Formation Leader/Volunteer Information
Formation Leader Orientation Meeting
Date: Sunday, September 14 | 10:15 – 11:15 am
Who: PreK through 12th grade Formation Leaders
Purpose: Review dates, procedures, curriculum, presentations/lessons, and other vital information for the upcoming year
Full Downloadable Calendar
Our Sunday schedule for the year ahead remains unchanged: Sundays from 10:15 – 11:15 am.
You can view and download all our CYF sessions and events at this link: CALENDAR
Class Structure
Atrium 1: PreK - 1st grade
Atrium 2: 2nd - 5th grade
Midde School: 6th - 8th grade
High School: 9th -12th grade
Date: Sunday, September 14 | 10:15 – 11:15 am
Who: PreK through 12th grade Formation Leaders
Purpose: Review dates, procedures, curriculum, presentations/lessons, and other vital information for the upcoming year
Full Downloadable Calendar
Our Sunday schedule for the year ahead remains unchanged: Sundays from 10:15 – 11:15 am.
You can view and download all our CYF sessions and events at this link: CALENDAR
Class Structure
Atrium 1: PreK - 1st grade
Atrium 2: 2nd - 5th grade
Midde School: 6th - 8th grade
High School: 9th -12th grade
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level I Formation
A Formation Experience for Adults
Part I: September 25 – 27 | October 16 – 18 | November 13 –15
Part II: January 22 – 24 | February 12 – 14 | March 12 – 14
Those interested in training as a Level I Catechist are invited to join the training being held at Gesu Catholic Church in Detroit.
Registration ends August 1, scholarships are available – contact Lisa Brown, lbrown@christchurchgp.org
A Formation Experience for Adults
Part I: September 25 – 27 | October 16 – 18 | November 13 –15
Part II: January 22 – 24 | February 12 – 14 | March 12 – 14
Those interested in training as a Level I Catechist are invited to join the training being held at Gesu Catholic Church in Detroit.
Registration ends August 1, scholarships are available – contact Lisa Brown, lbrown@christchurchgp.org
Are you interested in taking the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
“Official” Level I Certification Training?
Tips for Life with Children in the Atrium
Methodology Reminders
• Begin each class with centering silence
• Resist the urge to over-explain; let wonder guide
• Don't be afraid of silence; pregnant pauses are part of the process
• Prioritize relationship over information
• Include contemplative work time in every class
• End with brief sharing circle
• Keep discussion questions open-ended
• Trust that Christ is the teacherAssessment: Rather than tests or quizzes, assess through:
• Participation in wondering and sharing
• Growth in prayer and contemplation
• Engagement with Scripture and tradition
• Evidence of living faith in relationships
• Reflection shown in journals
Key Vocabulary & Approach
Atrium (not classroom) - A sacred space for religious experience, prayer, encounter and relationship with children, modeled after early church instruction rooms.
Method (not program) Presentation (not lesson)- Trust is placed in the child and Holy Spirit rather than predetermined curriculum. The aim is entering into prayer through Bible and Liturgy.
Formation Leader – Volunteers who lead our Middle and High School Faith Formation sessions.
Catechist – Staff member or volunteer who has completed CGS training and leads presentations in the atrium.
Atrium Assistant – Volunteer who assists and supports the Catechist and children in the atrium.
Atrium Assistant Responsibilities
Welcoming & Organization:
• Welcome children by name as they arrive
• Help with name tags and take attendance
• Support Catechist in preparing materials
• Handle dismissal carefully – call children when parents arrive
Guiding Children:
• Help children focus for presentations
• Assist children in choosing contemplative activities. Offer specific choices: "Would you like to work on your bible tabs or create a scripture card for our prayer table?"
• Give children space; avoid hovering, evaluating, or interrupting their work
Modeling & Maintaining Order:
• Model quiet voices and respectful movement and treating materials with gentleness and care
• Aid children in restoring works when finished and help maintain overall tidiness
Gentle Guidance:
• Use positive language: "This is how we walk in the atrium" rather than "Don't do that." For material misuse: "Is that how we use these materials?"
• For disruption: redirect, sit nearby, or briefly walk with child outside atrium
• Give children dignity to comply after correction
Environment:
• No outside items (toys, electronics, phones) in the atrium
• No food permitted; guide children to family room if needed
• Participate in closing prayer and song
Recommended Reading
• Introduction to CGS for potential formation leaders- CLICK HERE
• The Faith of a Child: An increasingly popular approach to teaching young people the faith – CLICK HERE
• Religious education is broken. It’s time to fix our Sunday school culture – CLICK HERE
• Montessori schools are exceptionally successful. So why aren’t there more of them? – CLICK HERE
• The Good Shepherd and the Child: A Joyful Journey – CLICK HERE
• The Religious Potential of the Child (chapters 8-10) by Sofia Cavalletti – CLICK HERE
• National Organization of CGS information – CLICK HERE
• Begin each class with centering silence
• Resist the urge to over-explain; let wonder guide
• Don't be afraid of silence; pregnant pauses are part of the process
• Prioritize relationship over information
• Include contemplative work time in every class
• End with brief sharing circle
• Keep discussion questions open-ended
• Trust that Christ is the teacherAssessment: Rather than tests or quizzes, assess through:
• Participation in wondering and sharing
• Growth in prayer and contemplation
• Engagement with Scripture and tradition
• Evidence of living faith in relationships
• Reflection shown in journals
Key Vocabulary & Approach
Atrium (not classroom) - A sacred space for religious experience, prayer, encounter and relationship with children, modeled after early church instruction rooms.
Method (not program) Presentation (not lesson)- Trust is placed in the child and Holy Spirit rather than predetermined curriculum. The aim is entering into prayer through Bible and Liturgy.
Formation Leader – Volunteers who lead our Middle and High School Faith Formation sessions.
Catechist – Staff member or volunteer who has completed CGS training and leads presentations in the atrium.
Atrium Assistant – Volunteer who assists and supports the Catechist and children in the atrium.
Atrium Assistant Responsibilities
Welcoming & Organization:
• Welcome children by name as they arrive
• Help with name tags and take attendance
• Support Catechist in preparing materials
• Handle dismissal carefully – call children when parents arrive
Guiding Children:
• Help children focus for presentations
• Assist children in choosing contemplative activities. Offer specific choices: "Would you like to work on your bible tabs or create a scripture card for our prayer table?"
• Give children space; avoid hovering, evaluating, or interrupting their work
Modeling & Maintaining Order:
• Model quiet voices and respectful movement and treating materials with gentleness and care
• Aid children in restoring works when finished and help maintain overall tidiness
Gentle Guidance:
• Use positive language: "This is how we walk in the atrium" rather than "Don't do that." For material misuse: "Is that how we use these materials?"
• For disruption: redirect, sit nearby, or briefly walk with child outside atrium
• Give children dignity to comply after correction
Environment:
• No outside items (toys, electronics, phones) in the atrium
• No food permitted; guide children to family room if needed
• Participate in closing prayer and song
Recommended Reading
• Introduction to CGS for potential formation leaders- CLICK HERE
• The Faith of a Child: An increasingly popular approach to teaching young people the faith – CLICK HERE
• Religious education is broken. It’s time to fix our Sunday school culture – CLICK HERE
• Montessori schools are exceptionally successful. So why aren’t there more of them? – CLICK HERE
• The Good Shepherd and the Child: A Joyful Journey – CLICK HERE
• The Religious Potential of the Child (chapters 8-10) by Sofia Cavalletti – CLICK HERE
• National Organization of CGS information – CLICK HERE