Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Training

Location:
The Church of St. John the Divine
2450 River Oaks Blvd
Houston, TX 77092

Dates:
Part A: July 12-14 & November 1-3, 2024
Part B: January 10-12 & April 4-6, 2025

Time:
9:00 am - 4:30pm
Lunch Break 12:30-1:30

Contact:
Deanna Lawson
713.354.2244

What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based religious formation program for children ages 3-12. It seeks to create and facilitate a sacred, “hands-on” place of prayer for children called an atrium, in which both the children and catechists hear, ponder, and celebrate the most essential mysteries of the faith as revealed in the Scriptures and the Liturgy.

Originally developed in Rome by Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi fifty years ago, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd continues to spread around the world. This course will ground the participant in the theory and praxis of CGS while also concretely preparing him/her to develop and facilitate an atrium for 3-6-year-old children.

Course Objectives

• To explore with participants the general developmental characteristics and religious characteristics of the 3-6-year-old child.
• To facilitate meditation on the biblical and liturgical themes of CGS.
• To offer guidelines and assistance to catechists for setting up an atrium for 3-6-year-olds, preparing an album, and making materials.
• To deepen participants’ ability to observe and learn from children while also exploring avenues for deepening parental and congregational ability to observe and learn from children.

About the Facilitator

Shelly Buchan is a catechist of the Good Shepherd in all three levels and is nationally recognized as a Level 1 Formation Leader for CGS. Shelly is the Director of Children’s Discipleship and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at St. Charles Parish in Hartland, WI. She also leads CGS at Nashotah House Theological Seminary, where she is also a regular guest lecturer on Children’s Formation. She received her BA in Christian Education from Wheaton College, IL, and her Elementary Education Certification from the College of St. Elizabeth, NJ. She has been happily married to Thomas for over 30 years and they have two children.