"If we want to help the child draw nearer to God, we should, with patience and courage, …seek to go always closer to the vital nucleus of things. This requires study and prayer. The children will be our teachers if we know how to observe them."
-Sofia Cavaletti et al., The Good Shepherd and the Child
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) requires extensive training for adults at each level or age group. A formation course is 93-120 hours of lesson presentations and adult reflections, in addition to materials making, album page (lesson plan) writing, practicum, and observation in a Montessori environment. Though time-consuming and intensive, CGS formation courses are quite rich, satisfying our own needs as adults. For this reason, many take CGS trainings as a kind of spiritual formation or retreat, whether or not they are catechists.
La Catequesis del Buen Pastor (CBP, "CGS" en ingles) requiere una amplia formación para los adultos de cada nivel o grupo de edad. Un curso de formación consta de al menos 93 horas de presentaciones de lecciones y reflexiones de adultos, además de elaboración de materiales, redacción de páginas de álbumes (plan de lecciones), práctica y observación en un entorno Montessori. Aunque requieren mucho tiempo y son intensivos, los cursos de formación de CGS son ricos y satisfacen nuestras necesidades como adultos. Por esta razón, muchos toman los entrenamientos de CGS como una especie de formación o retiro espiritual, sean o no catequistas.
The Level 1 CGS formation course offers the foundations of theory and praxis of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in a retreat-like atmosphere, where adults can work, study, and pray in much the same way as the children. The course provides guidance in preparing and facilitating an atrium environment and experience for 3 to 6-year-old children. In the course, we will:
Explore the theological and pedagogical foundations that guide our work with the young child
See and experience the presentations as they are given to the 3- to 6-year-old child
Work as a group to prepare album pages (lesson plans), resulting in a complete and approved group album
Work with our hands to make some materials for the child’s use in the Atrium
Deepen our ability to observe and learn from children
Participate in practicum sessions: Participants will work in the Level 1 environment, practicing presentations with one another and working with the materials
Special emphasis will be given to CGS in the school setting
Monday-Saturday, 9am-4:30pm
Part 1: July 22-27, 2024
Part 2: July 21-26, 2025
Tuition is $700 for 90+ hours of training
Financial aid is available from CGSUSA, and scholarships and discounts may also be available
Contact the Chris for more information: callison@htparish.org
Participants will receive Level 1 CGS Certification upon completion of the course. In some dioceses, the training also counts as the formation required for Catechist Certification.
TBD
Conducted within a prayerful environment, this formation will include presentations given to the 3–9-year-old child in a three-year cycle as developed by Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi from within the Roman Catholic tradition. There are very few adaptations (mostly nomenclature) for use in the Episcopal/Anglican tradition, the Orthodox tradition, and many other Christian traditions (Mass/Holy Eucharist/Divine Liturgy, for example). The child has helped us to see the essentials of Christianity that include but are not limited by our various traditions, and this is a real gift to us as adults who pray and work towards ecclesial unity.
In the spirit of ecumenism, official Episcopal/Anglican adaptations in nomenclature, materials, and presentations will be noted throughout the course and included in the group album pages, and assistance in adapting materials and presentations will be available for people in these or other traditions.
Joel Musser has been the Director of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at Immaculate Conception Church and Immaculata Catholic School in Durham, NC, for over ten years. He also started and ran for four years the atria at Emmaus Way, an emergent church in Durham. Joel is a Level 1 CGS Formation Leader and a Certified CGS Catechist in Levels 1-3. Additionally, he is in formation for Infants and Toddlers ("Level 0") and is actively experimenting with CGS for middle schoolers ("Level 4"). Joel holds a Master of Theological Studies degree from Duke Divinity School and is in the Mathis Liturgical Leadership Program at the Notre Dame Center for Liturgy. He is a Master Catechist in the Diocese of Raleigh.
