2017-2018 CGS Level I Formation Course

This Level I CGS course will be held in the lower level of All Saints Catholic Church, 650 NE 52nd Avenue in Des Moines, IA and is recognized by the National Association for CGS. It will consist of 90 hours of adult formation in pedagogy, theology, child development, and prayer/spirituality. The course will be led by Mandie DeVries, Director of Religious Education at All Saints and nationally-recognized Level I Formation Leader.

The cost is $350 for non-parishioners and $50 for parishioners (the remaining course fee is subsidized by the parish). Course books are available for order prior to September 1st for $55 including shipping. Please contact Mandie DeVries if you are interested in serving as a catechist at All Saints, as there is a discount for catechists who make a 3-year commitment.

The course will be held over six weekends:

9/22-24, 10/13-15, 11/3-5, 12/1-3, 1/26-28, 2018, & 2/9-11, 2018*
Fridays: 5:30-8:30pm, Saturdays 8:00-4pm, Sundays 1-5pm

*Dates changed per requests from participants.

For more information about CGS and one parent's experience with formation, click here!

Mandie DeVries is entering her 9th year as Director of Religious Education at All Saints Parish in Des Moines. She was among the three women who began the work of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at All Saints in 2005, and has worked as a catechist in at least one, and sometimes four, sessions each year since then. She has continued to pursue formation after finishing Level III formation in 2010, and has participated in the Cavalletti Heritage Course at Aquinas Institute, the National Level I Formation Leader's Course in Atlanta in 2014, and beginning the summer of 2017, a National Level II Formation Course in Seattle, WA. Her passion for working in the atrium with children is closely met with her love for adult formation. It is her desire to help all who want to come closer to Christ to discover the richness and promise in our Lord's words:

"Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me." Matthew 18: 3-5.