Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Level I Formation Training
Scroll down for registration link under the “Registration” heading. Hosted by Immaculate Heart of Mary ParishBrentwood, California Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish is pleased to host Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level I Formation for adults who feel called to serve the spiritual life of the young child. Level I is the foundational formation course in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and focuses on the religious life of the child approximately 3 to 6 years of age. Through prayer, study, reflection, observation, hands-on work with materials, and the experience of presentations as they are offered to children, participants are invited to deepen both their understanding of the child and their own relationship with God. No previous Catechesis of the Good Shepherd formation is required.What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori-based approach to the religious formation of children. Rooted in Sacred Scripture and the Liturgy of the Catholic Church, CGS seeks to nurture the child's relationship with God in a specially prepared environment called the Atrium. Within the Atrium, children are invited to pray, work with hands-on materials, listen to Scripture, experience silence and contemplation, and respond to God's love at their own developmental level. More information about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd can be found at CGSUSA.org.Training Overview
Level I corresponds to children approximately ages 3–6, a stage in which the child encounters God as a loving Presence and begins to grow in wonder, prayer, independence, order, and concentration. The Level I formation course introduces participants to the theological, biblical, liturgical, Montessori, and developmental foundations of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd while preparing them to serve children in a Level I Atrium. Participants experience presentations as the child would receive them and are guided in preparing their own catechist albums, Atrium materials, and prepared environment.Host Site:
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish 500 Fairview Ave Brentwood, CA 94513 Phone: (925) 634-4154 Website: www.ihmbrentwood.comFormation Leader:
Jennifer Bell
Jennifer Bell is an accomplished international leader within the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She brings extensive experience in formation, guiding catechists deeply into the spiritual life of the child and the richness of Scripture and Liturgy.Course Description
Level I Formation focuses on the spiritual and developmental needs of the 3–6-year-old child and provides participants with a foundation for understanding both the child and the prepared Atrium environment. Throughout the formation, participants will: • Receive and reflect upon presentations as they are offered to the child • Meditate on key passages of Sacred Scripture • Explore the liturgical life of the Church • Study the developmental and religious characteristics of the 3–6-year-old child • Learn the role of the catechist and the importance of observation • Learn how to prepare and use Level I Atrium materials • Receive guidance in preparing a Level I Atrium • Learn how to write and compile catechist album pages • Explore practical life and sensorial work within the Atrium • Deepen their own spiritual life and relationship with God Topics of study typically include: • The life of Jesus and key moments from the Gospels • Jesus, the Good Shepherd • The parables of the Kingdom of God • Biblical geography • The infancy narratives • The Paschal Mystery • Baptism • The Eucharist and the Mass • Liturgical colors, gestures, objects, and seasons • Prayer, silence, and contemplation • Practical life and care of the Atrium environment • Observation and the spiritual life of the childWho This Course Is For?
This course is for: • Adults preparing to become Level I catechists • Atrium assistants and volunteers who desire a deeper understanding of CGS • Those serving or preparing to serve in a Level I Atrium • Parents interested in learning more about the spiritual life of the young child • Parish and school leaders supporting Catechesis of the Good Shepherd • Clergy, religious, teachers, and ministry leaders • Adults discerning a call to serve within Catechesis of the Good Shepherd • Anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture, Liturgy, prayer, and the spiritual life of the child No previous CGS formation is required to begin Level I Formation.Formation Schedule
Level I — Year 1 & 2
Formation will be offered on the second weekend of each month from February through August 2027. Saturdays: 11:00 AM – 6:30 PMSundays: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PMYear 1 & 2 Training Dates
February 13–14, 2027 March 13–14, 2027 April 10–11, 2027 May 8–9, 2027 June 12–13, 2027 July 10–11, 2027 August 14–15, 2027 Complete attendance at all formation sessions is required for certification.Registration Deadline
Registration MUST be completed by January 23, 2027.Tuition & Payment Information
Total Cost: $650($50 non-refundable registration fee + $600 tuition) Tuition may be paid in full, in two installments, or in five installments.Payment Schedules
Full Payment
