An Alternative Approach to Early Childhood Faith Formation in the Korean Catholic Church: Limitations of the 『Shalom, Catholic Preschool Catechism Guidebook』 and the Potential of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

ABSTRACT

[Objective] This study aims to analyze the Shalom: Catholic Catechism Guidebook for Young Children in accordance with the standards of the Directory for Catechesis, and to explore the applicability of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd(CGS) as an alternative model for early childhood faith education in the Korean Catholic Church.[Contents] To this end, the study examined the structure and teaching methods of the Shalom guidebook based on the criteria outlined in the Directory for Catechesis, identifying its limitations. Subsequently, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd(CGS), which is rooted in Maria Montessori’s philosophy of religious education, was analyzed using the same criteria to assess its suitability for early childhood catechesis in the Korean Catholic context. Based on these findings, the study proposes future directions for early childhood faith education in the Korean Catholic Church.[Conclusions] The results of the study highlight the need for a shift in how we understand and approach young children in catechesis, emphasizing that such a change is essential to fulfilling the evangelizing mission of early childhood religious education. Furthermore, it demonstrates the importance of a catechetical approach that integrates elements of being Christ-centered, mystagogical, and experiential. These findings suggest the necessity for parishes, educational institutions, and families to collaborate organically, not only by developing systematic teaching strategies, environments, and catechetical materials, but also by fostering adults who can accompany children in faith as spiritual companions.