CGS Level One Catechist Formation

*Please scroll to the bottom of the page for the registration form*

About the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children, 3-12 years of age. It originated in 1954 with the founding of the children’s center or “atrium” in Rome by Sofia Cavalletti, a biblical scholar, and Gianna Gobbi, an educator of children and teachers. Inspired by Montessori principles of education, the catechesis is based on the conviction that God and the child are already in relationship. It beautifully honors the dignity of the child and seeks to foster their relationship with God.

Children hear the Gospel by working with sensorial rich, but simple materials, keyed to scriptural or liturgical moments. Central to this program is the Atrium, a sacred space prepared for the children. A place of beauty, the atrium is designed for being with and enjoying God, listening to God’s Word, and praying. Everything they are presented is deeply rooted in scripture and liturgy.

As adults who are in the atrium with the children or parents and grandparents who have children in the atrium, we are able to be dive deeper into the mystery of God and the mystery of the child. We are able to let these mysteries penetrate our own lives so that we understand better Jesus’ words, “Unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of God” (Mt. 18:3). The formation is spiritually enriching and helps adults dive deeply into the deep essentials of the Mass and contemplative prayer.

If you are interested in becoming a catechist or if you are a parent or grandparent of children in the atrium, please prayerfully consider taking this opportunity for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd formation. If you are a parishioner at St. Robert, we offer discounted tuition for you.

Catechist Formation – A Weekly Training Format!

We are offering a weekly formation to better accommodate busy schedules! This also offers an opportunity to experience CGS training in a reflective, retreat manner. We will meet on Thursdays from 6pm-9pm once a week. The dates are as follows for Part One of Level One training:

October 10, 17, 24,November 7, 14, 21, December 5, 12, 19, 2024; January 9, 16, 23, 30, February 6, 13, 20, 27, & 28, 2025. Dates TBA for Part Two in 2025-2026 school year.

The class will be closed at 25 participants. A minimum of 12 participants is needed to ensure the course takes place.

Registration is due September 12, 2024. Class begins on October 10, 2024 at 6pm in the school library/media center.

At the end of this course in 2026, the participants will receive certification for Level 1 from the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. (www.cgsusa.org)

3-6 Course Objectives

To explore the religious nature and the most vital religious needs of the 3-6 year old child.

To present the methodology and guiding principles of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

To broaden the catechist’s ability to observe and learn from children, to listen with children to scripture and to deepen the catechist’s enjoyment of God’s presence.

To offer guidelines and assistance in preparing the “atrium” environment, developing the catechist’s teaching album, and making catechetical materials.

To meditate on the scriptural and liturgical themes presented to the 3-6 year old.

Implementation of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd requires training for adults at each level or age group: Level One focuses on children ages 3-6. The training course features 90 hours of lectures, participation in discussions, lesson presentations, and assistance with preparing materials and the catechist’s album. The Level One course is foundational for all three levels of CGS. The course will be held at St. Robert Bellarmine in Flushing. The facilities allow for both classroom space and access to a full 3-6 year old atrium.

Tuition and Texts

The tuition for the entire course is $600 (Part One $300, Part Two $300). The tuition includes the $35 registration fee for the National Association of the Good Shepherd.

There are three required texts for the course:

The Religious Potential of the Child (Sofia Cavalletti)

Nurturing the Whole Child (Gianna Gobbi)

The Good Shepherd and the Child, A Joyful Journey

These texts can be ordered from the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. An order form may be obtained from their web site: www.cgsusa.org. Phone 708-524-1210.
Texts can also be purchased from Liturgical Training Publications at www.ltp.org.

Also recommended to purchase:

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in a Parish Setting (by Tina Lillig)
The Development of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (by Sofia Cavalletti).

The Formation Leaders

Pam Turchi has been involved in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd since 2007. She assisted in building Level I, II and III at St. Robert in Flushing, has been a catechist in all three atria, and was certified as a Level One Formation Leader in 2018.

Hannah Turchi began her journey with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in 2011, and is a catechist and Director of Discipleship at St. Robert Bellarmine, Flushing. She works in both a parish and school environment. In 2018, Hannah was certified as a Level One Formation Leader. In 2024, she was certified as a Level Two Formation Leader. She has a Master’s degree in Pastoral Studies and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (MAPS-CGS) from Aquinas Institute in St. Louis, MO.