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 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Formation Course
Course Dates: September 2024 - June 2025. One weekend/month format - Saturdays 9:30am-4:30pm, Sundays 1:00pm-4:30pm
Course Fee: a reduced tuition for John XXIII parents may be available - please inquire by contacting [email protected]; please see here for more information.
TESTIMONIALS FROM FORMER PARTICIPANTS
“After receiving my AMI diploma, I felt like I gained a lot of knowledge, but didn't realize I was missing a piece in the puzzle until I started taking this training. I understand more deeply the mystery of childhood and, even as an adult, I was able to deepen my relationship with God.”
“Overall, the course was excellent. It provided a good balance between lecture, discussion, presentation, and work time. Both Laura and Michelle facilitated discussion well and were excellent listeners and presenters.”
“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.”
“Loved everything. Life-changing. I so appreciated the calm, realistic, patient teaching.”
CGS Level 1 Course Details
Location: John XXIII Montessori Center
1401 Linden Street, Front Royal, VA 22630
Formation Leaders: Laura Accettullo, assisted by Michelle Castellan
Dates:
2024: September 28-29, October 26-27, November 16-17, December 7-8
2025: January 18-19, February 8-9, March 1-2, April 5-6, May 10, May 31-June 1
Required Books:
The Religious Potential of the Child, 3rd ed — Sofia Cavalletti
Nurturing the Whole Child — Gianna Gobbi
The Good Shepherd and the Child: A Joyful Journey — Sofia Cavalletti et al
Recommended:
The Child in the Church — Maria Montessori, Sofia Cavalletti, edited by E.M. Standing
All books can be found and ordered at the CGS website.
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.
