COURSES & FORMATION
Education for Everyone
For 30 years CCTheo has had a reputation for providing in-depth education for catechists, parents, and church leaders. Whether you are a ministry leader just getting started, or a fully certified CGS catechist, CCTheo is here to walk with you. Our approach to the atrium is an inclusive and intentional mindset that meets the child wherever they are. We extend this approach to adults as well by meeting you where you are in your faith journey and making our offerings as accessible as possible.
What We offer
Three ways to learn with us.
We offer a number of CGS catechist formation courses, short courses on specific topics, mentoring, and community conversation to prepare and strengthen adults to work with children in an atrium.
Orientation to CGS & Continuing Education for Ministry Leaders
Two short course offerings for ministry leaders and volunteers who want to support the work of the atrium and also bring the spirituality of CGS to their ministry.
Atrium Assistants Orientation, Baptized: Opening the Gift
Catechist Professional Development
Are you ready to dive deeper into a CGS topic? These courses offer ongoing education and community connections for catechists already working in an atrium.
Catechist Action Research in the Atrium (CARA), 0.5 Forums to build on themes from CGS formation
Community Conversation
Free live discussions, shaped by what the wider community is asking about.
Specific atrium materials, social teaching topics, ministry to the whole family
offered this year
Schedule at a Glance
Prefer to browse by date instead of by level? Here’s everything with a set start time, in order.
When
Session
Course
Level
TBD
Spring 2027
Catechist Action Research in the Atrium (CARA)
General Education
Are you a parent or caregiver?
Grace Space Families offers self-directed courses built for families, including Who is God?, Praying with Children, and Observation to Contemplation.
COURSES & FORMATION
Courses by Age & Stage
Formation builds level by level. Not sure where to start? Course leaders are happy to help you figure out the right entry point — contact us.
Course details and registration are handled through our learning platform, which opens in a new window.
General Education
Open to Everyone
Live · 3 Weeks
Atrium Assistants Orientation - Fall 2026
Oct 1, 8 & 15 · 7:30–9:00pm EST
A foundational orientation for anyone assisting in the atrium: how to observe, how to be present, and how to support the child’s own encounter with God.
Free · Recurring
Zoom Conversations 2026-27
Monthly · various times
Free live discussions with Montessorians, catechists, and theologians — theoretical and practical, hosted by Katy Beedle Rice.
Live · 4 Weeks
Baptized: Opening the Gift - Winter 2026
Jan 7, 14, 21 & 28 · 1–2:30pm EST
Empowers church and lay leaders to offer baptismal preparation that speaks to every age, especially young parents.
Live · 3 Weeks
Atrium Assistants Orientation - Winter 2026
Jan 21, 28 & Feb 4 · 7:30–9:00pm EST
A foundational orientation for anyone assisting in the atrium: how to observe, how to be present, and how to support the child’s own encounter with God.
Parent Toddler
18-36 months
No Parent Toddler courses are scheduled for 2026. Contact us to be notified when dates are set.
Not Scheduled
Parent Toddler Grace Space Course
Not scheduled for 2026
For catechists, parents, grandparents, caregivers, and ministers supporting the spiritual development of the church’s youngest members.
Level 1
3-6 years
No Level 1 courses are scheduled for 2026. Contact us to be notified when dates are set.
Not Scheduled
Level 1 Formation Course
Not scheduled for 2026
The foundational formation course for catechists working with children ages 3 to 6, leading to CGSUSA certification.
Level 2
6-9 years
No Level 2 courses are scheduled for 2026. Contact us to be notified when dates are set.
Not Scheduled
Level 2 Formation Course
Not scheduled for 2026
For catechists who have completed Level 1. This formation introduces the themes and practices of the atrium for 6 to 9 year-old children, leading to CGSUSA certification.
Not Scheduled
2.5 Forum
Not scheduled for 2026
For previously trained catechists returning to Level 2 work. Reviews the child, the atrium, and key presentations.
Level 3
9-12 years
No Level 3 courses are scheduled for 2026. Contact us to be notified when dates are set.
Not Scheduled
Level 3 Formation Course
Not scheduled for 2026
For catechists who have completed Levels 1 and 2. Introduces the History of the Plan of God, typology, and the moral work that shapes a 9 to 12 atrium, leading to CGSUSA certification.
Not Scheduled
3.5 Forum: Hebrew Scriptures/Typology
Not scheduled for 2026
For formerly trained catechists. Reviews the child, the atrium, themes, updates, and key presentations, and addresses participant questions.
Bring CCtheo to you
We'll come to your church or school.
Request a turn-key formation and our team will work directly with you to bring CGS training to your own community — no travel required on your end.
We focus on spiritually preparing the adult, preparing the spaces, offering parent resources, and helping you integrate this approach into the programs and community you already have.
Prefer to come to us? We have dedicated training environments built for this work.
- A Montessori school on the grounds of historic Rock Creek Cemetery, Washington, DC — atriums for every level
- All Saints Sharon Chapel, Alexandria, VA — home of our Atrium Essentials online sessions
- Small course sizes, with permanently available sessions to make up or review content
- Ongoing support from course leaders by email or phone after the course ends
Making it Accessible
Cost shouldn't be why you don't get trained.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
If financial challenges are affecting your decision to train, call us. Scholarships and mentorship resources may be available. We use a “green bottle” method to help determine what level of aid may fit your situation — contact us to talk through it.
Refund Policy
Course fees are refundable, minus a $75 administrative fee, up to one month before the formation course begins.
Who You'll Learn From
Over 100 years of combined Atrium experience.
Catherine Maresca
Katy Beedle Rice
Davette Himes
Jodi-beth McCain
Together, our course leaders bring well over 100 years of experience in atria for toddlers through age 12, in both parishes and schools. All are certified by CGSUSA, which also certifies you upon completion of course requirements.
What makes these courses different:
- Leaders work skillfully across multi-denominational spaces, adapting to the distinctives of each setting
- Many hold multiple Montessori certifications, and many hold degrees in Theology
- Every course emphasizes how to locate, name, and proclaim to the child the theology at the core of each presentation
Not sure where to start?
Course leaders are happy to help you find the right level and format for where you are right now.