The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd highlights essential aspects of the Christian message that nurture a child’s need to love and be loved and a child’s capacity to enjoy God’s presence in his or her life.

The Level 1 formation course offers an orientation to the theological concepts fundamental to this ministry with children. It introduces the foundational biblical and liturgical themes that we present to children, through a combination of conversation, reflection and presentation — these delivered as we would share them with children. The course also offers opportunities to work with Montessori-style, catechetical materials that have been designed to nurture children’s prayer.

This 90-hour course is especially designed for those who are interested in or already involved in caring for the spiritual lives of children, in a home, parish or school setting. It is a prerequisite for further adult formation courses in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Certificate Program (Levels II and III).

This registration is for Part A of the Level I course (the second 45 hours). The CGSAC standard tuition of $400 for members or $490 for non-members, for level 1 Part A (the first 45 hours) has been underwritten to $200, made possible through the generosity of the Archdiocese of Toronto.

Both Part A and Part B must be completed for certification as a CGS Catechist for 3-6 year old children.

Sessions will be held on the last Saturday of the Month from 9am to 4pm

Part A Schedule:

2023 : Sept 30th, Oct 28th, Nov 25th,

2024: Jan 27th, Feb 24th, April 27th, May 25th

A separate registration, available in the Spring, will be required for Part B. The Course will follow a similar schedule:

Part B Schedule:

2024: Sept 28th, Oct 26th, Nov 30th

2025: Jan 25th, Feb 22nd, March 29th, April 26th