Catechist Formation

Our Catechist Formation courses are designed to help the catechist go deeper into the Christian message through the knowledge of the biblical and liturgical sources and the ongoing living tradition of the church. The courses guide the catechist in preparing the atrium environment and materials in order to foster contemplation and prayer.

Current & Upcoming Formation Opportunities

Level 1 Monthly Formation 2026 - 2027

Course # 1-02691

8:30 am – 3:45 pm Each Day

Tuition: $450

Part 1 dates:

September 27, 2026
October 4, 2026
November 15, 2026
January 24, 2027
February 21, 2027
March 7, 2027
April 25, 2027

Part 2 dates to be determined.

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Level 1 Summer Intensive 2026 - 2027

Course # 1-02690

9:00 am – 4:30 pm Each Day

Tuition: $450

Part 1 Dates:
June 1-7, 2026

Level 1, Part 2 Summer Intensive 2027

June 1-7, 2027

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Level 2 Summer Intensive 2026 - 2027

Course #2-00851

9:00 am – 4:30 pm Each Day

Tuition: $500

Part 1 Dates:
June 9-11 and June 15-18, 2026

Level 2, Part 2 Summer Intensive 2027

June 8-11 and June 14-17, 2027

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Which course should I take?

Level 1 Formation: If you have never had CGS catechist formation, start here. Level 1 covers the foundational concepts of CGS and the essential work of creating an atrium that invites young children, ages 3 - 6, into a relationship with the Good Shepherd through , contemplation and enjoyment of God. Level 1 includes the following themes: Introduction to the Life of the Atrium and the Church, Mystery of the Incarnation, Parables of the Kingdom of God, Mystery of Christ as the Good Shepherd, the Paschal Mystery, Eucharist and Baptism.

Level 2 Formation: Building on level 1 formation and going deeper into the foundational concepts and themes, this course prepares the Catechist to facilitate meditation on the biblical and liturgical themes with the 6 to 9 year old child. It also deepens the Catechist's ability to observe and learn from children through exploring the developmental and religious characteristics of the 6 to 9 year old child, preparing the atrium, and making materials.

Tuition and Registration

Financial Assistance: Financial aid is available through the National Association of CGS at: www.cgsusa.org.

Scholarships are also available via Casa Dei Bambini. Contact us for more information.

Registration Details

Level 1 Tuition: $450

Level 2 Tuition: $500

A non-refundable and non-transferable deposit of $150 is due upon registration. The tuition covers both Part 1 and Part 2 of each level.

The balance of the tuition is due by the first day of class.

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Meet Your Formation Leader & Assistants

Formation Leader

Angie Bielefeld

Angie Bielefeld began working with children in the Atrium through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in 2001. She is a certified CGS catechist in Levels I, II, and III and serves children in all three levels at Casa Dei Bambini in Wichita, KS. She is also a recognized formation leader by the National Association of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for Levels 1, 2 and 3. Angie helped to bring CGS to several parishes in the Wichita Diocese. She currently serves on the Casa Dei Bambini Board of Directors, a ministry she helped found in 2018, whose mission is to offer CGS to all children in the Diocese of Wichita. Angie has served on formation teams in the dioceses of Wichita, Tulsa, Arkansas, Dodge City, and the Archdioceses of Kansas City and Oklahoma City. Angie has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Pittsburg State University. Angie is a wife and mother to eight children.

Formation Assistant

Sally Korte

Sally Korte received her Montessori certificate through the International Montessori Society and began working with children at a Montessori school in Mexico in 1994. She began a Shalom Prince of Peace Montessori Preschool in Augusta, KS in 2021. She took her first Catechesis of the Good Shepherd formation course in 2008. She is a certified CGS catechist in Levels I, II, and III. Sally has a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education. Sally is a wife and mother to eight children.

Formation Leader Candidate

Katie Mitnaul

Katie Mitnaul was first introduced to the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd through the writings of Sofia Cavalletti. She began her formation in 2016 and is certified in Levels 1, 2, and 3. Katie studied theology at the University of Dallas and holds a Master’s degree in Religious Education from the Catholic University of America. She has served as Director of Religious Education at parishes in Virginia and New Hampshire. She currently serves as a catechist at Casa dei Bambini and at Blessed Sacrament, where she coordinates the Parish School of Religion. Katie is married to Larry, and they have seven children. She especially treasures the privilege of sharing CGS with parents and other adults!

Formation Leader Candidate

Joni Rundle

Joni Rundle moved to Wichita in 2020 from Kansas City where she served as CGS coordinator for Cure’ of Ars school and parish in Leawood, KS. Joni is certified in Levels I, II, and III of CGS. She served on the Board of the SonFlower CGS Region from 2019 through 2021 and is currently a lead catechist and board member at Casa Dei Bambini. After earning a Master of Arts Degree in Education and teaching in a Catholic school for over twenty years, Joni fell in love with the beautiful method and essentiality of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She took her first course in 2012 and has been immersed in atria work ever since. Joni and her husband, Dan, have three grown children and two grandchildren. She is a parishioner at St. Catherine of Siena in West Wichita.