• Official CGS Website: Click Here

• Reading recommendation: "Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in a Parish Setting"

 

 

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What is Formation?  ​

Thank you for your interest in The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)!  As you the video describes, CGS is unlike the Sunday School programs most of us are familiar with.   The aim is to cultivate a deep and personal relationship between the child and God.  In order to provide this, the adults in the program must themselves be formed. For this reason, we do not consider this an educational “training” but “Formation.” It’s more like a spiritual retreat than a time of lectures filled with “how to’s” for working with children.  The rhythm of formation is slow and meditative, allowing sufficient time for participants to interiorize the themes and presentations as given to children.   Formation courses in CGS not only help adults become CGS catechists by preparing them to serve the religious life of children but is a spiritual experience for the adult as well.

Each Formation Level consists of a 14-15 day course.  Courses are typically offered either as two 7 day sessions or four 3-4 day sessions.   Formation Levels include Toddler (0-3 yrs old), Level 1 (3-6 yrs old), Level 2 (6-9 yrs old), Level 3 (9-12 yrs old).    Cost can range from $250 to $1,500 per course depending on Formation Level and location.    The National Catechesis of the Good Shepherd does offer scholarships for formation courses.

Formations currently being offered can be found at cgs.org site. This is updated as Formation courses become available.

 

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How to get started

Start simple and slow! 

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Initially, you need a minimum 2 Adults willing to begin a new journey with the children in your parish. Remember, in CGS the Catechist is on the journey with the child, and the Holy Spirit is the teacher.  Open this to the parishioners in your parish.  Step back and see who the Holy Spirit brings to you.

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Consider having one Adult attend a Level 1 Formation course to start.  As your program grows, so does your Catechist.     It is recommended that they observe a functioning Level 1 Atrium.  (If observation is not possible then see if they can partner with a Level 1 or higher Catechist as a resource for phone/zoom meetings.)

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Begin with your 3-6 yrs old – this is Level 1.   

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Environment:  The interior design should correspond to the child’s developmental needs and allow for freedom of movement.  The furniture should be child-size, and the materials accessible and easily handled by the child.  Refer to the video for examples of Atriums.

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Supplies for Level 1:  Most can be found in anyone’s home (or Dollar Tree).  

• Small pouring pitchers, in pairs, straw baskets (small and large), wastebaskets.

• Small trays, plastic place mats or oil cloths

• Hand towels, dishtowels, flannel material for polishing cloths

• Plastic aprons

• Watering cans

• Assorted small vases and doilies

• Push broom, dust pan and brush, wet mop, carpet sweeper (if needed)

• Jars of cotton balls, Q-tips

• Small polish bottles

• Silver and brass objects

• Art supplies: colored paper, pencils (regular and color), erasers, glue stick or paste, scissors.

 

Course Materials:  Formation courses allow time for the participants to make the materials for each of the Presentation.  This is where partnering with a Level 1 Catechist can be helpful, as much of Level 1 material is in PDF format and can be easily printed or modified using alternative material mediums. The full list of CGS Materials is extensive and is designed for a three-year Level 1 program.   So don’t stress over not having it all!!!!!   There will be materials that you won’t even get in the first year.  ​​

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