Leslie Genuis was formerly the Director of CGS at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, and is trained in all three levels. She will be apprenticing with Joel as she prepares to become a formation leader.
Chris Allison is the Director of Faith Formation at Holy Trinity Catholic Church and will be hosting the course. Contact Chris with your questions about the course.
Level 2 formation builds upon the foundations of Level 1. Catechists who have completed Levels 1 are invited to participate in this Level 2 training. Level 2 assistants are encouraged to audit the course.
Conducted within a prayerful environment, this formation will include presentations given to the 6–9-year-old child in a three-year cycle as developed by Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi from within the Roman Catholic tradition. Official Episcopal/Anglican adaptations in nomenclature, materials, and presentations will be noted throughout the course and included in the group album pages, and assistance in adapting materials and presentations will be available for people in these or other traditions.
There will be opportunities throughout the course for group discussions of the theological and pedagogical background of the presentations. These will be in part based upon the assigned readings. Participants will work in small groups during the course, and after each session, to draft album pages which will be reviewed by the formation leader and shared. There will also be opportunities to make materials.
Tuition is $700 ($350/part), for 96 hours of training
The required books for the entire course cost about $100 (pre-ordered and available at Immaculate Conception to save on shipping fees)
Reduced tuition is available for catechists at Immaculate Conception Church and for auditors
We do not want financial difficulty to prevent anyone from participating in this course. Financial aid, discounts, and payment plans are available.
Please register here.
Part 1: Jan. 5-7, Feb. 16-18, Apr. 12-14 (3 sessions)
Part 2: May 24-26, Oct. 4-6, Sept. 13-15, Nov. 1-3 (4 sessions)
A light breakfast and snacks will be provided each day. Participants may bring lunches or explore Durham’s exceptional food scene. Let us know if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions.
Michalene Sutton is the Director of Catechetical Leadership at Holy Infant and a Level 1 Catechist. Contact her with any questions.
Katushka Olave is originally from Bolivia. She serves at Immaculate Conception Church as Minister to the Latino Community. She is certified by the National Association of CGS as a catechist in Level I, Level II and Level III, and as a Formation Leader for Level I, and she is on the Board of CGSUSA. She has worked in CGS with children ages 3-9 and with adults since 2006. Katushka also holds a Montessori Certification and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University.
Joel Musser was the Director of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at Immaculate Conception Church and Immaculata Catholic School in Durham, NC, for eleven years. He also started and ran for four years the atria at Emmaus Way, an emergent church in Durham. Joel has extensive experience in Levels 1-3, and is a Level 1 Formation Leader. He is currently in discernment to become a Formation Leader for Level 2 and for Infant-Toddler, and he is a Master Catechist in the Diocese of Raleigh.
Joan Donovan is a parishioner at Holy Infant and a long-time catechist at Immaculate Conception, where she primarily serves in Level 3 and in a modified atrium for children with disabilities or special needs. She is a retired teacher who continues to substitute at the North Carolina School for the Deaf.
Niños y adultos de todas las culturas, una gran variedad de circunstancias y una comunidad ecuménica cada vez más amplia, se reúnen a experimentar y celebrar el llamado de Dios a una relación convenida, basada en el amor y en compartir a Cristo, aquel que también se le conoce como “El Buen Pastor” y “La Vid Verdadera”.
La formación en el nivel II es una invitación para aquellos que han trabajado con niños pequeños en la Catequesis del Buen Pastor, para continuar su camino de fe con los niños de seis a nueve años de edad, quienes están creciendo en su relación con Dios. El curso incluye presentaciones, observación, discusiones de grupo y tiempo para trabajo individual en una atmósfera parecida a un retiro. Se proveerá un desayuno ligero y bocadillos.
~ Presentar la metodología y los principios que guía la Catequesis del Buen Pastor en lo que se refiere a los niños de 6 a 9 años, incluyendo preparación Sacramental para la Reconciliación y Eucaristía.
