What is the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based approach to the religious formation of children, rooted in Sacred Scriputure, Liturgy, and respect for the child's rich relationship with God. Central to CGS is the atrium, a room containing beautiful materials that focus the child's attention on key scripture passages or liturgical moments.

After an introduction by the catechist, the children are invited to work with a material on their own to continue their meditation. Because children learn by using their hands, working with mateials allows them to enter more deeply into meditation, nurturing their relationship with God.

Each CGS training course is designed to attune participants to the religious life of the child and to provide specific methods and materials to foster that life.

Course sessions include prayer, presentations of materials, background information, discussion of album pages, and work in the atrium..

Beginning their work in 1954, Dr. Sofia Cavalleti and her co-worker, Gianna Gobbi, developed the catechesis by observing and working with children between the ages of three and twelve. It is the joyful, peaceful response of the children themselves that inspired and determined the content of this unique program.

The National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd supports the work of catechists throughout the United States and issues certificates upon completion of an approved course. These courses are offered by the Center of Children and Theology in cooperation with the Association.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd:
Level I (3-6 year-old curriculum)
Level II (6-9 year-old curriculum)
Level III (9-12 year-old curriculum)

Goal
Formation in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is designed to attune participants to the religious life of the child at 3-12 years old and to provide specific methods and materials to foster their spiritual life.

Contact
Contact the Center for Children and Theology, cct@cctheo.org to register for courses or call (202) 250-5905. A $35 fee for a course certificate from the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is included in the fees below.

Former Participants from previous CCTheo courses are welcome to attend part or all of any course they have already taken at CCTheo for $20, the cost of copied materials. (The Intensive CGS Level I, Part I course offered in Summer 2012 is a new in-depth introduction to Montessori Theory, and is not eligible for the

Intensive CGS Summer Courses begin at CCTheo

For years at CCTheo, we have dreamed of being able to offer intensive summer courses in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. But our lack of space and good accommodation (and especially air conditioning!) made it impossible.

In the summer of 2011, the Center for Children and Theology moved onto the grounds of Rock Creek Cemetery, just across the path from Christian Family Montessori School's new atriums. And now, we are pleased to announce a plan for summer intensive courses in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

Beginning July 2012, we will initiate a cycle of intensive summer courses. Intensive CGS Level I, Part I Course focusing on Montessori Theory and Practice. (Lectures on Montessori Theory or equivalent from a Montessori training course is required for completion of Level I certificate from CGSusa.)

This course is appropriate for newcomers to CGS, assistants in an atrium, or for experienced catechists wanting to deepen their understanding of Montessori theory.

For more detailed information about this summer's course, and to register, scroll down or click here.

Beginning with the Summer 2012 CGS Level I, Part I course, we will initiate a cycle of courses each summer. In order to allow catechists and program directors to plan and budget for the courses they need, below is our Course Plan for Intensive Summer CGS Courses for 2012-2020.

All courses except Interfaith Materials will be certificate courses for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Certificate fees are included with tuition and certificates awarded upon completion of the course.

Our first Summer Course: CGS, Level I, Part I focusing on Montessori Theory and Practice, July 16-20, 2012 This Summer's course will begin with Montessori Theory. We'll cover basic Montessori principles more thoroughly than our monthly courses allow, with lessons in grace and courtesy, practical life, and nomenclature. (This week, or equivalent from a Montessori training course, is the first part of our Level I course, to be completed in 2013.) This course is appropriate for newcomers to the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, atrium assistants, or catechists who would like a refresher in Montessori theory. When: July 16-20, 2012 Where: In the new atriums of Christian Family Montessori School, Rock Creek Road and Webster Street NW, Washington DC Cost: Level I, Part I: $300 (includes lunches) Accommodations: Accommodations for out of town participants will be at the Center for Educational Design and Communication, about 2 miles from the school. CEDC Accommodations: $30/night, breakfast $7.50/day, dinners $13.50/day Course Leaders: Catherine Maresca, MA, studied the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd with Rebekah Rojcewicz and Sofia Cavalletti. She has conducted formation courses across the United States and in Uganda. She is founder and director of the Center for Children and Theology, where she researches the spiritual life of young children. Kristi Medley, M.Ed. and Lindy Rivera, M.Ed., are both primary guides at Christian Family Montessori School. Both have AMI diplomas for ages 3-6, and combined experience of over 15 years of work in the primary Montessori classroom. Space is limited in this course. Register now to reserve your place. Priority is given to those planning to participate in CGS Level 1, Part II in Summer 2013. To register for the course, you can make a half payment for CGS Level I, Part I (balance due June 1), or complete payment for all of CGS Level I, Part I: Tuition Payment for Intensive Summer 3-6 Course--$350 Half Tuition Payment for Intensive Summer 3-6 Course--$175(Balance due June 1, 2012. Deposit for Accommodations at CEDC--$100 CGS Level I, Part II will be offered in July 8-19, 2013. For more information about our cycle of intensive summer courses over the next 8 years, click here.