http://www.cgsusa.org/
In my work I find endless inspiration from the beautiful Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. It is a wonderful program for children with special needs, because it allows them to learn in a hands-on way. In the curriculum that I'm working to develop, I garnish many ideas for lesson materials from this program! (disclaimer: The work that I do is NOT Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. I am, sadly, not trained in the program, but I wish I was!)
This program is found in many parishes throughout the country. It is a beautiful way to mainstream children who may learn in a different way.
As I've said, I draw so much inspiration for the curriculum I'm developing from the methodology of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Some of the lessons and materials I use are simply adaptations of CGS, such as this little gem:
This is Fr. Pius, named after this guy:
St. Pius X was big advocate of children, and he is responsible for allowing small children to receive the Eucharist (prior to that, First Communion was not received until children were must older). He is a special patron for the little ones I work with!
Of course, you may have a saint that is more meaningful to your family, school, or religious education program. A little priest doll like this can easily be re-named after a saint that you find meaningful.
Fr. Pius is, to our students, an aid in learning about priests and priest vestments. (Similar to how such a doll is used in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.) However, he is more than that. He's also a companion to the students that I teach. When one of them may be having difficulty (especially due to a behavioral issue, etc.), Fr. Pius is handed to them and he has a way of soothing most situations. As a special bonus, Fr. Pius also reinforces the fact that priests are friendly people who care about those they serve in the Church (and in our modern day and age in the Church, this message needs to be stated again and again).
He's pretty easy to make. You can buy a plain rag doll from any craft store (Hobby Lobby,Michaels, JoAnn's, etc.) and a face can be embroidered or you can glue on face pieces (the materials are also sold at these stores). Then, all that's left is making an alb and a set of vestments (one for each liturgical color).
If there's an interest in patterns for vestments, I'd be glad to post them!
I mean, come on, he's just plain loveable!
I love this little guy, and I can guarantee that if you make one, you'll love him, too!!
God bless,
Michele
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