Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Catechist Formation Course
Level II, Part A
for Catechists working with children ages 6 – 9
Aquinas College – Nashville, TN
Part A: July 6-12, 2025
Part B: TBD
What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)?
CGS is a Montessori-based Catholic faith formation program where children can grow in their relationship with God through a deep engagement in Scripture and liturgy. CGS is based on the belief that God and the child are already in relationship. Our work as adults is to provide a place for the child and God to come together and grow.
Course Description
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) seeks to create and facilitate a sacred, “hands-on” space for children called an atrium, in which both the children and their catechists can hear, ponder, and celebrate the most essential mysteries of the Catholic faith as revealed in the Scriptures and the Liturgy.
Course Structure
The first part of this 90+-hour course is designed to be a spiritual formation experience and instruction for those who have already completed CGS Level I certification.
The training will build upon and deepen the fundamentals of our faith that are presented in Level I. New themes will be introduced in this level which correspond to the child’s heightened sense of morality and ability to think abstractly.
Training will be conducted in the Holy Child Atria, in the Aquinas Center on the Aquinas College campus in Nashville, TN. Evening material making sessions at Siena Hall are included in the course. Check-in is from 2-4pm on Sunday, July 6; departure after lunch on Saturday, July 12. A preliminary schedule, subject to change, is available to provide a sense of the flow of the week-long training.
Successful completion of this course will result in a certificate from the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
Course Objectives
• To explore the most vital religious needs and the general developmental characteristics of the 6 – 9 year old child
• To facilitate meditation on the Biblical and liturgical themes presented to the 6 – 9 year old
• To further the catechist’s ability to observe and learn from the elementary age child
• To offer guidance and assistance in preparing the atrium, making the catechist’s album, and materials for the Level 2 atrium
Formation Leader: Sister Maria Teresita, O.P.
Sister Maria Teresita is a Dominican Sister of St. Cecilia. She currently serves as an upper-elementary guide at St. Philip Learning Center, a Catholic Montessori homeschool enrichment program in Franklin, TN, a catechist for Levels 2 and 3 in a parish setting, and a formation leader for CGS Levels 1 and 2. Sister holds an AMI diploma at the Elementary level, a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies (Aquinas College, Nashville), and a M.A. in Montessori Education (Loyola University, Maryland). She has enjoyed nearly 20 years serving children as a classroom teacher in both conventional and Montessori settings and 14 years as a catechist of the Good Shepherd in all three atria levels. Sister began her Montessori journey as a child in a Montessori school where she developed a deep love for learning. She is a convert to the Catholic faith and delights in every opportunity to “listen to God with children.”
Meals & Lodging
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), as well as snacks, will be provided, beginning with dinner on Sunday, July 6 and concluding with lunch on Saturday, July 12. Overnight accommodations (six nights) are provided at the beautiful on-site Siena Hall Conference Center. Each participant will be provided a private spacious bedroom and a Jack-and-Jill bathroom shared with one other attendee.
Registration
Registration for part A of this Level II course is $1,450.00 per participant. Registration includes course tuition, books, materials, all meals, and overnight accommodations. Part B of this course will be offered at a later date, based upon input from participants.
Space in this formation course is limited to 24 participants. To secure a place in the course, please complete the online registration form and submit payment. Registration may also be submitted by mail; see course brochure for registration form. Payment may be made via check mailed to Aquinas College (4210 Harding Pike, Nashville TN 37205) or via online credit card payment. [$50 discount if all payments are made by check.]
A nonrefundable deposit of $300 is due with registration. Balance will be due by June 15, 2025. Cancellations before June 15 will receive a full refund, less the $300 deposit.
If the cost of registration presents a financial hardship, partial scholarships may be available. Contact cgs@aquinascollege.edu for more information.
Questions?
For questions or more information, contact Rachel Smola
