The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Level I Formation Course for working with 3-6 year old children

Level I catechist formation is for adults seeking to serve children who are three to six years old. It is a method that has been tested, used in countries throughout the world for almost 70 years, and serves a variety of Christian denominations. 


We enter into our time with children trusting that God is already in relationship with each child. Children naturally respond and draw near to God. This relationship between God and the child is respected and nourished by the adults in the atrium through prayer, a carefully prepared environment of self-teaching materials, and Scripture that is developmentally appropriate for the child's cognitive and spiritual needs. Themes are offered in a way that allow the development of the religious potential present in every child- the capacity to love and be loved by God.

Who is the 3-6 year old child?

 3-6 year old children are capable of receiving and enjoying the most essential elements of our Christian faith. They joyfully hear the announcement of God's love especially experienced through Jesus the Good Shepherd, who calls each one of us by name. Children in this stage of development have a great capacity for love, joy, wonder, concentration and repetition. 

What the course includes:

This course will offer: 

  • Presentations from the Bible as well as on Biblical geography, prayer, life in the church, Baptism and Eucharist
  • Information about the Montessori philosophy and basic theology of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
  • Information about the general developmental characteristics of the 3-6 year old child (physical, cognitive, spiritual, emotional) 
  • Guidelines and opportunities for making materials, setting up and maintaining a Level One atrium, and ways to connect with the greater CGS community

Cost, Hours & Dates

Cost:

  • The cost of the course covers tuition, materials, books, some meals, and certification for a total of $325.00 
  • A deposit of $100.00 (check or Venmo) is due at the time of registration and is put toward tuition cost. The remaining $225.00 is due by October 16, 2023. 


Hours: 

  • Fridays- 6-9pm, 
  • Saturdays- 9am-5pm,
  • Sundays- 1-5pm


Dates:

  • Nov. 3-5, 2023
  • Jan, 19-21, 2024
  • April 12-14, 2024
  • July 26-28, 2024
  • Sept. 27-29, 2024
  • Nov. 1-3, 2024

Register

Click HERE to register for the training.


Questions? Contact Meredith Flynn, Director of Children & Family Formation at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church

Alice Coke

Formation Leader Bio

Alice has been involved with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) for 20 years. She was certified as a Level One Catechist in 2005, in Level Two in 2009, and in Level Three in 2011. She began CGS programs at Trinity Episcopal Church in Mobile, Alabama, at Calvary Episcopal in Summit, New Jersey, and at The Episcopal School of Nashville. Alice then discerned that it was time to become a National Level One Formation Leader in 2015 and a Level Two Formation Leader in 2018. She has enjoyed leading CGS Formation Courses around the country for the last 15 years, and we are happy to welcome her to St. B's!