CGS Formation Level I

“If God is presented to the child through tangible and meaningful activities, it will do more for the child than just arouse interest; it will create in the child a sense of joy, admiration, and wonder.”

-Maria Montessori

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children, 3-12 years of age, based on the conviction that God and the child are in relationship. Inspired by Montessori methodology, this catechetical approach was further developed by Dr. Sofia Cavalletti, a scripture scholar, and Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori educator. Their collaboration began in Rome in 1954, and led to the founding of the method now called, “The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” or CGS.

This Catholic method of religious formation is now used internationally by churches and schools of various faiths. Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity and the teaching order of Dominicans in Nashville have employed CGS in some settings.

St. Louis de Montfort will be hosting the second part of Level I Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Formation this summer. Level 1: Part B will be June 11-14 & July 16-19, 2026 in the SLDM Ministry Center. Level 1: Part 2 will complete your Level 1 formation. The Level 1 course is the foundation for all three levels of the CGS formation.

SLDM offers a Level I atrium for 3-6 year old children, and a Level II atrium for 6-9 year old children. Currently all of our PreK through 3rd grade parish and SLDM school children attend an atrium weekly.

Whether you are interested in becoming a catechist, assisting in an atrium, or growing deeper in your prayer life - Catechesis of the Good Shepherd formation is for you! You must have already completed Level I Part A to enroll.  

REGISTRATION
To register, please submit and complete the CGS Formation Registration Form. 
A $50 deposit is due at time of registration. 
A $250 payment (including the $50 deposit) is due by June 1, 2026 for Level I: Part B.
*** Formation Fee is waived for any parishioner willing to commit to 2 years being a catechist in an SLDM atrium.

Payment may be submitted by credit card at the time of registration or by mailing a check to:
St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church
Attn: Kaitlyn Armiger
11441 Hague Road
Fishers, IN 46038. 

Questions?
If you have any questions about the course, or would like more information about CGS, please contact our Coordinator of Religious Education & Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - Kaitlyn Armiger at [email protected].