Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Catechists who serve in The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd approach are expected to undertake formation courses that are approved by the United States Association of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Therefore, the Diocese of Greensburg offers equivalency certification to those who successful complete their certification through The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGSUSA):
- CGS Level I Certification is the equivalency of both Basic and Standard Certification (with completion of the Basic Level Administration/Legal Course).
- Those who complete CGS Level II and Level III Certification receive equivalency of Advanced Certification (with completion of a seminar on practical skills for catechetical leaders offered by the Diocese of Greensburg).
- Those who are recognized as Formation Leaders by the United States Association of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd receive equivalency of Master Catechist Certification (with completion of a seminar on practical skills for catechetical leaders offered by the Diocese of Greensburg).
- Those who are recognized as Formation Leaders by the United States Association of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd are recognized to teach CGS Certification courses within the Diocese of Greensburg in accordance with the Speaker Policy of the Diocese
CATECHESIS FORMATION
“CGS is a common religious experience involving children and adults in which the religious values of childhood, primarily those values of contemplation and enjoyment of God, are predominant. This experience is shared in a place particularly prepared for the religious life of children called the Atrium.” www.cgsusa.org
This type of catechesis, developed by Dr. Sofia Cavalletti and her co-worker Gianna Gobbi, began in Rome in 1954 with the approval of the bishops of Rome, including Pope John Paul II.
Registrations are now being accepted for the 2023-2024 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level I Formation Course being offered at Mother of Sorrows Parish, Murrysville, PA. This Level I Formation Course has been opened up to individuals around the United States by the national organization for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
Participants in this adult formation discover or rediscover their own unique personal relationship with God as they see presentations through the eyes of the child three to six years of age. This course fulfills several requirements for Basic Certification in the Diocese.
Not all of the parishes in the Diocese of Greensburg have an Atrium. Please contact your local parish for information on CGS or for a referral to a parish in your area that offers CGS as part of their faith formation program.
If you need additional information or have any questions, please contact the Office for Faith, Family, and Discipleship at [email protected].
