Formation Courses

Options for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Formation

Orientation:

This (typically one evening) program provides an overview of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd’s history, key principles and applicability in our society today. Introductions are given to each of the atria with a sample presentation in each.

This program is best provided in an environment with a full atrium at each level, but can be modified for environments with a combined atrium space for multiple levels or for a location without an atrium. In the latter case, not all materials would be present, but photographs and key points for each can be provided.

The orientation is a good introduction to introduce CGS to your parish, as an invite to parents of children already in the atrium, share CGS with your greater community, invite others who may be interested in learning more and potentially considering joining an upcoming formation course.

Catechist Formation courses for each level

Each level comprises 90-120 hours of formation course time, during which the participant receives all the presentations and experiences as the child would receive them, in a full atrium environment. Each half-day (morning, then again in the afternoon) comprises an atrium session of 90-120 minutes followed by full group discussion, further reflections, background information for the adult, and album page writing. Material making opportunities are available during the atrium work time as well as throughout other times of the course; and/or can be provided in additional evening sessions. 

Formation courses can have a variety of formats:

• Intense such as 2 solid weeks; or 1 full week, twice, with time in between
• Weekend or in-service: 1 day at a time spread over several months (the number of days is determined by the number of hours each day)
• Long weekends: 4 4-day weekends of Thursday through Sunday with time for Mass on Sunday

Material making sessions and time for more intense personal growth can be provided either in the evenings of an intense course or interspersed throughout a course that is more spread out in time. 

These courses would be registered with the national office of CGS and each participant would receive a certificate upon completion.

Personal Formation courses for each level or a combination:

The same content would be covered as in the full catechist formation course, but the participants would not be required to write full album pages or practice giving one another presentations. This course is suitable for those people who would like the personal formation but will not be working directly with children. DREs, youth group leaders, RCIA leaders, priests and other ministers would find this option more suitable for their needs. The same format would be used above, but would require fewer hours.

Anyone who has taken this route and later would like to be a catechist, could return for the full course and fill in the needed pieces.

What I can provide: 

I have previously been a recognized formation leader for levels 1 and 2. I have provided orientations to the level 3 environment to encourage interest and familiarity there; and am excited to assist another formation leader who can lead a full level 3 formation course. 

I highly enjoy assisting catechists and DREs in setting up their atrium environments, organizing their material making and sharing ideas and solutions with one another.