There are two ways to work with and serve children in the atrium: either as a formally trained and certified CGS catechist, or as an atrium aide. Adults and mature teens welcome. See below for details on each option.
 

2023-24 LEVEL I CATECHIST FORMATION (for ages 3-6)

(prerequisite for Levels II and III formation)
 

An atrium catechist sees the baptized child as already in relationship with God and recognizes that the Holy Spirit is the child’s real teacher. Rather than seeing the child as a blank slate to be filled with information, she indirectly guides the child by preparing the environment and materials, proclaiming the Scripture passage, and asking reflective questions that foster pondering and contemplation by the child. The mysteries of our faith are gradually discovered by the child himself over time and more deeply integrated due to this approach.

The Level I atrium catechist undertakes 90 hours of formation in Montessori and CGS pedagogy, theological reading, materials making, receiving and learning to give all atrium presentations, writing album pages, prayer and reflection.

Level I Catechist Formation OPTION TWO

Course meets one Saturday per month from September to June at All Saints Episcopal Sharon Chapel in Alexandria, VA.

Graduates of the 2022-23 Level 1 Catechist Formation Course hosted at Ascension

ATRIUM AIDE ORIENTATION

The atrium aide helps children to choose and use materials appropriately, helps record the work done by each child during a session, and generally aids any child in need of assistance or redirection, freeing up the catechist to focus on religious presentations.

This course will cover the key points for an atrium aide serving children 3-12 years old, including:

• Introduction to the spirituality of children
• Orientation to the atrium environment
• Orientation to the Montessori approach
• Orientation to the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
• Helping children through transitions

Please fill out the below interest form if you wish to serve as a catechist or aide.

Contact Heather Bress at [email protected] if you have any questions about CGS formation options.