Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Is Coming to Royalmont Academy

This year, Royalmont Academy is excited to bring a new spiritual formation experience to our youngest students. Starting with Kindergarten, we are introducing the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd—a reflective, hands-on approach to growing in faith.

Rooted in Sacred Scripture, the Liturgy, and the Montessori method, this program helps children develop a personal relationship with God. As the child listens, wonders, and works, they grow in peace and love through quiet reflection and meaningful materials.

What Is the Good Shepherd Atrium?

The Atrium is not just a classroom. It’s a sacred space designed to meet a young child’s spiritual needs. Created with simple beauty, the Atrium invites stillness, prayer, and joy in God’s presence.

Children engage with materials such as:

• A miniature altar and baptismal font

• Figurines of the Good Shepherd and sheep

• 3D scenes from Jesus’ life

• Prayer tables with Scripture and candles

These materials are introduced through one-on-one presentations. Afterward, children work with the materials at their own pace. In doing so, they listen to the voice of the Shepherd and deepen their relationship with Him.

According to Jake Rogers, Head of School at Pinecrest Academy—a fellow Regnum Christi school—the Atrium has been transformational to the spiritual formation of their young students.

A Program That Reflects Our Mission

At Royalmont, our mission is to form the whole child—intellectually, humanly, spiritually, and apostolically. The Good Shepherd program supports that mission beautifully.

• Spiritually, children learn to pray and listen for God’s voice

• Intellectually, they explore Scripture and the Mass through hands-on discovery

• Humanly, they develop peace, focus, and reverence

• Apostolically, they grow in love for Christ and His Church

Because this program honors the developmental needs of each child, it’s deeply aligned with how we approach education across all grade levels.

We’re Starting with Kindergarten—and We Need Your Help!

This year, the Atrium will begin with our Kindergarten students. As more teachers receive training, we plan to expand it to additional grades.

However, we can’t do it alone. Each Atrium is filled with lovingly prepared materials—many of which are handmade. We are asking our amazing parent community to partner with us!

Do you have woodworking or sewing skills? Are you artistic or handy with crafts? If so, you can help us bring the Atrium to life!

Whether it’s building a tiny altar or sewing miniature vestments, your gifts will bless the spiritual lives of our students for years to come.

Be Part of Something Sacred

When young children experience God through beauty, silence, and wonder, something powerful happens. Their faith becomes real. Their hearts begin to listen. They start walking with Christ.

We are building more than a room—we are building a sacred encounter.

If you’re willing to help, donate materials, or simply learn more, please reach out to us here. You’ll be part of shaping something truly holy at Royalmont.

Please contact Josh Ater if you can help: Click Here

Learn More About Our Preschool and Kindergarten Approach

Our early childhood programs are designed to form children in mind, heart, and soul. To discover how Royalmont’s Preschool and Kindergarten can support your family, visit our early childhood overview page.

You can also explore how other Regnum Christi schools incorporate the Atrium in this guide.

Learn more about the Atrium here.