Formation Course for Catechists of children 3 to 6 years old in ENGLISH

Course ID: # 1-02512

Dates & Schedule:
Sessions will be from 9:15 AM to 4:15 PM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Grapevine, Texas.

PART 1 - 2025 June 19th-22nd / July 10th-13th

PART 2- 2026 TBD

Cost: $400.00 USD for Part 1

Please register by June 1, 2025
 

Course Objectives

• To present the methodology and guiding principles of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for the 3-6-year-old child as provided by Sofia Cavalletti and Gianni Gobbi.
• To explore the religious nature and most vital needs of the 3-6 year-old child.
• To meditate on the biblical and liturgical themes presented in the 3-6 year-old atrium.
• To broaden your ability to observe and learn from the children, to better listen to the scriptures with the children, and to deepen your own enjoyment of God. 

Formation Leader Jo Ann Padgett

Ms. Padgett has been involved in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd since 1987. She has been trained at all three levels, worked extensively with children aged three through twelve in various atria settings, and also worked as director of CGS at several different parishes. Prior to learning about CGS, she earned AMA certification as a Primary Montessori Directress. She became recognized as a Formation Leader by the National Association in 2003 and currently leads adult formation courses at all three levels. She graduated with the first class from Aquinas Institute of Theology with a Master's in Pastoral Studies – Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. From 2008 to 2014, she served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and currently serves the Association as a member of the Journal team. She is a practicing Roman Catholic and currently resides in Dallas, Texas.

Formation Leader Assistant Jackie Bedore

Jackie began her training in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in 2001. She has two degrees in education as well as a Masters's of Pastoral Studies degree from Loyola University. In addition to teaching for ten years in a traditional setting, she worked as a Pastoral Associate in Lockport Illinois establishing CGS in her parish. She is certified in Level I, II, and II and was a Level I and II formation leader. She then worked at her high school alma mater, where she held the position of Director of Campus Ministry. During that time, Jackie went on to take the coursework for Theology of the Body Certification through the Theology of the Body Institute. Her love for the toddler and the teenager has inspired her to love working with all of God’s children no matter their age. This past July, God called her to return to her original ministry with children and CGS at St. Francis Parish in Grapevine, Texas where Jackie is the Coordinator of Children’s Ministries and is helping to transition the parish to using CGS exclusively for children's catechesis.