About the Training
July 13-18, 2026 | July 12-17, 2027 | 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church
3516 E Monroe Rd, Midland, MI
Cost for Training
- $450 for both weeks
- $50 discount for parishioners within the Diocese of Saginaw
- Lunch provided
Required Books
- The Religious Potential of the Child, by Sofia Cavalletti
- The Good Shepherd and the Child: A Joyful Journey, by Sofia Cavalletti, Patricia Coulter, Giana Gobbi, Silvana Q. Montanaro, M.D., Rebekah Rojcewicz
- Nurturing the Whole Child, by Gianna Gobbi
Books may be purchased from CGSUSA.org, or you can order them with your registration, and you will receive them on the first day.
Course Objectives
To present the methodology and guiding principles of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd as they pertain to the 3-6 year old child.
- To explore the nature and most vital needs of the 3-6 year old child.
- To meditate on the Biblical and Liturgical themes presented to the 3-6 year old child.
- To develop the catechist’s observation skills.
- To provide an environment of support and encouragement to deepen our own enjoyment of God.
- To offer guidelines and assistance in preparing the Level I atrium environment and in making the catechist’s album and catechetical materials.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) requires formation for adult leaders at all levels. Level I is for children ages 3-6, and the adult formation course requires 90 hours of lectures, presentations, material making, and atrium observations.
About the Presenters
Formation Leader Clare Kozmalski
- Degree in elementary education from Franciscan University of Steubenville
- Started CGS at Christ the King Catholic Church in Ann Arbor
- 23 years of atrium experience in all 4 levels
- Married with 10 children, 4 grandchildren, and 2 more soon
Formation Leader Chris Platko
- Master’s in Religious Education
- 22 years of atrium experience
- Opened two atria
- Director of Faith Formation for over 20 years
- Diocesan Advisory Team member
- Married 45 years with 2 children and 3 grandchildren
Ready to Get Started?
Registration Instructions:
- Click button below
- Complete registration form
- Receive email with invoice
- Send in payment
Questions? Contact Wendy Graveline, Hosting Coordinator