CGS Formation: Level 1B

Catechist Intensive Residential Formation Course
Level 1, Part B
for Catechists working with children ages 3 – 6
Aquinas College – Nashville, TN
June 20-26, 2027

What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)?

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd 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 Level 1 Formation, Part B is an intensive, prayerful, and hands-on introduction to the catechetical method developed by Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi. Rooted in Scripture, liturgy, and the spiritual life of the young child, this formation prepares adults to accompany children ages 3–6 in their relationship with God.

This week-long residential course invites participants into a shared rhythm of prayer, study, material-making, and contemplation. Through presentations, personal work with the materials, communal reflection, and silence, participants experience the CGS method not only as a pedagogy, but as a way of listening to God alongside the child.

Participants will live onsite for the duration of the course. Overnight accommodations and all meals are provided to support a fully immersive formation experience that mirrors the contemplative environment of the atrium itself.

Successful completion of both Part A and Part B of this course will result in a certificate from the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

Training will be conducted in the Holy Child Atria, in the Aquinas Center on the Aquinas College campus in Nashville, TN. The course includes evening material making sessions at Siena Hall. Check-in is from 2 – 4pm on Sunday, June 20; departure after lunch on Saturday, June 26.

Course Objectives

By the end of Level I, Part B formation, participants will:

• Understand the spiritual characteristics and capacities of the child ages 3–6

• Become familiar with the foundational principles and history of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

• Reflect deeply on key biblical and liturgical themes presented to young children

• Learn the purpose, theological grounding, and use of the core Level I atrium materials

• Develop an attitude of contemplation, observation, and respect for the work of the Holy Spirit in the child

• Begin discerning their own call to serve children through CGS catechesis

Formation Leader

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 20 years serving children as a classroom teacher in both conventional and Montessori settings and 15 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.”

Residential Immersion & Participation Expectations

This formation is intentionally designed as a fully immersive residential experience. Participants are expected to stay onsite for the duration of the course.

Living, praying, learning, and sharing meals together creates a depth of formation that cannot be replicated in a commuter model. Many participants find that the informal conversations, shared silence, and unstructured time together are among the most formative aspects of the week.

For this reason, requests to attend as a day student or commuter will be strongly discouraged. While we understand that local participants may be interested in commuting, we ask applicants to carefully consider the purpose and spirit of CGS formation before requesting an exception.

Registration

Questions?

For questions or more information, contact us.