Learn About Caring for the Spiritual Lives of Children
Offered in partnership with the Office of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Archdiocese of Toronto, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Certificate Program is hosted by the University of St. Michael’s College Continuing Education Division. This certificate offers an introduction to the theology and praxis of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS), and prepares you to establish and lead a CGS Atrium. It is ideal for those involved or interested in caring for the spiritual lives of children at home, in schools, or in parishes.
Certificate Program Overview
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Certificate Program includes seminars, presentations, and hands-on practice:
- Seminars explore children’s spiritual needs and capacities and introduce the biblical and liturgical themes, theological concepts, and pedagogy fundamental to this ministry.
- Presentations demonstrate how handmade catechetical materials support children’s prayer and meditation. These are delivered as they would be in the Atrium and are designed to invite your own reflection on key biblical and liturgical themes.
- Practice includes orientation to the Atrium environment, guided work with materials, and the creation of a personal album—a handbook of CGS presentations for children.
About the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a scriptural and liturgical approach to religious formation for children ages 3 and up. Rooted in the Montessori tradition, it was developed in Rome in 1954 by scripture scholar Sofia Cavalletti and Montessori educator Gianna Gobbi. This method honours a child’s natural capacity for wonder as essential to nurturing a relationship with God.
The CGS Atrium is a prepared sacred space where children can explore the mysteries of the Catholic faith through handmade materials, quiet reflection, and guided discovery. This approach trusts that “when wonder becomes a fundamental attitude of our spirit, it will confer a religious character to our whole life” (Cavalletti, Religious Potential of the Child, p. 139).
For full details and to register, please visit the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd‘s webpage.