The Good Shepherd and the Child

“For you are a people sacred to the Lord, your God, who has chosen you from al the nations on the face of the earth to be a people peculiarly his own.” Deuteronomy 14:2      Characteristic #31 “Every atrium avails itself of the help of a priest who is attentive to the children, particularly to their religious capacities, celebrates Eucharist and sacrament of reconciliation with them, and works in harmony with the spirit of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. “32 Points of Reflection of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Fr Joseph joins us on the podcast to share about how he became involved in CGS and how it has affected his view of children's spirituality and his vocation as a priest. He also shares a few tips on how to get your own priests and deacons involved in CGS.   Fr. Joseph Lustig is a priest of the Diocese of Boise, Idaho and a native of Cottonwood, Idaho. He has completed formation in and assisted with CGS levels one and two. He has been a parish priest for six years and currently is completing a Licentiate in Canon Law from Saint Paul University in Ottawa, Canada, where he also serves a local parish in its atrium. If you have any questions or want to reach out, you can contact him at fr.lustig@icloud.com.    Books You May Be Interested In:  Preaching With Children  The Religious Potential of the Child    Episodes from other Priests:    Episode 29 – CGS and Christian Unity with Bishop Talley  Episode 32 – A Priest in the Atrium   Episode 85 – CGS and Accompaniment with Fr Boniface Hicks  Episode 125 – A Priest in CGS with Fr Kevin Douglas  Episode 138 – CGS and Ignatius Spirituality with Fr Joseph Hicks      BECOME AN ORGANIZATION MEMBER!  Organization Members are any entity (church/parish, school, regional group, diocese, etc.) that either offers CGS and/or supports those who serve the children as catechists, aides, or formation leaders) Organization Members also receive the following each month:  Bulletin Items - 4 bulletin articles for each month. We have a library of 4 years of bulletin items available on the CGSUSA Website.  Catechist In-Services to download TODAY and offer your catechists. We have six in-services available on the website.  Assistant Formation - prayer service, agenda, talking points, and handouts.  Seed Planting Workshop - prayer service, agenda, and talking points.  Family Events: downloadable, 1/2 day events for Advent, Christmas/Epiphany, and Lent.  Catechist Prayers and prayer services  and so much more!  Click Here to create your Organizational Membership!      AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” Matthew 7:3-5    "Every useless help is an obstacle to the child's development." Maria Montessori    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Pilar joins us back on the podcast to explore way that adults unintentionally can become obstacles in a child's development, what this does to a child, and how we can avoid offering useless help.   Pilar Bewley is an AMI-certified guide for Primary and Elementary levels and a Positive Discipline facilitator. After spending over a decade teaching in Montessori classrooms, Pilar began homeschooling her children in 2019.  Her passion for making Montessori education accessible inspired her to create Mainly Montessori, where she mentors parents who choose to homeschool using Montessori principles. Connect with Pilar on Instagram at @mainly.montessori.homeschool or visit her website at www.mainlymontessori.com.    Episodes to help you further explore Freedom and Discipline:  Episode 30 – Freedom and Discipline with Claire Paglia  Episode 133 – Freedom and Responsibility with Sr Mary Teresita  Episode 134 – Freedom and Responsibility for the First Plane Child  Episode 135 – Freedom and Responsibility for the Second Plane Child  Episode 139 – What to Try When it Seems to be Failing? With Cathy Johanni  Episode 141 – Normalization with Claire Paglia and Sr Maria Teresita      Purchase the book Discovery of the Child to learn more.       BECOME AN ORGANIZATION MEMBER!  Organization Members are any entity (church/parish, school, regional group, diocese, etc.) that either offers CGS and/or supports those who serve the children as catechists, aides, or formation leaders) Organization Members also receive the following each month:  Bulletin Items - 4 bulletin articles for each month. We have a library of 4 years of bulletin items available on the CGSUSA Website.  Catechist In-Services to download TODAY and offer your catechists. We have six in-services available on the website.  Assistant Formation - prayer service, agenda, talking points, and handouts.  Seed Planting Workshop - prayer service, agenda, and talking points.  Family Events: downloadable, 1/2 day events for Advent, Christmas/Epiphany, and Lent.  Catechist Prayers and prayer services  and so much more!  Click Here to create your Organizational Membership!      AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“A tranquil mind gives life to the body” Proverbs 14:30a NAB    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Sister Maria Teresita and Claire Paglia join us back on the podcast to continue to explore tools to help us in the atrium and in our lives establish freedom and discipline.  We explore the Montessori concept of Normalization so that we can be further equip to have true freedom and responsibility with children.   Sister Maria Teresita is a Dominican Sister of St. Cecilia. She currently serves as an upper-elementary guide at St. Philip Learning Center, a Catholic Montessori homeschool enrichment program in Franklin, TN, a catechist for Levels 2 and 3 in a parish setting, and a formation leader for CGS Levels 1 and 2. Sister holds an AMI diploma at the Elementary level, a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies (Aquinas College, Nashville), and a M.A. in Montessori Education (Loyola University, Maryland). She has enjoyed nearly 20 years serving children as a classroom teacher in both conventional and Montessori settings and 14 years as a catechist of the Good Shepherd in all three atria levels. Sister began her Montessori journey as a child in a Montessori school where she developed a deep love for learning. She is a convert to the Catholic faith and delights in every opportunity to “listen to God with children.”    Claire Paglia is a child of the atrium. As an adult, she is an AMI-trained guide who has been in the primary environment for 12 years. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in education with a concentration in Montessori from Loyola University, Maryland. She worked for a year as a course assistant for the primary training center. In 2012, she received her Level I formation and has been a catechist at her church in varying capacities since then. She enjoys spending time with her family and particularly enjoys preparing Montessori-friendly spaces at home for her three children.    Episodes to help you further explore Freedom and Discipline:  Episode 4 – Normalization with Gabriela Perez  Episode 30 – Freedom and Discipline with Claire Paglia  Episode 133 – Freedom and Responsibility with Sr Mary Teresita  Episode 134 – Freedom and Responsibility for the First Plane Child  Episode 135 – Freedom and Responsibility for the Second Plane Child        BECOME AN ORGANIZATION MEMBER!  Organization Members are any entity (church/parish, school, regional group, diocese, etc.) that either offers CGS and/or supports those who serve the children as catechists, aides, or formation leaders) Organization Members also receive the following each month:  Bulletin Items - 4 bulletin articles for each month. We have a library of 4 years of bulletin items available on the CGSUSA Website.  Catechist In-Services to download TODAY and offer your catechists. We have six in-services available on the website.  Assistant Formation - prayer service, agenda, talking points, and handouts.  Seed Planting Workshop - prayer service, agenda, and talking points.  Family Events: downloadable, 1/2 day events for Advent, Christmas/Epiphany, and Lent.  Catechist Prayers and prayer services  and so much more!  Click Here to create your Organizational Membership!      AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

"When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?' He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord you know that I love you.' He said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.' ” John 21:15    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Mary Mirrione joins us on the podcast to ponder the scripture from John 21 with Peter and Jesus. We sit with this scripture in light of the Easter season we have just entered and the many gifts it has to offer us.  Mary Mirrione began working with CGS in 1992. She and a team of catechists and parents built atria at St Anne's in Gilbert, Arizona for their 1800 children. She has been a formation leader since 1997 serving as such at home and abroad. She also works with Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity throughout the United States and around the world. Mary served on the Board for CGSUSA and is a graduate of the first cohort at Aquinas Institute of Theology to receive a Masters in Pastoral Studies with an emphasis in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She is a faculty member of Kino Catechetical Institute in the Diocese of Phoenix. Since 2010, she serves as the National Director for the United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.    Growing Seeds     Become a Growing Seed Donor HERE      Items from the Store You May be Interested In:    Purchase the Religious Potential of the Child HERE    Nurturing the Whole Child      Podcast Episodes about Easter:    Episode 11 – Were Not Our Hearts Burning Within Us  Episode 61 – The Roots of the Easter Season and the Eucharist  Episode 84 – The Family in Easter         BECOME AN ORGANIZATION MEMBER!  