Training to Serve as a Catechist
General Training Information
To ensure that this program maintains high standards, training is required for those in the atrium. For Level I and II, you must complete 90 hours of training in order to become certified by the Association for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Level III requires 140 hours. This training involves:
- How to prepare the atrium and learning the Montessori method
- Understanding the Catechesis approach to Christian Formation
- Music
- Practical life skills
- Child development
- How to educate parents
- Education to wonder
- Using parables
- Seeing every presentation and writing an album page
Training is available locally at Christ Church Cathedral, and Level I training is now available at St. George's.
Links
Level I Training at St. George's
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, A Formation Course for Working with Three to Six Year Olds will be hosted by St. George’s. Click here to download the brochure and registration form.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a faith formation experience for children ages 3 to 12 years old. It is based upon the belief that young children can and do experience God. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd's work is done in an Atrium, an environment created to nurture children's spirituality. This is done by proclaiming the Gospel through the parable method, prayer, singing, silence, and exploring liturgical events. Hands-on materials are used to help children and adults reflect together upon the great mysteries of the Christian faith.
Course Description: The Level I course is the foundation for the work of the Atrium. Upon completion of the Level I course, participants will receive certification from the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to lead a Level I Atrium.
The aims of the course are:
- To explore the methodology and guiding principles of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
- To explore the religious nature and the most vital religious needs of the 3 to 6 year old child.
- To meditate on the Biblical and liturgical themes presented to the 3 to 6 year old child.
- To further develop the participant's ability to observe and learn from children, to listen with children to the scripture, and to enjoy the presence of God.
- To offer aid to participants in preparing an Atrium environment and in creating the participant's lesson album.
Tuition is $550 per participant, with a discount for additional attendees per congregation. A registration form is due for each participant, however, tuition is completely waived for communicants of St. George's Episcopal Church.
Financial Assistance: You may apply for financial assistance from St. George's or from the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd fund – click on the membership forms section.
Formation Leader Anna Hurdle and Team
Anna Hurdle coordinates the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is certified at the national level to train adults in all three levels of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She is a Montessori elementary teacher and has national board certification.
Contact Joanna Williams, Director of Children's Christian Formation at St. George's Church for more information.
Level II Training
Catechesis Level II Training Brochure