• $650 due at time of registration — January 23, 2027Two-Installment Payment Plan
• $50 non-refundable registration fee due at time of registration — January 23, 2027 • $300 — Part 1 due at time of registration — January 23, 2027 • $300 — Part 2 due by May 6, 2027Five-Installment Payment Plan
• $50 non-refundable registration fee due at time of registration — January 23, 2027 • $120 — Part 1 due at time of registration — January 23, 2027 • $120 — Part 2 due by March 11, 2027 • $120 — Part 3 due by April 8, 2027 • $120 — Part 4 due by June 10, 2027 • $120 — Part 5 due by July 8, 2027 Auditing is available for catechists who already hold the CGSUSA Level I Certificate. The auditing fee is $100 per participant and is due at the time of registration.IMPORTANT NOTE — Please Read
For those who choose either the two-installment or five-installment payment plan, please use the payment link below to make your remaining payments by the payment deadlines listed above. Payment Plan Link: https://giving.myparishsoft.io/App/Form/1fec0929-559b-4d26-b1ae-1b0a0a41ef4d For questions regarding payment plans or payment arrangements, please contact: Lori King lking@ihmbrentwood.comScholarships
Scholarship assistance may be available through the Tina Lillig Memorial Fund offered by the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA (CGSUSA). The fund provides partial financial assistance to individuals for whom the cost of formation would present a financial hardship. To be considered for assistance: • Applicants must be a current member of CGSUSA • A recommendation must accompany the application • Applications are submitted directly through CGSUSA • Funding is limited, and participants are encouraged to apply earlyApplication Deadlines
• April 30 — for June 30 disbursement • October 30 — for December 30 disbursement Because this Level I Formation begins in February 2027, participants hoping to receive scholarship assistance prior to the start of formation are encouraged to apply by the October 30, 2026 deadline. Please visit CGSUSA.org for current scholarship requirements and application information.Registration
To register for the 2027 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level I Formation at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, please complete the registration form by January 23, 2027. Registration Link: https://giving.myparishsoft.io/App/Form/c8c02ebc-3906-4ef9-8dd1-21f39e772ebe Registration will be considered complete once the registration form and required registration fee/payment have been received. Space is limited, and participants are encouraged to register early.Auditing
Auditing is available for catechists who have already completed Level I Formation and hold a CGSUSA Level I Certificate. Audit Fee: $100 per participant Auditors are welcome to observe presentations, reflect on the work of the Atrium, revisit the theological and pedagogical foundations of Level I, and renew their formation experience. Please note that auditing is intended for those who have already completed Level I certification and are seeking ongoing formation rather than initial training. Proof of Level I certification required.Refund Policy
Refund requests due to participant cancellation will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Faith Formation Leader and IHM CGS leadership. Please note that, in most cases, refunds will not be issued after the formation course has begun. The $50 registration fee is non-refundable.Lodging
Lodging is available upon request through local parishioners. Participants traveling from outside the Brentwood area who are interested in lodging should contact the IHM CGS team as early as possible so available accommodations can be coordinated.Contact Information:
For questions regarding the formation, registration, auditing, or general course information, please contact: IHM Catechesis of the Good Shepherd cgs@ihmbrentwood.comPayment Plan Questions:
Lori King lking@ihmbrentwood.comImmaculate Heart of Mary Parish
500 Fairview Ave Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 634-4154Additional Information:
Books & Materials
Participants in Level I Formation will be asked to purchase several core texts that support the theological, pedagogical, and practical themes of the course. These works are foundational to Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and will be used throughout the formation.Core Level I Texts
• The Religious Potential of the Child: Experiencing Scripture and Liturgy with Young Children — Sofia Cavalletti • The Good Shepherd & the Child: A Joyful Journey by Sofia Cavalletti, Patricia Coulter, Gianna Gobbi, Dr. Silvana • Nurturing the Whole Child by Gianna Gobbi • Sing with Joy: Music of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Annotated by Catherine Maresca Additional or recommended texts may be communicated to participants prior to the start of formation.Additional Materials:
Participants should also bring: • A Catholic Bible • A binder or notebook for album work and note-taking • Writing materials Additional information regarding books, supplies, album work, and materials will be communicated to registered participants prior to the beginning of formation. Participants are encouraged to purchase required course texts prior to the course start date of February 13, 2027.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Level I Formation Training
