This episode was recorded on February 29th, 2024.
Mother Chiara Thérèse Jacobson has been an atrium catechist at Christ the King Catholic Montessori School in Mandan, ND since 2015, focusing on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for children from birth to 12 years. She holds an AMI Montessori Assistants to Infancy diploma for birth to 3-year-olds, a bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State University, a diploma in Spiritual Theology from the Teresianum in Rome, and a Master's in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH. As a foundational member of the Servants of the Children of Light, established in the Diocese of Bismarck, ND in 2020, she combines Catholic Montessori education with a life of contemplative prayer.
Fr. Nick Schneider, ordained in 2009, serves the Diocese of Bismarck, North Dakota. He holds degrees in music performance, humanities, philosophy, and theology, and a Doctorate in Sacred Liturgy from the Pontifical Atheneum of St. Anselm in Rome. Fr. Schneider also has an AMS Montessori diploma for 9-12-year-olds and is pursuing an AMI Elementary Diploma for 6-12-year-olds. His pastoral roles include Parochial Vicar at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Pastor of Christ the King Parish in Mandan, and currently, Pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Crown Butte. Since 2018, he has guided students at Christ the King Catholic Montessori School and has directed the Office of Worship in the Bismarck Diocese since 2011. Fr. Schneider supports several religious communities as a chaplain and is actively involved with the Latin Mass community. He is a former board member of the Society of Catholic Liturgy and a presenter at their annual conference.
Find more:
Servants of the Children of Light website: https://servantsofthechildrenoflight.org
Christ the King School could be included: https://ctkmandan.com/our-school
Masters in Catholic Montessori at the University of Mary: https://online.umary.edu/academics/masters-doctoral-programs/master-education-catholic-montessori
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— Chapters —
00:00 - Coming Up
00:24 - The Struggles and Potential Solution for a Failing School
01:19 - Meeting with the Bishop and Establishing a New Community
03:49 - Introduction and Quick Organization of the Conversation
04:06 - Mary’s Training and Experience with Catechesis of Good Shepherd
06:05 - Fr. Nick’s Role and Training at the School
08:07 - The Transformation Journey of the School into a Montessori Institution
10:14 - Daily Life and Routine at the Montessori School
12:24 - Montessori Methods and Student Freedom
15:10 - Long Multiplication Techniques in Montessori
17:28 - Transitioning from Concrete to Abstract Learning
20:17 - Practical Life Exercises for Young Children
22:14 - Honoring and Nurturing the Child’s Inner Guide
24:41 - Addressing and Guiding Behavioral Issues
27:22 - Freedom and Responsibility in Montessori Education
30:03 - Importance of Cosmic Education and Interconnected Learning
33:20 - The Role of Environment in a Child’s Development
36:09 - Serving Christ in the Child: A Religious Commitment
39:00 - Challenges and Rewards of Fostering Good Habits in Children
42:27 - Global Response and Importance of Montessori Education Today
46:15 - The Rights and Advocacy for Children’s Needs