Level II Formation Course
Children ages 6 - 9
The Level II Atrium builds on the foundation for the child's encounter with the Catholic community of faith. The True Vine becomes the touchstone parable that expands the child’s understanding of his connectedness with God and the community; Jesus is the Vine and we are the branches. Religious experiences are deepened during this sensitive period for social and moral development, facilitating even greater participation in the wider community of the family, the Church and other social spheres. With a new capacity to understand time and history, the exploration of God’s Kingdom from Creation to Redemption to Parousia nurture the child’s desire to work for the Kingdom.
At this level, the child prepares and receives the sacraments of Reconciliation/Penance and Holy Eucharist.
Key elements of Level II Atria include:
The History of the Kingdom of God—Its Vastness and Unity
The True Vine and other Moral Parables
The Eucharist including Sacramental Preparation
The course also includes presentations, adult reflections, practice time, material making, and Montessori theory. Participants will collaborate in writing album pages and at the conclusion of the course will have a completed working album.
Completion of Level I is a prerequisite for the Level II Formation Course.
FORmation opportunities
Level II: Catechist Formation for working with children ages 6-9
Formation Leader
Laura Accettullo is Co-Founder, Head of Catechesis, Elementary Program Level II and Level III Catechist, and Sacramental Program Coordinator at John XXIII Montessori Center in Front Royal, VA. A Montessori child herself, she and her husband, Mark, incorporated Montessori principles in the home education of their nine children. Since being introduced to the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program in 2000, Laura has received CGS certification in Levels I, II, III, and Infant-Toddler, and is additionally recognized as a CGS National Formation Leader for Level 1 and II.
Assisted by:
Katie Rivas has been a catechist for 17 years in all three levels of the Catechesis. She recently served nine years at Siena Academy in Great Falls, VA as their Level ll and Level lll catechist.
Location
John XIII Montessori Center
1401 Linden Street
Front Royal, VA 22630
Information to help you plan your visit: Logistics, Accommodations & Travel
—— Two Summer Format ——
Part 2 — Summer 2024
9:30 am to 4:30 pm, July 17 - 24, 2024 (no formation on Sunday, July 21st)
please note
Certification in CGS Level I is required to register and join this course. There is space available for those who have completed part 1 of Level II and need part 2.
Cost
Space is available for those who already completed the first half of this course (Level II Part 1). The cost for half of the course is $600. Please register with the link below.
Auditing:
Space may be available for catechists who have already received their Level II formation certification. The cost is $300. Please register with the link below. An Album Binder is not provided. Please email formation@ccma-usa.org with any questions.
Financial Aid:
Some financial aid may be available. Please email formation@ccma-usa.org for information on applying for assistance.
Books
Required:
Religious Potential of the Child, ages 6-12, 2nd ed. — Sofia Cavalletti
History of the Kingdom of God, Part 1 - From Creation to Parousia — Sofia Cavalletti
History of the Kingdom of God, Part 2 - From Liturgy and the Building of the Kingdom — Sofia Cavalletti
Recommended:
The Child in the Church — Maria Montessori and others, edited by E.M. Standing
Life in the Vine: The Joyful Journey Continues — Rebekah Rojcewicz
Journals of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: 1984-1997/1998-2002/ 2014-2018/2019-2023. Chicago Liturgy Training Publications.
All books can be found and ordered at the CGS website; your order supports this important work!
Please read prior to the course if possible, and also bring reading materials to course meetings.