Scroll down for registration link under the “Registration” heading. Hosted by Immaculate Heart of Mary ParishBrentwood, California Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish is pleased to host Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level I Formation for adults who feel called to serve the spiritual life of the young child. Level I is the foundational formation course in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and focuses on the religious life of the child approximately 3 to 6 years of age. Through prayer, study, reflection, observation, hands- on work with materials, and the experience of presentations as they are offered to children, participants are invited to deepen both their understanding of the child and their own relationship with God. No previous Catechesis of the Good Shepherd formation is required.What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori-based approach to the religious formation of children. Rooted in Sacred Scripture and the Liturgy of the Catholic Church, CGS seeks to nurture the child's relationship with God in a specially prepared environment called the Atrium. Within the Atrium, children are invited to pray, work with hands-on materials, listen to Scripture, experience silence and contemplation, and respond to God's love at their own developmental level. More information about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd can be found at CGSUSA.org.Training Overview
Level I corresponds to children approximately ages 3–6, a stage in which the child encounters God as a loving Presence and begins to grow in wonder, prayer, independence, order, and concentration. The Level I formation course introduces participants to the theological, biblical, liturgical, Montessori, and developmental foundations of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd while preparing them to serve children in a Level I Atrium. Participants experience presentations as the child would receive them and are guided in preparing their own catechist albums, Atrium materials, and prepared environment.Host Site:
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish 500 Fairview Ave Brentwood, CA 94513 Phone: (925) 634-4154 Website: www.ihmbrentwood.comFormation Leader:
Jennifer Bell
Jennifer Bell is an accomplished international leader within the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She brings extensive experience in formation, guiding catechists deeply into the spiritual life of the child and the richness of Scripture and Liturgy.Course Description
Level I Formation focuses on the spiritual and developmental needs of the 3–6-year-old child and provides participants with a foundation for understanding both the child and the prepared Atrium environment. Throughout the formation, participants will: • Receive and reflect upon presentations as they are offered to the child • Meditate on key passages of Sacred Scripture • Explore the liturgical life of the Church • Study the developmental and religious characteristics of the 3–6- year-old child • Learn the role of the catechist and the importance of observation • Learn how to prepare and use Level I Atrium materials • Receive guidance in preparing a Level I Atrium • Learn how to write and compile catechist album pages • Explore practical life and sensorial work within the Atrium • Deepen their own spiritual life and relationship with God Topics of study typically include: • The life of Jesus and key moments from the Gospels • Jesus, the Good Shepherd • The parables of the Kingdom of God • Biblical geography • The infancy narratives • The Paschal Mystery • Baptism • The Eucharist and the Mass • Liturgical colors, gestures, objects, and seasons • Prayer, silence, and contemplation • Practical life and care of the Atrium environment • Observation and the spiritual life of the childWho This Course Is For?
This course is for: • Adults preparing to become Level I catechists • Atrium assistants and volunteers who desire a deeper understanding of CGS • Those serving or preparing to serve in a Level I Atrium • Parents interested in learning more about the spiritual life of the young child • Parish and school leaders supporting Catechesis of the Good Shepherd • Clergy, religious, teachers, and ministry leaders • Adults discerning a call to serve within Catechesis of the Good Shepherd • Anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture, Liturgy, prayer, and the spiritual life of the child No previous CGS formation is required to begin Level I Formation.Formation Schedule
Level I — Year 1 & 2
Formation will be offered on the second weekend of each month from February through August 2027. Saturdays: 11:00 AM – 6:30 PMSundays: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PMYear 1 & 2 Training Dates
February 13–14, 2027 March 13–14, 2027 April 10–11, 2027 May 8–9, 2027 June 12–13, 2027 July 10–11, 2027 August 14–15, 2027 Complete attendance at all formation sessions is required for certification.Registration Deadline
Registration MUST be completed by January 23, 2027.Tuition & Payment Information
Total Cost: $650($50 non-refundable registration fee + $600 tuition) Tuition may be paid in full, in two installments, or in five installments.Payment Schedules
Full Payment
