Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Level 1 Catechist Training

Welcome

We are thrilled to be hosting Level 1 Part A Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Catechist Formation at Christ the Teacher University Parish in June 2027. Below may be found Level 1 training details and course description.

With questions, please reach out to our CGS coordinator, Jenny Gray at goodshepherd@newmanniu.org.

St. Agatha, pray for us!

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

    Dates
    Level 1, Part A - June 14-19, 2027 - Registration open December 2026

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

    Tuition
    Level 1, Part A: $220 includes $35 one time registration fee to CGSUSA

    Payment for Level 1A due on or before June 14, 2027.

    Payment Options
    Cash or Check - Please make checks payable to Christ the Teacher University Parish.
    Online - Click here to submit payment for CGS 1A 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
    Ellen Schlosser is a nationally recognized Level 1 Formation Leader for CGS. She holds certification in all 3 levels of CGS as well as Infant-Toddler certification, and is currently the Coordinator of CGS for two local parishes within the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature from the University of Dallas, an AMI Elementary Assistant Certificate from AMI Prague, and has a background in education.

    • 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.