At SJMS, children K-8 attend religion classes taught from the Catholic perspective and attend one mass each month at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, on the other side of our parking lot.
Our religion curriculum is The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. This Montessori-based approach to spiritual formation for children was developed through years of patient observation to understand which religious themes seemed most essential at different ages and stages of development.
In the spirit of Montessori education, classes take place in a specially prepared environment, filled with hands-on materials. This is called the “Atrium.” Within this atrium, short presentations are given and much time is devoted to the child’s personal work. In this way, each child’s own gifts and callings are respected and celebrated. The adult is a co-listener and co-learner, with the child before the Word of God.
SJMS is a Catholic School that strives to be welcoming to people of all religious backgrounds. The religious orientation of the school is varied. While Christianity is the predominant belief, other faiths, including Judaism and Buddhism, are represented in the school population.
“Montessori respects the unique potentials of each child. It offers work that is engaging and promotes a sense of dignity. The best thing about Montessori is that it fosters a sense of stewardship and compassion.”
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is the Religious Education program for Kindergartners through eighth grade that is based on Maria Montessori’s principles of the Prepared Environment, respect for the child’s capacities, and patient observation of their developmental readiness. Our program provides the children the guidance and vocabulary which enable them to become aware of their relationship with God and give expression to it. The curriculum is designed to dovetail nicely with their classroom work, providing a spiritual context for the wonders they explore on a daily basis.
The United States Association for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
The Diocese of Columbus
The Diocese of Columbus unites 108 Catholic parishes in 23 Ohio counties. The Diocese includes 50 Catholic schools (39 elementary schools and 11 high schools) in 14 counties. All of the schools are chartered and accredited by the Ohio Catholic School Accrediting Association and the Ohio Department of Education.
Diocesan schools are a ministry of the whole person, helping students to develop intellectually, spiritually, socially, and morally. The schools foster wisdom and understanding that produce future leaders and adults who understand the obligations of human life, the dignity of the individual, and the shared responsibility for our common good.
Diocesan schools provide a safe, structured community for students. Teachers in K-12 Catholic schools are degreed and licensed educators in the state of Ohio. They meet rigorous and ongoing professional development standards for licensure renewal. All teachers, volunteers, staff, and coaches are fingerprinted and must pass rigorous background checks.
Please use the links below to find more information about the Diocese of Columbus, the Ohio Catholic School Accrediting Association, or the Office of Catholic Schools.