Organization Members are any entity (church/parish, school, regional group, diocese, etc.) that either offers CGS and/or supports those who serve the children as catechists, aides, or formation leaders) Organization Members also receive the following each month:  Bulletin Items - 4 bulletin articles for each month. We have a library of 4 years of bulletin items available on the CGSUSA Website.  Catechist In-Services to download TODAY and offer your catechists. We have six in-services available on the website.  Assistant Formation - prayer service, agenda, talking points, and handouts.  Seed Planting Workshop - prayer service, agenda, and talking points.  Family Events: downloadable, 1/2 day events for Advent, Christmas/Epiphany, and Lent.  Catechist Prayers and prayer services  and so much more!  Click Here to create your Organizational Membership!      AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

"I can do anything through Him that strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Cathy Johanni joins us back on the podcast to share her experience, wisdom and strategies about what you can try when you feel like you are failing.  Cathy Johanni lives in Columbus, Ohio where she has enjoyed accompanying children on their spiritual journeys for more than two decades. She is recognized as a formation leader in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at levels I, II, and III.  She has been involved in Montessori education for a decade, working with children ages 5-14.   A member of the editorial committee for the United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Annual Journal. Cathy has authored articles and contributed to The Roman Missal Third Edition and the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: Changes to Materials . She holds a Bachelor's degree in cultural anthropology from Princeton University, a Master's degree from The Ohio State University and Montessori Elementary certificates. Married for 31 years, she is the mother of five.    Growing Seeds     Become a Growing Seed Donor HERE    32 Characteristics of CGS otherwise called the 32 Points of Reflection    Items from the Store You May be Interested In:    Purchase the Religious Potential of the Child HERE    Nurturing the Whole Child      Podcast Episodes With Cathy:    Episode 54 – Human Needs and Tendencies  Episode 67 - Anthropological Catechesis  Episode 124 - The Work of the Second Plane Child    Podcast Episodes about Freedom and Responsibility    Episode 30 – Freedom and Discipline  Episode 133 – Freedom and Responsibility  Episode 134 – Freedom and Responsibility for the First Plane Child  Episode 135 – Freedom and Responsibility for the Second Plane Child        BECOME AN ORGANIZATION MEMBER!  Organization Members are any entity (church/parish, school, regional group, diocese, etc.) that either offers CGS and/or supports those who serve the children as catechists, aides, or formation leaders) Organization Members also receive the following each month:  Bulletin Items - 4 bulletin articles for each month. We have a library of 4 years of bulletin items available on the CGSUSA Website.  Catechist In-Services to download TODAY and offer your catechists. We have six in-services available on the website.  Assistant Formation - prayer service, agenda, talking points, and handouts.  Seed Planting Workshop - prayer service, agenda, and talking points.  Family Events: downloadable, 1/2 day events for Advent, Christmas/Epiphany, and Lent.  Catechist Prayers and prayer services  and so much more!  Click Here to create your Organizational Membership!      AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Fr Joseph shares with us about how he got involved in The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and a few of the parallels he sees between CGS and Ignatian Spirituality.  Fr. Joseph Hill, SJ was born in Phoenix, AZ, raised in a Catholic family with his three brothers. At nine years old his family moved to England, where he attended Catholic schools and then the University of Oxford, earning a BA in theology in 2003. In 2004 he entered the Jesuit seminary in south Louisiana. Taking religious vows after two years, he was sent to study philosophy at Fordham University in New York, graduating with an MA in 2009. He then spent three years teaching theology at Jesuit High School, New Orleans. In 2012 he was sent to study theology at FAJE in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, earning a MA in 2014. Then he returned to Boston, earning a MEd at Boston College in 2015. He was ordained a Catholic priest on June 13th, 2015. For one year he worked at Parroquia San Ignacio in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and served as chaplain of Academia San Ignacio parish elementary school. It was in Puerto Rico that he became familiar with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. With the help of two excellent catechists and the school leaders, they implemented CGS Level I in the school. In August 2016 he moved to St. Louis, where he taught and worked in campus ministry at St. Louis University High School. During this time Fr. Hill, SJ completed a Doctor of Education degree from Vanderbilt University. Since July, 2021 he has lived in Tampa, FL, working as a Province vocation promoter.    