Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Courses
Formation Courses for Adults in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Based on Dr. Maria Montessori’s deep understanding of the child and her resulting pedagogy, this beautiful method answers the child’s silent plea: “Help me to draw closer to God by myself” by inviting him into an intimate relationship with Jesus the Good Shepherd. CGS is now offered in more than 37 countries and is approved by Rome and local dioceses for religious and sacramental preparation of children.
Formation courses in this method for parents, clergy, religious educators, grandparents and other interested adults help attune adults to understand how children pray, listen and grow closer to God in the setting of the specially prepared environment called the Atrium. Offered in a rich retreat-like format, CGS courses for adults can also serve to transform our adult notions of how to approach God and greatly enrich our own spirituality and prayer life.
Schedule of upcoming/current CGS Formation Courses
offered through our affiliation with CCMA:
Level I Formation
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level I Formation Course - one weekend per month 2025-2026
For adults working with children ages 3-6 years old.
To pre-register, contact Laura Accettullo at [email protected].
Course Dates:
2025: Sept 27-28, Oct 25-26, Nov 15-16, Dec 6-7
2026: Jan 17-18, Feb 7-8, Feb 28-Mar 1, Mar 28-29, May 30-31
Saturdays: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM each day
Sundays: 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM each day
Location:
John XXIII Montessori Center
1401 Linden Stree, Front Royal, VA
Formation Leaders:
Laura Accettullo and Jennifer Miller
For more information and to register, please visit
https://www.ccma-usa.org/level-ii-atrium
The Level I (3-6 years old) Atrium lays the foundation for a child’s encounter with the Catholic community of faith. Held in a retreat like and accessible once-per-month format, this course for adults includes presentations, adult reflections, practice time, material making, and Montessori theory.
“I understand more deeply the mystery of childhood and, even as an adult, I was able to deepen my relationship with
God.”
“Lovely location. The facility, spaces and hospitality were well suited to the needs of the training. It was a very
peaceful space. The schedule and pace were very manageable.”
“I have gained several insights into child development that help my husband and me to be better parents.”
Sponsorships for St. John’s parishioners willing to work in an Atrium are available.
Contact David Wallace for more information: [email protected]
Level II Formation
Two-Summer Format 2025 & 2026 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level II Formation
For adults working with children ages 6-9 years old.
Click below to register.
Course Dates:
July 2-12 & 14-16, 2025
July 8-11 & 13-15, 2026
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM each day
Location:
John XXIII Montessori Center
1401 Linden Stree, Front Royal, VA
Formation Leaders:
Laura Accettullo and Jennifer Miller
Prerequisite of completion of a Level I CGS course.
For more information and to register, please visit
https://www.ccma-usa.org/level-ii-atrium
The Level II Atrium builds on the foundation of Level I for the child's encounter with the Catholic faith community. Religious experiences are deepened during this sensitive period for social and moral development, facilitating even greater participation in the wider community of the family, the Church and other social spheres. At this level, children prepare for and receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. The course includes presentations, adult reflections, practice time, material making, and Montessori theory. Participants will collaborate in writing album pages and at the conclusion of the course will have a completed working album.
"The Formation Leaders shared their reverence for God, respect for children, and their knowledge and experience of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd."
"Loved everything. Life-changing. I so appreciated the calm, realistic, patient teaching."
Through courses in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, adults have the opportunity to see all age appropriate presentations and materials given to children from the Bible and liturgy. Each formation course focuses on a specific developmental age group of the child.
A Level II formation course prepares adults working with children ages six to nine years old.
A Level III formation course prepares adults working with children ages nine to twelve years old.
The foundation for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is in the Level I formation course as it is this course that a catechist becomes attuned to the religious life of the child. (From the CGS USA website)
Courses for adults are offered by John XXIII on an ongoing basis, led by Formation Leaders recognized by the National Association of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. A certificate for participants will be granted from CGS National Office upon completion of all requirements. Courses typically cycle through part A and part B of a particular CGS course level in subsequent summers; one part held each summer.