• $650 due at time of registration — January 23, 2027Two-Installment Payment Plan
• $50 non-refundable registration fee due at time of registration — January 23, 2027 • $300 — Part 1 due at time of registration — January 23, 2027 • $300 — Part 2 due by May 6, 2027Five-Installment Payment Plan
• $50 non-refundable registration fee due at time of registration — January 23, 2027 • $120 — Part 1 due at time of registration — January 23, 2027 • $120 — Part 2 due by March 11, 2027 • $120 — Part 3 due by April 8, 2027 • $120 — Part 4 due by June 10, 2027 • $120 — Part 5 due by July 8, 2027 Auditing is available for catechists who already hold the CGSUSA Level I Certificate. The auditing fee is $100 per participant and is due at the time of registration.IMPORTANT NOTE — Please Read
For those who choose either the two-installment or five-installment payment plan, please use the payment link below to make your remaining payments by the payment deadlines listed above. Payment Plan Link: https://giving.myparishsoft.io/App/Form/1fec0929-559b-4d26-b1ae- 1b0a0a41ef4d For questions regarding payment plans or payment arrangements, please contact: Lori King lking@ihmbrentwood.comScholarships
Scholarship assistance may be available through the Tina Lillig Memorial Fund offered by the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA (CGSUSA). The fund provides partial financial assistance to individuals for whom the cost of formation would present a financial hardship. To be considered for assistance: • Applicants must be a current member of CGSUSA • A recommendation must accompany the application • Applications are submitted directly through CGSUSA • Funding is limited, and participants are encouraged to apply earlyApplication Deadlines
• April 30 — for June 30 disbursement • October 30 — for December 30 disbursement Because this Level I Formation begins in February 2027, participants hoping to receive scholarship assistance prior to the start of formation are encouraged to apply by the October 30, 2026 deadline. Please visit CGSUSA.org for current scholarship requirements and application information.Registration
To register for the 2027 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level I Formation at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, please complete the registration form by January 23, 2027. Registration Link: https://giving.myparishsoft.io/App/Form/c8c02ebc-3906-4ef9-8dd1- 21f39e772ebe Registration will be considered complete once the registration form and required registration fee/payment have been received. Space is limited, and participants are encouraged to register early.Auditing
Auditing is available for catechists who have already completed Level I Formation and hold a CGSUSA Level I Certificate. Audit Fee: $100 per participant Auditors are welcome to observe presentations, reflect on the work of the Atrium, revisit the theological and pedagogical foundations of Level I, and renew their formation experience. Please note that auditing is intended for those who have already completed Level I certification and are seeking ongoing formation rather than initial training. Proof of Level I certification required.Refund Policy
Refund requests due to participant cancellation will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Faith Formation Leader and IHM CGS leadership. Please note that, in most cases, refunds will not be issued after the formation course has begun. The $50 registration fee is non-refundable.Lodging
Lodging is available upon request through local parishioners. Participants traveling from outside the Brentwood area who are interested in lodging should contact the IHM CGS team as early as possible so available accommodations can be coordinated.Contact Information:
For questions regarding the formation, registration, auditing, or general course information, please contact: IHM Catechesis of the Good Shepherd cgs@ihmbrentwood.comPayment Plan Questions:
Lori King lking@ihmbrentwood.comImmaculate Heart of Mary Parish
500 Fairview Ave Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 634-4154Additional Information:
Books & Materials
Participants in Level I Formation will be asked to purchase several core texts that support the theological, pedagogical, and practical themes of the course. These works are foundational to Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and will be used throughout the formation.Core Level I Texts
• The Religious Potential of the Child: Experiencing Scripture and Liturgy with Young Children — Sofia Cavalletti • The Good Shepherd & the Child: A Joyful Journey by Sofia Cavalletti, Patricia Coulter, Gianna Gobbi, Dr. Silvana • Nurturing the Whole Child by Gianna Gobbi • Sing with Joy: Music of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Annotated by Catherine Maresca Additional or recommended texts may be communicated to participants prior to the start of formation.Additional Materials:
Participants should also bring: • A Catholic Bible • A binder or notebook for album work and note-taking • Writing materials Additional information regarding books, supplies, album work, and materials will be communicated to registered participants prior to the beginning of formation. Participants are encouraged to purchase required course texts prior to the course start date of February 13, 2027.
