CHAPEL OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Spiritual Formation for Young Children
Chapel of the Good Shepherd is a ministry of spiritual formation for young children. In a thoughtfully prepared environment, children engage with The Good Shepherd through beautiful, handmade materials that invite wonder, reflection, prayer, and deep engagement with Scripture.
Children are guided by adults who have completed more than 90 hours of specialized training to aid the child in an encounter with God. The child and the adult come to God together through a method that develops concentration, contemplation, and joyful discovery.
For more than 70 years, this ministry—also known as Catechesis of the Good Shepherd—has been used in over 70 countries. Inspired by the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori, it began in the Roman Catholic tradition and is now embraced by churches across many denominations. At University Methodist, Pastor Holly has thoughtfully adapted this ministry for our Methodist beliefs.
Registration is open for the the 2026/2027 school year. Breaks are taken in during Fall Break, Christmas and Spring Break. Families are strongly encouraged to attend weekly as the experiences from each week build upon each other
Children are guided by adults who have completed more than 90 hours of specialized training to aid the child in an encounter with God. The child and the adult come to God together through a method that develops concentration, contemplation, and joyful discovery.
For more than 70 years, this ministry—also known as Catechesis of the Good Shepherd—has been used in over 70 countries. Inspired by the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori, it began in the Roman Catholic tradition and is now embraced by churches across many denominations. At University Methodist, Pastor Holly has thoughtfully adapted this ministry for our Methodist beliefs.
Registration is open for the the 2026/2027 school year. Breaks are taken in during Fall Break, Christmas and Spring Break. Families are strongly encouraged to attend weekly as the experiences from each week build upon each other
Toddler Chapel
Beginning Walkers Through 3 Years
Wednesdays | 9:30–11am
Our youngest children experience prayer, community, and God's love alongside a parent or caregiver. Each session is designed to nurture the child's growing relationship with Jesus through simple, hands-on experiences. Please note: A parent or caregiver must attend each session with his/her child.
Our youngest children experience prayer, community, and God's love alongside a parent or caregiver. Each session is designed to nurture the child's growing relationship with Jesus through simple, hands-on experiences. Please note: A parent or caregiver must attend each session with his/her child.
Level 1 Chapel
3 years Through Kindergarten
Wednesdays | 6:30 - 7:40
Sundays | 11:00am
Children discover God's love through the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Using hands-on materials, they explore: Biblical geography, the mystery of Jesus’ birth and death, the Kingdom of God parables, practical life activities, prayer, contemplation, and worship
Sundays | 11:00am
Children discover God's love through the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Using hands-on materials, they explore: Biblical geography, the mystery of Jesus’ birth and death, the Kingdom of God parables, practical life activities, prayer, contemplation, and worship
Level 2 Chapel
1st–5th Grade
Wednesdays - 6:30-7:40
While the level 1 child is captured by The Good Shepherd image, the elementary aged child is captured by The True Vine image (John 15). Children in Level 2 explore their place in God’s Kingdom and God’s story. They ponder about the vine, the branches and The Vine Grower through collaborative work that aids reflection on: Salvation history, The books of the Bible, Biblical geography, Jesus’ teachings and moral parables, The Lord's Prayer, The Paschal narratives, Holy Communion and Baptism.
A unique part of Level II is student-led worship. Each week, children work together to plan and lead a time of prayer and worship, growing as disciples and as a faith community.
While the level 1 child is captured by The Good Shepherd image, the elementary aged child is captured by The True Vine image (John 15). Children in Level 2 explore their place in God’s Kingdom and God’s story. They ponder about the vine, the branches and The Vine Grower through collaborative work that aids reflection on: Salvation history, The books of the Bible, Biblical geography, Jesus’ teachings and moral parables, The Lord's Prayer, The Paschal narratives, Holy Communion and Baptism.
A unique part of Level II is student-led worship. Each week, children work together to plan and lead a time of prayer and worship, growing as disciples and as a faith community.
Meet the Chapel team
Holly Wilson
Pastor of Community & Formation
Rebekah Elliot
Assistant to Family Formation