In cooperation with the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, CGSAC offers instruction for those who wish to work as catechists in new or existing Atria. These courses form the adult to “listen to God with children” and offer training on how to prepare an Atrium environment. We offer four levels of formation courses:

• Infant and Toddler (0-3 years old)

• Level I (3-6 years old)

• Level II (6-9 years old)

• Level III (9-12 years old)

Each formation course focuses on a specific age group and the child’s spiritual needs at that point in development. A Level I formation course is a prerequisite to the others, as it lays the foundation for understanding the spiritual needs of the child. 

Catechist Formation Courses at CGSAC are led by instructors who are recognized leaders through the United States Association of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. These formation leaders have not only completed all three levels of catechist formation in The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, they have personally written an album for the level they will lead, had it reviewed by another formation leader, served on courses in which they have received mentoring by another more experienced formation leader, and they have entered a formal process of discernment and review for recognition as a formation leader.

Since the course is in a retreat style, anyone can participate - priests, deacons, parents, grandparents, single adults, older teens, male or female. 

Catechists will receive diocesan credit to be a certified catechist and a certificate from CGS National Office upon completion of all course requirements.

In additon to catechist formation, CGSAC provides opportunities to grow in faith through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Offerings such as parent information classes, retreats, and specialized material-making classes are designed to strengthen and nurture a rich and bountiful community inspired by the the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.