~ Explorar la naturaleza religiosa y las necesidades religiosas más vitales de los niños de 6 a 9 años.
~ Meditar en los temas bíblicos y litúrgicos presentados a los niños de 6 a 9 años.
~ Ofrecer las reglas y ayuda para preparar el ambiente del Atrio para los niños de 6 a 9 años, en hacer las hojas de álbum para catequistas y los materiales.
La matrícula es de $700 ($10/sesión) por 97 horas de formación en teología, escritura, liturgia, desarrollo infantil, pedagogía y tutoría continua por parte del líder de formación.
~ ¡Hay ayuda financiera disponible! ~
¿Preguntas? Envíe un correo electrónico a Katushka: olavek@icdurham.org
vie: 6-9pm; sab: 9am-5pm; dom: 9am-1pm
Parte 1 (2025)
8-10 de agosto
3-5 de octubre
7-8 de noviembre
5-6 de diciembre
Parte 2 (2026)
6-8 de febrero
6-8 de marzo
10-12 de abril
Kelly Yupanqui cuenta con formación en Montessori y Catequesis del Buen Pastor, y es la catequista principal de preescolar a tercer grado en la Escuela Católica Immaculata. Si tienes alguna pregunta sobre el curso, por favor ponte en contacto con ella.
Katushka Olave Katushka es la Asociada Pastoral de la Iglesia Católica de la Inmaculada Concepción y aboga por las necesidades de los feligreses latinos. También es la directora del grupo de juegos para padres latinos, que atiende a madres hispanohablantes con niños de 0 a 3 años. Cada grupo se reúne una vez a la semana para confraternizar, escuchar música, compartir ideas, desarrollar habilidades de crianza, compartir información y brindar referencias a recursos comunitarios. Ella ayuda a empoderar a los feligreses para que vivan vidas de justicia, sanación, compasión y paz, manifestando el Reino de Dios en Durham a través de la formación en la enseñanza social católica, el servicio directo a "los más pequeños entre nosotros", la defensa de los derechos, la organización comunitaria, la salud mental y la solidaridad global.
También es catequista en los tres niveles y líder de formación reconocida en el Nivel I y actualmente está trabajando para obtener el reconocimiento como líder de formación en el Nivel II. Pionera de la Catequesis de Necesidades Especiales del Buen Pastor en su parroquia.
Lourdes Santiago Vazquez comenzó su trabajo en la Catequesis del Buen Pastor en 1991 como voluntaria en la Diócesis de Phoenix, Arizona. Ayudó a construir el Atrio bilingüe en St. Anne's en Gilbert, Arizona, y dio la bienvenida a muchas familias y niños en su país y en el extranjero. Lourdes trabaja con los tres niveles de niños y es líder de formación en inglés y en español.
Tiene una licenciatura de la Universidad Estatal de Phoenix y una maestría en Teología de la Fundación Teológica de Posgrado de South Bend, Indiana. Ha servido como misionera en Honduras, Perú, Filipinas y Europa Occidental con las Misioneras de la Caridad. Lourdes continúa coordinando la CGS en español en la Iglesia Católica St. Anne en Gilbert, Arizona. Se unió al personal de la Asociación Nacional en 2006 y trabaja como coordinadora para las comunidades hispanas y bilingües. Lourdes es de Puerto Rico. Ha sido residente de Arizona desde 1989.
Joel Musser was the Director of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at Immaculate Conception Church and Immaculata Catholic School in Durham, NC, for eleven years. He also started and ran for four years the atria at Emmaus Way, an emergent church in Durham. Joel has extensive experience in Levels 1-3, and is a Level 1 Formation Leader. He is currently in discernment to become a Formation Leader for Level 2 and for Infant-Toddler, and he is a Master Catechist in the Diocese of Raleigh.
Joel holds a Master of Theological Studies degree from Duke Divinity School and is currently in the PhD and STL theology programs at Boston College.
