CGS Formation: Level 2A

Catechist Intensive Residential Formation Course
Level 2, Part A
for Catechists working with children ages 6 – 9
Aquinas College – Nashville, TN

Part A: June 27 – July 3, 2027
Part B: TBD – Summer 2028

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 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.

Rooted in the biblical narrative of salvation history and the child’s growing capacity for abstraction, this formation invites participants into sustained contemplation of God’s plan of love. Through presentations, prayerful engagement with Scripture, hands-on work with materials, and communal reflection, participants continue to refine both their theological understanding and their posture as catechists.

As a week-long residential experience, Level 2, Part A is intentionally structured to foster immersion, silence, and community life. Living onsite, sharing meals, and participating fully in the daily rhythm of the course allows participants to step away from ordinary responsibilities and enter more deeply into the spirit of the atrium. Overnight accommodations and all meals are provided to support this shared life of prayer, study, and reflection.

Completion of Level 2, Part A, together with Part B, fulfills the requirements for Level 2 CGS formation. Successful completion 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. Evening on-site material making sessions are included in the course. Check-in is from 2 – 4pm on Sunday, June 27; departure after lunch on Saturday, July 3.

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

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