Growing Seeds     Become a Growing Seed Donor HERE    Growing Seed Donor Form.  Access will also be granted to all existing recurring donors as of January 15, 2025. The recordings will be available through June 30, 2026.  Be sure to click the checkbox: “Show my support by making this a monthly donation.”       In 2024, The United States Association of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd began celebrating 40 years of being an association of catechists who listen to God with children in the United States and around the world.     In honor of our 40 years of remaining with children, we are launching a new sustainable giving program at CGSUSA: Growing Seeds.     As part of Growing Seeds, your regular, automatic gift is simple and convenient, allowing you to spread your philanthropy over time.  It also provides CGSUSA with a more predictable source of income so we can focus on sustaining and supporting the religious life of children and those who serve them.     For a minimum gift amount of $15 per month ($180 per year), you will automatically be recognized as a CGSUSA Growing Seeds donor, giving you one year of access to the recordings from Between Memory and Hope: 40th Anniversary Celebration as our way of thanking you for your generosity. Please be sure you are logged in to your CGSUSA Membership account and complete the online giving form.     Access to the video recordings is available to Growing Seeds donors until June 2026, at which point we'll have a new gift for you. For less than $5 per week, you will be able to access all the video and audio recordings from the Between Memory and Hope plenary sessions and workshops, including the full recording of Fr. Joseph Hill's presentation, “CGS and Ignatian Spirituality,” as well as “The Metaphysical Child: To Live and Move and Have Their Being,” “Observations Serving Toddlers in the Atrium,” and “Memories of Sofia and Gianna with the Children.” These presentations would make wonderful topics for catechist retreat days, parent education sessions, and other continuing education for those who serve children.     Thank you for joining us in sustaining CGSUSA with a recurring gift.      Items from the Store You May be Interested In:    Purchase the Religious Potential of the Child HERE    Preaching with Children      Podcast Episodes With Priests:    Episode 29 – CGS and Christian Unity with Bishop Talley  Episode 32 – A Priest in the Atrium  Episode 125. A Priest in CGS with Fr Kevin Douglas    BECOME AN ORGANIZATION MEMBER!  Organization Members are any entity (church/parish, school, regional group, diocese, etc.) that either offers CGS and/or supports those who serve the children as catechists, aides, or formation leaders) Organization Members also receive the following each month:  Bulletin Items - 4 bulletin articles for each month. We have a library of 4 years of bulletin items available on the CGSUSA Website.  Catechist In-Services to download TODAY and offer your catechists. We have six in-services available on the website.  Assistant Formation - prayer service, agenda, talking points, and handouts.  Seed Planting Workshop - prayer service, agenda, and talking points.  Family Events: downloadable, 1/2 day events for Advent, Christmas/Epiphany, and Lent.  Catechist Prayers and prayer services  and so much more!  Click Here to create your Organizational Membership!      AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” John 12:24    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Jo joins us on the podcast to ponder Lent as gift which is a different way of looking at Lent for most of us.  Through the lens of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd she helps us look at Lent with new eyes.   Jo Thornley Cox has been in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd since 2001. She is certified in all three levels and is a formation leader recognized by the U.S. Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in Levels I and II. She is grateful to have worked on formation teams in Missouri, Kansas, North Dakota, Texas, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Ottawa, Canada. A graduate of St. Mary-of-the-Woods College near Terre Haute, Ind., she also earned a primary certificate from the American Montessori Society. Among other positions, she worked as a Montessori directress in a Catholic school in Duluth, Minn., and a parish director of traditional religious education in Kansas City, Mo., before discovering CGS. As a charter member of the SonFlower Region of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, she served on its board many years. She is co-director of CGS at St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish/School in Kansas City, offering CGS in all three levels. This is the sixth iteration of her atria and hopefully the last! Jo and her husband, Jody, have three children and a granddaughter.    