Summer Formational Opportunities

This summer, Aquinas College will offer three intensive residential formation programs designed to immerse participants fully in study, prayer, and community life. These workshops invite a temporary stepping away from daily routines in order to enter a shared rhythm of learning, reflection, and renewal.

All summer offerings are fully residential, with on-site lodging and all meals provided, creating an environment that supports sustained attention, deep formation, and meaningful communal exchange. Participants live, pray, study, and dine together throughout the week, allowing the work of formation to unfold without distraction.

This summer’s programs include two formation courses in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS), as well as a residential workshop in sacred music and liturgy. Each course is distinct in focus, yet united by a shared commitment to immersive formation grounded in the life of the Church.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) Formation

The CGS summer trainings offer an in-depth introduction to—or continuation of—the Montessori-based catechetical method that invites children into a prayerful encounter with God through Scripture, liturgy, and carefully prepared materials. Participants engage theological presentations, hands-on material-making, and sustained reflection on the spiritual life of the child.

These residential courses are especially suited for catechists, teachers, clergy, and all who seek a reverent, developmentally attentive approach to religious formation.

Singing the Hours: The Divine Office as Prayer, Tradition, and Song

Singing the Hours is a five-day residential formation experience centered on the Church’s public prayer. Through theological study, chant workshops, guided reflection, and the daily celebration of Lauds, Vespers, and Mass, participants explore the Divine Office as prayer, tradition, and song.

The week unfolds progressively—from understanding the structure and meaning of the Hours, to cultivating harmony of mind and voice, to entering the Church’s musical heritage, with special attention to the new English translation of the Abbey Psalms and Canticles. The course culminates in solemn sung Vespers, embodying the unity of study, silence, and sacred chant.

A Fully Immersive Experience

By providing meals, lodging, and a shared daily rhythm, each workshop and training course creates space for focused learning, sustained prayer, and genuine community. These programs are intentionally designed as formational experiences—to shape practice, deepen understanding, and renew participants for service in the Church.

Explore the individual workshop pages below for more information and registration details.