St. Paul's Church in Bedford instituted the program last fall, under the leadership of Nina Skavenski and Louisa Saladino-Kuhl, and already has about 12 children participating. International in scope, the program began in Rome and is based on the ideas and methods of Italian educator Maria Montessori. It is now used in widely diverse settings in Africa, Europe and South America, as well as Canada and the United States. Although the Good Shepherd programs in the diocese are currently for three to six year olds only, as time progresses, older children will be able to be involved as well. The more I work, I see so little hope in young people.
Most kids have a deep despair.
With this program, there are very deep and complex theological concepts they're getting in a major way. That's a big gift of the program at the upper level. For people interested in bringing the Good Shepherd program to their congregations, there are various training options available. The Rev. Dr. Gonzalez attended an intensive two-week training this past summer in Chicago and will complete its remaining two weeks next summer. Other options include a series of Saturday trainings given in the diocese by the Rev. Ms. Powell.