CGS Lent Resources for Families  San Damiano Crucifix Parent Page    Items from the Store You May be Interested In:    To Dance with God  Paschal Candle Set      Podcast Episodes About Lent:  Episode 31- Even Now- a Lenten Reflection  Episode 58- Examination of Conscience   Episode 83- Merciful Parenting  Episode 83- The Family in Lent  Episode 110- Learning to Love  Episode 136- CGS Lent in the Home    BECOME AN ORGANIZATION MEMBER!  Organization Members are any entity (church/parish, school, regional group, diocese, etc.) that either offers CGS and/or supports those who serve the children as catechists, aides, or formation leaders) Organization Members also receive the following each month:  Bulletin Items - 4 bulletin articles for each month. We have a library of 4 years of bulletin items available on the CGSUSA Website.  Catechist In-Services to download TODAY and offer your catechists. We have six in-services available on the website.  Assistant Formation - prayer service, agenda, talking points, and handouts.  Seed Planting Workshop - prayer service, agenda, and talking points.  Family Events: downloadable, 1/2 day events for Advent, Christmas/Epiphany, and Lent.  Catechist Prayers and prayer services  and so much more!  Click Here to create your Organizational Membership!      AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” John 12:24    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Mary Heinrich joins us on the podcast to discuss how we live into the Lent season in the atrium and how that can be extended into the spiritual life of the domestic church in the home.  Mary Heinrich is the Membership Coordinator for The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Prior to joining the staff, Mary served on the CGSUSA Board of Trustees for seven years. Mary has also served as a Director of Faith Formation in the Catholic Church for twenty-nine years, as well as a consultant and editor for religious education publishers.  She earned a bachelor's degree in religious studies from Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and a master's degree in Pastoral Studies in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri. Her husband, Kurt is a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Des Moines and teaches theology at the local Catholic high school, is a Level One catechist, and enjoys making materials for the atrium.  Their daughter, Clare, is the elementary faith formation coordinator at her Church, working in the Level One and Level Two atria. When not immersed in CGS, Mary enjoys reading, art and spending time with her family.    CGS Lent Resources for Families  San Damiano Crucifix Parent Page    Items from the Store You May be Interested In:    To Dance with God  Paschal Candle Set    Podcast Episodes with Mary Heinrich:   Episode 31- Even Now- a Lenten Reflection   Episode 103- Friendship of Catechists  Episode 128- CGS Advent in the Home    Podcast Episodes About Lent:  Episode 83- The Family in Lent    BECOME AN ORGANIZATION MEMBER!  Organization Members are any entity (church/parish, school, regional group, diocese, etc.) that either offers CGS and/or supports those who serve the children as catechists, aides, or formation leaders) Organization Members also receive the following each month:  Bulletin Items - 4 bulletin articles for each month. We have a library of 4 years of bulletin items available on the CGSUSA Website.  Catechist In-Services to download TODAY and offer your catechists. We have six in-services available on the website.  Assistant Formation - prayer service, agenda, talking points, and handouts.  Seed Planting Workshop - prayer service, agenda, and talking points.  Family Events: downloadable, 1/2 day events for Advent, Christmas/Epiphany, and Lent.  Catechist Prayers and prayer services  and so much more!  Click Here to create your Organizational Membership!      AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. II Timothy 1:7    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Today we continue season 5 of the podcast with our series on Freedom and Responsibility.  Pilar and Anna help us dive into what freedom and responsibility look like for the second plane child, the 6 to 12 year old and how our work specifically in CGS can aid a child's development in freedom and responsibility.   Pilar Bewley is an AMI-certified guide for Primary and Elementary levels and a Positive Discipline facilitator. After spending over a decade teaching in Montessori classrooms, Pilar began homeschooling her children in 2019.  Her passion for making Montessori education accessible inspired her to create Mainly Montessori, where she mentors parents who choose to homeschool using Montessori principles. Connect with Pilar on Instagram at @mainly.montessori.homeschool or visit her website at www.mainlymontessori.com.    