Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Training Registration

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 (3-6 year old) Catechists Formation 2025
St. Patrick Catholic Church - Cedar Rapids, IA 

3 1/2 day weekends in 2025:

• February 13-16
• June 12-15
• August 7-10
• October 23-26

Schedule:

• Thursdays 5-8pm
• Fridays 9am-5pm
• Saturdays 9am-4pm
• Sundays 11am-4pm

Tuition
$600 for the full course. Includes meals (snacks & lunch). 
Deposit of $100 reserves your spot. 
Limited spots available. 
Full payment due upon start of the course. 
If you are a parishioner of St. Patrick Church, who agrees to teach CGS for three years, tuition expense is covered. 

Questions:
Contact Geralyn Ward, Director of Faith Formation & CGS
319-360-4964
[email protected]

What to expect: 
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a faith formation experience for children ages 3 -12 years old. It is based on the belief that young children can and do experience God. Central to the catechesis is the atrium, a special room created to nurture the child ’s spirituality with beautiful handmade materials that focus the child ’s attention on key moments of the Mass and scripture. Children grow in their relationship with the Good Shepherd through Gospel proclamations using the parable method, through prayer, singing, silence and exploring liturgical events. Within this retreat style training, you as an adult will be prepared to become a co -listener with the child. The course will include presentations, reflections, practicum and material making. The catechesis began in Rome in 1954 with the approval of the bishops of Rome, including Pope John Paul II. Dr. Sofia Cavalletti, a scripture scholar, and Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori teacher, developed the catechesis through observing and working with children. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd can be found throughout the world on six continents.

The aims of the course are: 

• To explore the methodology and guiding principles of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. 
• To explore the religious nature and most vital religious needs of the 3 to 6 - year -old child. 
• To meditate on the biblical and liturgical themes presented to the 3 to 6-year-old child. 
• To further develop the participant ’s ability to observe and learn from children, to listen with children to the scripture, and to enjoy the presence of God. 
• To offer aid to participants in preparing an Atrium environment, and in creating the participant ’s album lessons.

Meet the Formation Leader:
Monica Miller began her CGS journey in 2004 when a fellow parishioner ’s invitation echoed the words of our Lord to “come and see.” She immediately fell in love with the atrium. Seeing her first presentation, The Kingdom of God and the Pearl of Great Price, allowed her to recognize the value of this approach and its ability to aid both the child and the adult in a mutual listening before the Word. Since then Monica has helped begin CGS in 3 parishes, including the first atrium in the Archdiocese of Dubuque at Holy Name in Rockford, IA. Monica has an undergraduate degree in theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville, post graduate theology credits at the University of Notre Dame, and a Montessori primary certification from North American Montessori Centre. She is also in the process of being recognized as a level II formation leader.

Course Books:

• The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition. Sofia Cavalletti
• The Good Shepherd and the Child: A Joyful Journey, revised and updated. 
• Listening to God with Children (if out of print, alternative book available