A place is to deepen our roots and grow new branches. The topics are chosen by questions folks send us and by what our collaborators observe and wonder about.
Dr. Montessori describes the greatest gift a child can find is a love of learning to last a lifetime. The formation of the human is always ongoing.
As adults, we continue to ponder, to wonder, to observe children and ourselves. We must always be growing and being formed – intellectually and spiritually. The Inclusive Atrium partners with others to support growth and formation particularly in Montessori Spiritual Formation. If you are interested in collaborating, check out our guidelines.
We have three ways to join our journey:
- Monthly Forums
- Courses – Refreshers, Intensives, and Trainings
- CGS Formation Courses
Free Forum
Register to receive your Zoom link.
Monthly hang out with our community and ponder theological, practical, and pedagogical speed bumps and conundrums, so we can root deepen in our lives and broaden our understanding of our place in God’s project.
LITURGY OF THE LIGHT
Let’s ponder with Anita Vincent the reasons for making space for this deeply empowering para-liturgical moment in the atrium.
How do you do it without catching anyone’s hair on fire?
What do you think is essential and what tips do you have to share with folks?
March 16 • 7:30 to 9 pm
Anita Vincent – conversation guide
FREE
ADOLESCENTS
From the wisdom of Anita Vincent whose doctoral thesis is on the adolescent’s spiritual development, let’s ponder the adolescent body, mind, and spirit’s differences. How are they unique and what do they need most?
Why do we need to listen carefully to them and ponder the meaning behind the emotions, body changes, tribe attachments, and “rebellious” behaviors?
Walking with adolescents through this time of great change is nuanced. Let’s discuss how to bob and weave and still have much needed boundaries.
May 6 • 7:30-9pm
Anita Vincent, The – Conversation Host
A great Forum for ALL folks wanting to understand the Adolescent better.
Invite parents and those serving junior highers, too!
WHAT’S THEIR STORY?
Vicki’s 13 years working with children in a church setting led her to become acutely aware that she needed to know what was going on in children’s lives before they entered the atrium (or classroom).
As a CGS catechist she appreciates that part of her work is to prepare the environment for community to form.
We carefully construct spaces for children to optimally do that.
What happens when we don’t know the outside forces on that child, we might not be able to support that child’s connection to community or God.
How do we construct relationships with caregivers to support the child’s life with God?
June 10 • 7:30 – 9pm
Vicki Carney – Conversation Guide
Free
This Free Forum is great for all faith leaders – and not just those working with young children.
Vicki is a fully trained catechist (Levels 1, 2, 3) and neurodivergent specialist who runs support tutoring on topics ranging from faith formation and domestic skills to hidden histories.
LITURGICAL CALENDAR +
If the work in the atrium is essential and ecumenical at its core, then what is up with the most confusing work in the atrium – the Liturgical Calendar.
Why do we do something that even catechists have such a hard time wrapping their brains around?
What is one thing do we want children to come away with across each of the four levels – 0 to 12?
HISTORIC GEOGRAPHY – JESUS’ TIME
What does the geography – regional, political, and geographical look like in Jesus’ time?
How does this impact the places and people in the narratives?
How does this help us understand the birth, work, death, and resurrection better.
This lays a stronger foundation for adult pondering of Jesus.
February 25 • 7:30 – 9
Elizabeth Vice – Conversation Guide
FREE
Refresher Cohorts
“We hear from lots of catechists that they need a little support. They may be in their first year and are feeling overwhelmed and unsure. They may have been out of the atrium for several years and would like to remind themselves of the pedagogy.” Anita
Spend seven week in with a group of folks who have questions, too. Refresh your notes on topics ranging from pedagogy and practical life to the Infancy Narratives and classroom management.
Anita’s emphasis is on the theological underpinnings which span the levels, how to sit with the child and their questions, and how to shift with the needs of each child.
Refresher participants must have CGS certification or be in the process of receiving it.
Level 1 Conversation & Communion by Anita Vincent
March 4, 11, 18, 25 and April 15, 22, 29 • 7:30 to 9pm
Cost: $250 (until Feb 20th after that $350)
Join on Zoom and a supplemental materials are on a private web page.
You must have or be in process to receive your CGSUSA Level 1 Formation Certificate!
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Formations – 2026
Committing to the rigorous formation required to be certified as a Catechist in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a prayerful decision. Formation is a process of reorienting and reorganizing your approach to children, theology, and even your own self. There is so much joy found in the formation community. Your cohort wrestles along side you through uncertainties, discoveries, and prayers. They journey forward with you as an ongoing sounding board.
Is it challenging, absolutely. Is it worth it. Absolutely. To understand more about the requirements, visit here.
LEVEL 1B ADULT FORMATION COURSE – St. Tikhon’s Seminary
Join a diverse group of adults preparing to guide 3-6 year olds in this 96 hour formation with includes multi-denominational theological conversations, pedagogical lectures, material creation, presentations, and Socratic conversations about CGS themes.
This is the 2nd part of the course.
Formation Leader: Anita Vincent, ThD.
- Montessori Specialist: Elizabeth Vice
- Orthodox Specialist: Dr. Mary Ford
Cost: $400 + 35 (CGS fee)
Location: New Canaan, PA
June 8 – 12 9am to 5pm
- Housing: Provided
- Food: All meals & snacks
- Childcare: None
Contact Olga Ptach to register
Level 2a Adult Formation Course – Prince of Peace Parish
To guide 6-9 year old children, adults are required to enter into a 96 hour formation which includes theological contexts, pedagogical lectures, presentation, material creation, and Socratic conversations about the themes discussed.
The first summer of 2 summers.
Formation Leader: Anita Vincent, ThD.
- Holly Champoux – assisting
- Elizabeth Vice – Montessori specialist
Cost: $400. Seats: 30
Location: Muskegon, MI
July 20 – 28 • 9am -4:30pm
- Housing: None
- Food: Lunch & snacks
- Child care: None