The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a faith-formation experience for children ages 3 - 12 years old. It is based on the belief that young children can and experience God. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd’s work is done in an Atrium, an environment created to nurture children’s spirituality. This is done by proclaiming the Gospel through the parable method, prayer, singing, silence, and exploring liturgical events. Hands-on materials are used to help children and adults reflect together upon the great mysteries of the Christian faith.

Course Description: Based on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for children, the Level I course is the foundation for the work of the Atrium for the 3-6-year-old child. Upon completion of the Level I Course, participants will receive a certificate from the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

All sessions will include album page work, practice with the material, and material making.

The aims of the course are:

• To explore the methodology and guiding principles of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

• To explore the religious nature and the most vital religious needs of the 3 - 6-year-old child

• To meditate on the Biblical and liturgical themes presented to the 3 - 6-year-old child
• To further develop the participant’s ability to observe and learn from children, to listen with children to the scripture, and to enjoy the presence of God in a very rich way
• To offer guidelines and assistance to participants in preparing an Atrium environment and creating the participant’s album.

Tuition:

Tuition is $600 per participant. Discounts are available for churches that send more than two participants. A registration form is due with a non-refundable $100 deposit by July 25, 2023. Please make checks payable to: The Good Shepherd Center.

Financial Assistance:

You may apply for financial assistance from the Tina Lillig Memorial Fund with the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. 

Formation Leader:

Our Formation Leaders are Kelley Stuppy and Kim Trouy. Kelley has been a catechist for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd since 2003 and is currently teaching level three at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. She is a Level One Formation Leader and is pursuing her MAPS-CGS degree.

Kim has been a catechist since 2009 and is currently teaching level two at Immaculate Conception. She is a Level One Formation Leader as well.

For more information:

Please contact Kim Trouy at 901-351-3210 or [email protected] or Kelley Stuppy at [email protected] or 901-484-4717

Required Reading for the Level I Course:

The Religious Potential of the Child by Sofia Cavalletti

Listening to God with Children by Gianna Gobbi (optional) 

The Good Shepherd and the Child: A Joyful Journey by Sofia Cavalletti, Gianna Gobbi, Patricia Coulter, and Silvana Montanaro

Course participants may purchase the course texts from the CGSUSA store.