Level 3 formation builds upon the foundations of Level 1 and Level 2. Catechists who have completed Levels 1 and 2 are invited to participate in this Level 3 training. Although intended for current or future Level 3 catechists, this formation is also helpful and meaningful to Level 1 and 2 catechists: it shows the fruit of the seeds planted and cultivated in Level 1 and 2. Level 3 assistants are encouraged to audit the course.
Conducted within a prayerful environment, this formation will include presentations given to the 9–12-year-old child in a three-year cycle as developed by Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi. The Roman Catholic and Episcopal Level III materials will be available and presented. Part 1 Topics include: the Accounts of Creation, Sin, and the Flood; Biblical Typology; the Plan of God; Moral Life; and the Sacraments.
There will be opportunities throughout the course for group discussions of the theological and pedagogical background of the presentations. These will be in part based upon the assigned readings. Participants will work in small groups during the course, and after each session, to draft album pages which will be reviewed by the formation leader and shared. There will also be opportunities to make materials.
Tuition is $350 per part (there are three parts), for a combined total of 120+ hours of training
Reduced tuition is $100 for anyone wishing to audit the course as an assistant or for professional development. The required books for the entire course cost about $100.
Reduced tuition is also available for catechists at Immaculate Conception Church.
We do not want financial difficulty to prevent anyone from participating in this course. Financial aid, discounts, and payment plans are available.
Please register here.
● Part 1: June 26-30, 2023 (9am-4:30pm)
● Part 2: June 24-28, 2024 (9am-4:30pm)
● Part 3: June 23-27, 2025 (9am-4:30pm)
PART 3 RESCHEDULED: July 28-August 1, 2025
A light breakfast and snacks will be provided each day. Participants may bring lunches or explore Durham’s exceptional food scene. Let us know if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions.
Joel Musser was the Director of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at Immaculate Conception Church and Immaculata Catholic School in Durham, NC, for eleven years. He also started and ran for four years the atria at Emmaus Way, an emergent church in Durham. Joel is currently pursuing a PhD and an STL in theology at Boston College. Contact Joel with any questions about the course.
Autumn Domingue is a spiritual director, formation leader and Life Coach, whose greatest joy is journeying with those searching for greater meaning and purpose in their lives. In addition to her private practice, Autumn serves on two teams forming new spiritual directors and works as a national formation leader for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd; a Montessori based religious education movement that seeks to honor the contemplative spiritual nature of the child. In her free time, Autumn enjoys yoga, painting, playing with her grandchildren, and taking long walks along the river at the summer camp where she resides.
Lynne Worthington began her journey as a catechist in 1991, earning certificates for all three levels, ages 3-12 years old. She worked with children ages 3-12 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Durham, NC, serving both in Immaculate Catholic School, and in the Parish program. Lynne is recognized as a formation leader by the National Association of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She holds a Master of Arts and Pastoral Studies degree in CGS from Aquinas Institute in St. Louis, MO, and has been recognized as a Master Catechist by the Diocese of Raleigh, NC. She presently volunteers at St Thomas Aquinas. She lives in Ball Ground, GA, with her husband, Bill. They have three grown children.
Our materials and presentations are from within the Roman Catholic tradition, with the official Episcopal/Anglican adaptations readily available. If you are from another religious tradition, we will gladly help you to think about how to translate the method and materials into your particular expression of faith as well.
Las personas de otras tradiciones religiosas también son bienvenidas. Las presentaciones y los materiales de CGS son de la tradición católica romana con adaptaciones episcopales/anglicanas oficiales fácilmente disponibles. Si eres de otra tradición religiosa, con gusto te ayudaremos a pensar cómo traducir el método y los materiales a tu particular expresión de fe.
Atrium Trailers (in front of the church)
Immaculate Conception Church
801 W Chapel Hill St
Durham, NC 27701
Holy Trinity Catholic Church
501 Cherrywood Rd
Louisville, KY 40207