Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Level 1 Catechist Training

Welcome

We are thrilled to be hosting Part B of Level 1 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd catechist training here in St. Agatha Atrium at Christ the Teacher University Parish in June 2026. See the informational video from our CGS coordinator, Jenny Gray.

Below you will find Level 1 training details and course registration.

St. Agatha, pray for us!

  • Location
    Christ the Teacher University Parish, 512 Normal Rd., DeKalb, IL 60115

    Dates
    Level 1, Part B - June 15-20, 2026 - Registration open December 2025

    Time
    9:00am - 4:30pm, includes daily Mass at 12:05pm

    Tuition
    Level 1, Part B: $185

    Payment for Level 1B due on or before June 15, 2026.

    Payment Options
    Cash or Check - Please make checks payable to Christ the Teacher University Parish.
    Online - Click here to submit payment for CGS 1B Training*

    *Please note that if choosing to pay online, a processing fee will be added at checkout.

    Contact
    Jenny Gray, goodshepherd@newmanniu.org

  • The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori-based religious formation program for children, beginning at the age of three. It seeks to create and facilitate a sacred, “hands-on” space for children called an atrium, in which both the children and their catechists can hear; ponder; and celebrate the most essential mysteries of the Catholic faith as revealed in the Scriptures and the Liturgy. Originally developed in Rome by Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi in the 1950s, the Catechesis continues to spread world-wide. This course will ground the participant in the theory and praxis of CGS while also concretely preparing him/her to develop and facilitate an atrium for 3-6 year-old children.

    Our Formation Leader
    Carolyn Kohlhaas is a nationally recognized Formation Leader for CGS at all three levels of formation. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology and in Religious Education from Franciscan University of Steubenville and her AMI Primary (3-6) and Elementary (6-12) Level Certifications from the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota. Carolyn has a Master of Education degree (Loyola College, Maryland) as well as a Master of Arts in Theology (St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity). She has worked with children in Atriums in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis since 2006 and with adults in formation courses across the US since 2009. 

    • To explore with participants the general developmental characteristics and religious characteristics of the 3-6 year-old child.

    • To facilitate meditation on the biblical and liturgical themes of CGS.

    • To offer guidelines and assistance to catechists for setting up and atrium for 3-6 year-olds, preparing and album, and making materials.

    • To deepen participants’ ability to observe and learn from children while also exploring avenues for deepening parental and congregational ability to observe and learn from children.

  • Can CGS fit into a Faith Formation R.E. model? Parishes use CGS in a variety of ways including offering the program only for preschool children, alongside a traditional R.E. program for K-4th grade, or within a traditional R.E. model. For example, CGS may be offered weekly on Sunday mornings, corresponding with the Faith Formation meeting day and taking the place of a PreK-1st grade class.

    Do I need to go through CGS Adult training to start CGS at my parish? Yes. The CGS model relies heavily on the adult catechist formation. It is not a program that can be used without direct training.

    Can I apply CGS and Montessori principles in a traditional classroom? While implementing the program in its entirety is always ideal, catechists and teachers in traditional classrooms can learn ways to help children pray and foster their relationship with Christ through CGS adult training.

    Will CGS work in a Catholic school environment? Yes! Many Catholic schools are pleased to offer CGS in their preschool and elementary programs.

    What ages can participate in CGS? CGS is designed for children ages 3 to 12 years old. Level 1 is for children 3-6, Level 2 is for children 6-9 and Level 3 is for children 9-12.

    What is the cost to begin a CGS program? The cost to start CGS is the cost of training for several catechists (usually $200/per person), the cost of materials (many items are hand-made, but should budget $1,000-$2,000), the cost of facility use for permanent atrium (classroom) space.

    Can CGS accommodate children with special needs? Yes. Due to the independent nature of Montessori learning, and one-on-one catechist to child interaction, CGS naturally encourages inclusion for children with special needs in the atrium.