The process of becoming a certified Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Catechist is intense and beautiful. Each adult who seeks certification must attend approximately 90 hours of training by a CGSUSA certified Formation Leader who has, at minimum, 8-12 years of experience in CGS. While it sounds intimidating to take on such a time commitment, adults who attend come away feeling that it was more than worth their time and energy. Many feel that they learn more than the children do because of the depth and richness of the adult courses.
Sacred Heart has been offering the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for one year and we have already witnessed how much the Good Shepherd has developed in our children's love and trust for Him. A sense of respect for the sacred and for the Liturgy has grown in our children's hearts, helping them to keep growing their relationship with Him.
The Level I catechist formation course is based on the conviction that God and the child are in a covenant relationship. It is the foundation for the Catechesis in general and for the 3 to 6-year-old child in particular. This course gives the background formation as well as the skills to create a prepared environment and to offer presentations that enable the child and catechist to draw nearer to God. Spiritual reflection is inherent in the course. Our Formation Leader is Lynda Catalano.
At this time we are working with the national CGS office to schedule the remaining parts of Level 1 formation. If you would like to attend any part of CGS Catechist training please contact Patricia Gonzales. We are able to accommodate you in future trainings.
Please reach out to Patricia Gonzales with any questions: [email protected]
What is CGS?
CGS is a common religious experience involving children and adults in which the religious values of childhood, primarily those values of contemplation and enjoyment of God, are predominant. This experience is shared in a place particularly prepared for the religious life of children called the Atrium.
Learn more about CGS here
What is the Atrium?
The atrium (or prepared environment) is one of the important elements that helps the relationship between God and the child to flourish. After a theme has been presented, the child is free to choose an activity that will make possible the inner dialogue with the “Interior Teacher.” How does the atrium help to nourish this relationship? ~ The atrium can be compared to a retreat house facilitating recollection and silence. ~ The atrium is a place for religious life, for community and worship—not a classroom for instruction. ~ The atrium is a place of meaningful work through which the child can have a conversation with God. ~ The atrium was the place in the early church where the catechumens were prepared. For the child, too, the atrium is a place of preparation for involvement in the larger worship community.
Learn more about the Atrium here
Level 1 Atrium at Sacred Heart Cathedral
Level 1 CGS is offered to children ages 3-5 who are fully potty trained. Sacred Heart will no longer offer Kindergarten RE as part of our Religious Education program, Kindergarten age children should be registered for CGS.
Learn more about the child in the Atrium here