About CGS

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based religious formation for children, beginning at the age of three. It seeks to create and facilitate a sacred, “hands-on” space for children called an atrium, in which the children and the catechists can hear, ponder, and celebrate the most essential mysteries of the Christian faith as revealed in the scriptures and the liturgy.

Developed in Rome by Dr. Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi over 60 years ago, the Catechesis continues to spread worldwide.

Level II

This course grounds the participant in the theory and praxis of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd while also concretely preparing her/him to develop and facilitate an atrium for 6-9 year olds. At the completion of the course the participants will be issued a Level II certificate by the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

Course Objectives

• To explore the general developmental characteristics and most vital religious needs of the 6-9 year old child.
• To offer catechists an in-depth understanding of the discoveries of the child at the second plane made by Maria Montessori and how these discoveries link to the atrium work and experience of the Level II child.
• To meditate on the Biblical and liturgical themes presented to the 6-9 year old as provided by Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi including the scriptural meditations for sacramental preparation.
• To further the catechist's ability to observe and learn from the child.
• To offer guidelines and assistance to the catechist in preparing the atrium.

About Our Formation Leader

Diane Olsen has been involved in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd since 1990. She is a certified CGS catechist in Levels I, II and III, and became a CGS Formation Leader in 2002. She coordinated the CGS program at Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa KS for 23 years. Diane has a B.A in philosophy and math from St. John’s College in Santa Fe NM and an M.A. in Pastoral Studies with an emphasis on CGS (MAPSCGS) from Aquinas Institute in St. Louis MO. She is married, the mother of six and the grandmother of thirteen.

Assistant

Beate Buescher is a wife, mom and catechist who began her journey with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in 2003. Her educational background is in early childhood education and she is passionate about faith, learning, nature and peaceful parenting. When she walked into her first formation course, she felt that she had finally found her tribe! Beate is currently listening to God alongside Level 1, 2 and 3 children at St. Joseph Honey Creek in Spring Branch and is certified in all levels of CGS, including Infant/Toddler and is a recognized Level 1 Formation Leader.