Catechesis of the good shepherd

CGS OVERVIEW

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Christian education process for children ages 3 through 12 in which they experience and form an authentic, faithful relationship with God. Inspired by Maria Montessori’s principles of education, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd was created in 1954 in Rome by Dr. Sofia Cavalletti, a biblical scholar, and Professor Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori-trained educator of children and teachers.

 

YOUR INVITATION

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd requires training for adults working with each level or age group. Level I is for children ages 3-6, Level II is for children ages 6-9 and Level III is for children ages 9-12. Each level of training requires 90 hours of lectures, lesson presentations, material making, and atrium observations.  You are invited to participate in a Level I formation training for adults.

 

LEVEL I FORMATION COURSE OBJECTIVES

• To present the methodology and guiding principles of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd as it especially pertains to the 3-6 year old child.

• To explore the religious nature and the most vital needs of the 3-6 year old child.

• To meditate on the Biblical and Liturgical themes presented to the 3-6 year old child.

• To develop the catechist’s observation skills.

• To provide an environment of support and encouragement to deepen our own enjoyment of God.

• To offer guidelines and assistance in preparing the Level I atrium environment, and in making the catechist’s album and catechetical material.

​

DAN TELLER:  LEVEL I FORMATION LEADER

• CGS formation and catechist experience at Levels I, II and III

• Founder, The Good Shepherd Catholic Montessori

• 14 years experience as a 3-6 Montessori teacher

• Masters in Montessori Education (Xavier University, 1984) and American Montessori Society certification

• Former Board Member, National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

• Former American Catholic representative to the International Consiglio of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd 

• Trained under Betty Hissong, Linda Kaiel, Rebekah Rojcewicz, and Tina Lillig

​

​

 

REGISTRATION AND TUITION PAYMENT 

​

Cost is $535 (full payment for Parts 1 and 2). Tuition assistance is available for those willing to make a commitment to CGS by serving in the atrium at St. Catherine.  Please contact Jeanne Hicks before registering.

Notes:

• Payment should be made in full which will include both Part 1 and Part 2. 

• A National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level I Certificate will be granted to each participant who completes the entire course requirements. 

• Each participant is responsible for purchasing the books needed; these will be listed in the welcome letter you will receive upon registration.

• Space is limited. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. 

• Registration is due by Friday, May 1, 2026 

​​​