Adult formation for Catechesis
We are excited to offer the adult formation course for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in a new format beginning in August 2023.
In the past, we have offered week-long training courses. We hope that providing the course over several weekends will make it more practical for people to take part.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a unique approach to children’s formation, grounded in the work of Dr. Maria Montessori. We use this approach at St. Stephen’s Church in the belief that it nurtures the religious life of children in their relationship with God. Dr. Montessori's work led her to honor deeply the spiritual lives of children and their growing needs at each stage of development. This course, focused on the preparation of the adult, will ground participants in theological and pedagogical theory while preparing them to be with children in this sacred time and setting.
The cultivation of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at St. Stephen’s has been a rich and meaningful experience for children and adults in this parish for many years. The adult formation course first seeks to deepen the adult’s appreciation and wonder in beholding the mystery of faith in preparation to learn from and with children.
Whether or not you are interested in assisting with children’s formation on a Sunday morning, you are welcome to participate in this course. The cost for all five weekends is $550. There is no cost to St. Stephen’s parishioners.
The Level I formation course will be offered on five sequential weekend sessions throughout 2023-4. At the successful completion of the course, each participant will be certified as a Level I catechist by the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
The weekend sessions will be held
- August 4-6, 2023
- September 22-24, 2023
- January 26-28, 2024
- June 7-9, 2024
- August 9-11, 2024
Friday and Saturday sessions are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., in person.
Sunday sessions are from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and are held virtually.
We hope this arrangement will allow those who need to be present in a local parish on Sunday morning to be able to do so.