What is Formation?
The Good Shepherd calls his sheep by name and leads them out. Is he calling you to listen to God with the children?
Catechists, or “religion teachers,” in the prepared environment called to the atrium come from many walks of life: college students, young parents, empty-nesters, career persons, priests, teachers, and grandparents are only a few. What they all have in common is a love for children and a love of their faith as well as the belief that the Master Teacher is God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Adults who complete the formation courses for each level are certified through the United States Association of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Courses generally are 15 to 18 sessions over one or two years, depending on the host parish or school, and they account for 90 to 120 hours of class time. Usually each level’s course comprises two parts of seven to nine sessions each. Formation leaders are certified through the U.S. Association under the standards set by the International Council (Consiglio) of CGS in Rome.
If your parish or school wants information about hosting a course, please contact the SonFlower Board at Formation.Leader.Rep@cgsksmo.org.
What Are The CGS Formation Levels?
CGS Level I Certification
Focusing on God’s unconditional love through the parable of the Good Shepherd, the Level I catechist formation course is based on the conviction that God and the child are in a relationship. It is the foundation for the Catechesis in general and for the 3- to 6-year-old child in particular.
This course, comprising two parts, gives adults the background formation as well as the skills to create a prepared environment, an atrium, and to offer presentations that enable the child to draw nearer to God through Scripture and liturgy. Certification by the U.S. Association requires 90 hours of class time.
CGS Level II Certification
Course Objectives:
- To explore the general developmental and religious characteristics of the 6- to 9-year- old child.
- To facilitate further meditation upon the biblical and liturgical themes of the Catechesis.
- To offer guidelines and assistance to catechists in setting up an atrium for 6- to 9-year-olds, preparing an album and making materials.
- To deepen participants’ ability to observe and learn from children while also exploring avenues for deepening parental and congregational ability to observe and learn from children.
Course participants must have completed Level I catechist formation. The U.S. Association awards certification for Level II after completion of both parts (minimum of 96 hours).
CGS Level III Certification
Course Objectives:
- To explore with participants the general developmental and religious characteristics of the 9- to 12-year old child.
- To facilitate further meditation upon the biblical and liturgical themes of the Catechesis.
- To offer guidelines and assistance to catechists in setting up an atrium for 9- to 12-year-olds, preparing an album, and making materials.
- To deepen participants’ ability to observe and learn from children, while also exploring avenues to deepen parental and congregational ability to observe and learn from children.
Course participants must have completed Level II catechist formation. The U.S. Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd offers certification for Level III after completion of both parts of the course (120 hours).
The Office of Religious Education of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas will grant 60 hours toward religious education catechist certification.
CGS Level T Certification
The seminal Infant/Toddler Formation Course for CGS explores the youngest child’s spirituality as revealed through the work of Cavalletti, Gobbi, Maria Montessori, and Silvana Montanaro, as well as those who continue to listen and observe children in God’s light.
Level I certification before enrolling in an Infant/Toddler Course is strongly recommended. Completion of Part 1 of a Toddler Course is a prerequisite for enrolling in Part 2.
Financial aid is available through various sources. Click here to learn more.