Monica Miller began her CGS journey in 2004 when a fellow parishioner’s invitation echoed the words of our Lord to “come and see.” She immediately fell in love with the atrium. Seeing her first presentation, The Kingdom of God and the Pearl of Great Price, allowed her to recognize the value of this approach and its ability to aid both the child and the adult in a mutual listening before the Word. Since then Monica has helped begin CGS in 3 parishes, including the first atrium in the Archdiocese of Dubuque at Holy Name in Rockford, IA. Monica has an undergraduate degree in theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville, post graduate theology credits at the University of Notre Dame, and a Montessori primary certification from North American Montessori Centre. She is also in the process of being recognized as a level II formation leader.

"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

Level I catechist formation is foundational for all three levels of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. The primary focus is preparation to serve three-to six-year-old children. The objectives of Level I catechist formation include:

• To present the guiding principles of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
• To explore the vital religious needs and capacities of the 3–6-year-old child;
• To offer the adult time to prayerfully reflect and personally consider the Biblical and liturgical themes presented to the 3–6-year-old child.
• To broaden the adult’s ability to observe and learn from children’s spirituality.
• To cultivate the capacity to deeply listen to and enjoy with children the Word of God.
• To offer guidelines and assistance in preparing the atrium, writing the catechist's album, and making materials.

Course Materials The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd
     Edition. Sofia Cavalletti
The Good Shepherd and the Child: A
     Joyful Journey, revised and updated.
Listening to God with Children (if out of
     print, alternative book available)

Membership to the United States Association of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, www.cgsusa.org, is highly recommended for each participant and will allow access to the Level I Materials Manual.

   The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd offers a method of catechesis for children ages 3 through 12 through which children are helped in forming an authentic, faithful relationship with God. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is grounded in scriptural and liturgical study framed by Montessori's principles of education and understanding of the developmental needs of children. Themes that comprise Level I include Introduction to the Atrium and the Life of the Church, Prayer, Mystery of Incarnation, Mystery of the Kingdom of God: Kingdom Parables, the Mystery of Christ as the Good Shepherd, the Paschal Mystery, The Gestures of the Mass/Eucharist, and Baptism.

   The pace of the course is retreat-like allowing for its contemplative nature to be a prayerful experience for adults and a model for the children’s atrium experience. A three-year cycle of presentations is offered from scripture and liturgy as given to children. Adults will also receive background information on the themes that undergird this approach including a foundational study into Maria Montessori’s work with children.

   The catechesis began in Rome in 1954 with the approval of the bishops of Rome, including Pope John Paul II. Dr. Sofia Cavalletti, a scripture scholar, and Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori teacher, developed the catechesis through observing and working with children. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd can be found throughout the world on six continents.