kibler

    REGISTRAR

  • Tim Connole

    TREASURER

Our Catechists & Assistants

Our catechists are all parents who wish to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to their own children and to others in the community.

  • Amy Ambrose

    Level 1 Catechist

    Trained in Level 1 2023
    Parish: St. Joseph, Emmitsburg

  • Stephanie Connole

    Level 1 Catechist

    Trained in Level 1 2023
    Parish: St. Anthony, Emmitsburg

  • Becca Dickerson

    Level 2 Assistant

    Trained in Level 1 2018-2019
    Parish: St. Francis Xavier, Gettysburg

  • Ann DiIulio

    Level 2 Catechist

    Trained in Level 1
    Trained in Level 2
    Trained in Level 3
    Parish:

  • Becky Howard

    Level 1 Catechist

    Trained in Level 1 2022
    Trained in Toddler Level 2022
    Parish: St. Peter’s, Libertytown

  • Mary Johnson

    Level 1 Catechist

    Trained in Level 1 2023
    Parish: St. Anthony, Emmitsburg

  • Abby Kibler

    Level 1 Catechist

    Trained in Level 1 2023
    Parish: St. Mary’s, Hagerstown

  • Casey-Mae McGinley

    Level 2 Catechist

    Trained in Level 1 2016-2017
    Trained in Level 2 2017-2018
    Parish: St. Anthony, Emmitsburg

  • Jess Miravalle

    Level 1 Catechist

    Trained in Level 1 2016-2017
    Parish: St. Aloysius, Littlestown

  • Jen Nelson

    Level 1 Catechist

    Trained in Level 1 2019
    Parish: St. Anthony, Emmitsbug

  • Katherine Nwachukwu

    Level 1 Catechist

    Trained in Level 1 2023
    Parish: St. Mary’s, Hagerstown

  • Maribeth O'Hara

    Level 3 Catechist

    Trained in Level 1 2014
    Trained in Level 2 2018
    Trained in Level 3 2023
    Parish: St. Joan of Arc, Hershey

  • Kate Tramma

    Level 2 Catechist

  • Beth Turner

    Level 2 Catechist

    Trained in Level 1 2019-2021
    Trained in Level 2 2022-2023
    Parish: St. Joseph, Emmitsburg

  • Madeline Zappe

    Level 1 Catechist

    Trained in Level 1 2023
    Parish: St. John the Evangelist, Frederick