“True respect for the child is only possible when we have respect for God in the child.”
Level I Formation Course
Children ages 3 - 6
The Level I Atrium lays the foundation for the child's encounter with the Catholic community of faith. The Atrium itself is a community in which children and adults live together a religious experience which facilitates participation in the wider community of the family, the Church, and other social spheres.
In the Atrium, work and study spontaneously become meditation, contemplation, and prayer.
The Atrium is a place in which the only Teacher is Christ; both children and adults place themselves in a listening stance before his Word and seek to penetrate the mystery of the liturgical celebration.
The themes presented in the Atrium are those to which the children have responded with depth and joy. These themes are taken from the Bible and the Liturgy (prayers and sacraments) as the fundamental sources for creating and sustaining Christian life at every developmental stage and, in particular, for illuminating and nourishing the child in his/her most vital religious needs.
Key elements of Level I Atria include:
The Good Shepherd
The Eucharist
Baptism
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 Level I is a prerequisite for other Level II Formation Courses.
Front Royal, Virginia
Location
John XIII Montessori Center
1401 Linden St.
Front Royal, VA 22630
Information to help you plan your visit: Logistics & Accommodations
Formation Leaders
Formation Leaders: Laura Accettullo and Michelle Castellan
Dates
2023-2024 Monthly Weekend Format
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Saturdays and 1:00 pm - 4:30 PM Sundays
2023 Dates
October 28/29
November 18/19
December 9/10
2024 Dates
January 13/14
February 10/11
March 2/3
March 16
April 13
May 11/12
and June 1/2
Course Fee
$1200 (plus credit card fees)
This is the total cost of the entire formation and includes an album binder, material making, and all formation sessions. Additional books are purchased by the participant.
Registration Fee: $200
If you pay the full tuition at time of registration: a $200 discount is provided.
Payment Plans: a non-refundable deposit of $200 is required upon registration.
The balance is payable in monthly installments or two payments.
For payment plans, please create an account when registering so there is a credit card on file.
Discounts are provided for religious (40%) and full-time students aged 21 and under (30%).
Auditing:
Space may be available for catechists who have already received their Level I formation certification. The cost is $300. Please register with the link below. An Album Binder is NOT provided. If you would like a binder, an additional fee will be incurred. Please email formation@ccma-usa.org with any questions.
Financial Aid:
Some financial aid may be available. Please email acarino@ccma-usa.org to request assistance.
Books
Required:
The Religious Potential of the Child, 3rd ed — Sofia Cavalletti
Listening to God with Children — Gianna Gobbi
The Good Shepherd and the Child: A Joyful Journey — Sofia Cavalletti et al
Recommended:
The Child in the Church — Maria Montessori, Sofia Cavalletti, edited by E.M. Standing
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.