Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Level One Formation | Ages 3–6

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What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori-based religious education program that nurtures the spiritual lives of children by helping them form a deep, personal relationship with God. Inspired by the teachings of Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi, CGS fosters a sacred environment called the atrium—a prayerful space where children and catechists listen to God together.

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Level One Formation Overview

Level One is the foundation of the three CGS formation levels and focuses on the unique religious potential of the 3-6 year old child.
Through Level One Formation, adults will:

• Learn the guiding principles of CGS
• Explore the spiritual needs of young children
• Reflect prayerfully on Biblical and liturgical themes
• Observe and learn from the child’s spiritual insights
• Prepare and work within the sacred space of the atrium

This course also serves as spiritual formation for adults. The retreat-like pace—one Saturday per month—offers space for contemplation and growth.

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Course Schedule

12 Saturday sessions | 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

• September 13, 2025
• October 4, 2025
• November 8, 2025
• December 4, 2025
• January 17, 2026
• February 21, 2026
• March 7, 2026
• March 21, 2026
• April 11, 2026
• April 26, 2026
• May 16, 2026
• June 13, 2026

Location:
St. Joseph Church & Religious Education
34 S. Chestnut St.
New Paltz, NY 12561

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Meet the Formation Leader: Kate Jonietz

Kate Jonietz is a certified Level 1 Formation Leader through the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She has served as the CGS Coordinator at St. Joseph Catholic Church since 2002 and has completed all three levels of formation.

“The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd captured my spirit. My life and faith were transformed in ways I never imagined.” – Kate Jonietz

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Tuition & Registration

• $350.00 per participant
• $200.00 for each additional participant from the same parish or school
• Tuition includes:
  • Three Level 1 course texts
  • A course binder
  • Page protectors

Checks should be made payable to: St. Joseph Religious Education
Full payment is due at the first session: August 30, 2025
Send completed registration form and check to:
Kate Jonietz
St. Joseph Church
34 S. Chestnut St.
New Paltz, NY 12561

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Important Notes

• Membership in the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (www.cgsusa.org) is required for access to Level I materials.
• Video recording is not permitted. Photography and audio recording are allowed.
• Participants will receive a certificate of completion from the National Association for Level 1 formation.

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“If we want to help the child draw nearer to God, we should with patience and courage seek to go always closer to the vital nucleus of things. This requires study and prayer. The children will be our teachers if we know how to observe them.”
— Sofia Cavalletti