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 following the Rome Model

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 CGS 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:
Jennifer Gregory Miller has been a catechist for 18 years in all three levels of the Catechesis, but with particular experience working as an Elementary Catechist in Catholic Montessori schools. She is AMI Primary (3-6) trained and currently working towards being a CGS Formation Leader for Levels I-III. She is working at Siena Academy in Great Falls, Virginia as the Elementary Catechist for Levels II and III.

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 1 — Summer 2025

9:30 am to 4:30 pm, July 9-12, 14-16, 2025 (no formation on Sunday, July 13th)

Part 2 — Summer 2026

9:30 am to 4:30 pm, July 8-11, 13-15, 2026 (no formation on Sunday, July 12th)

Please Note:

Certification in CGS Level I is required to register and join this course.

COURSE FEE

Total Cost: $1000 (plus any card fees)

This is the total cost of the entire formation with registration fee; includes an album binder, material making, and all formation sessions. Additional books are purchased by the participant.

Prepay One Lump Sum: 15% discount, $850 (plus any card fees)

  • If you pay the full tuition at time of registration, cost will be $850 plus fees

Separate Payments: Non-Refundable* Registration Fee: $200 Full Tuition Fee: $800 (plus any card fees)

  • After paying the registration fee, the remaining balance of $800 plus any card fees is due upon the first session of the formation course.

  • Payment Plan: a non-refundable $200 deposit (plus fees) is required upon registration.*

    • The remaining balance (plus credit card fees) is payable in two $425 (plus fees) installments

    • The first $425 payments due 2 weeks before course starts, and second $425 payment due November 5, 2025.

  • Discounts are provided for religious (40%) and full-time students age 21 and under (30%).

  • All tuition payments are final and non-refundable after 2 weeks before the course begins.

*Only if the course is cancelled the deposit will be refunded.

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

90% attendance is required to receive a certificate. Participants are asked to check the dates carefully. While unexpected sicknesses and events do come up, the opening weekend is essential and cannot be missed or made up.

AUDITING:

Space may be available for catechists who have already received their CGS Level I and Level II formation certification. The basic cost to audit is $300. If you have taken a Level II Formation Course through CCMA, there is no cost to audit. An Album is NOT provided. If you would like an album, an additional fee of $50 will be incurred. If you wish to be a Participant Auditor and collaborate in writing album pages to receive a completed working album at the end of the course, the cost is $500. Please register with the link below.

Please email formation@ccma-usa.org with any questions.

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.