Anna Hurdle is a catechist and formation leader at levels I, II and III. She is a retired elementary Montessori guide and coordinator of CGS at her parish in Charlotte, NC. Anna serves the National Association through the Episcopal Committee and the Formation Advisory Council.      Books you may be interested in:    Nurturing the Whole Child by Gianna Gobbi    Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom  The Discovery of the Child    Carolyn Kohlhaas's blog The Wanderings of Sheep in the Atrium:  Freedom and Limits Series:  Freedom within Limits  "Can" and "May"  Belonging  Staying on the Path  The Collective Interest  A Place of Work  Additional Limits  True Freedom    Podcast Episodes you might be interested in:  Episode 30 – Freedom and Discipline with Claire Paglia  Episode 41 – The Elementary Aged Child with Anna Hurdle  Episode 49 – Four Planes of Development with Claire Paglia  Episode 115 – CGS in the Episcopal Church with Anna Hurdle and Donna Turner  Episode 122- Welcoming the Level 2 and 3 Child with Lynne Worthington and Anna Hurdle  Episode 123- Welcoming the Level 2 and 3 Child PART TWO with Lynne Worthinton and Anna Hurdle  Episode 124- The Work of the Second Plane Child with Cathy Johanni and Anna Hurdle    BECOME AN ORGANIZATION MEMBER!  Organization Members are any entity (church/parish, school, regional group, diocese, etc.) that either offers CGS and/or supports those who serve the children as catechists, aides, or formation leaders) Organization Members also receive the following each month:  Bulletin Items - 4 bulletin articles for each month. We have a library of 4 years of bulletin items available on the CGSUSA Website.  Catechist In-Services to download TODAY and offer your catechists. We have six in-services available on the website.  Assistant Formation - prayer service, agenda, talking points, and handouts.  Seed Planting Workshop - prayer service, agenda, and talking points.  Family Events: downloadable, 1/2 day events for Advent, Christmas/Epiphany, and Lent.  Catechist Prayers and prayer services  and so much more!  Click Here to create your Organizational Membership!      AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Today we continue season 5 of the podcast with our series on Freedom and Responsibility.  Cecilia and Claire help us dive into what freedom and responsibility look like for the first plane child, the 0-6 year old.   Cecilia Drabbant holds an Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) diploma in Assistant to Infancy (0-3), as well as an AMI certificate in Montessori Core Principles. She also holds an Architecture Engineering degree from Universitas Katolik Parahyangan, Bandung, Indonesia, and completed her formation in evangelization from Emmanuel School of Mission in Rome, Italy. Her work includes serving both as a Toddler Directress and a Toddler Catechist for the weekly sessions at Renaissance Montessori School.  Since being introduced to the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in 2012, she has received CGS formation in Levels I, II, III, and Infant-Toddler, and has the opportunity to work with children at all levels. Additionally, she is recognized as a Level 1 Formation Leader.  A particularly meaningful moment in her ministry was when she and her team brought the first CGS Formation Course to Indonesia in its native language.  Currently, Cecilia serves as a Catechist and Atrium Program Director at Renaissance Montessori School in Nokesville, VA, also a Level II Catechist at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish Church in Colonial Beach, VA.      Claire Paglia is a child of the atrium. As an adult, she is an AMI-trained guide who has been in the primary environment for 12 years. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in education with a concentration in Montessori from Loyola University, Maryland. She worked for a year as a course assistant for the primary training center. In 2012, she received her Level I formation and has been a catechist at her church in varying capacities since then. She enjoys spending time with her family and particularly enjoys preparing Montessori-friendly spaces at home for her three children.      Books you may be interested in:    Nurturing the Whole Child by Gianna Gobbi    Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom  The Discovery of the Child    Carolyn Kohlhaas's blog The Wanderings of Sheep in the Atrium:  Freedom and Limits Series:  Freedom within Limits  "Can" and "May"  Belonging  Staying on the Path  The Collective Interest  A Place of Work  Additional Limits  True Freedom    Podcast Episodes you might be interested in:  Episode 30 – Freedom and Discipline with Claire Paglia  Episode 49 – Four Planes of Development with Claire Paglia    BECOME AN ORGANIZATION MEMBER!  Organization Members are any entity (church/parish, school, regional group, diocese, etc.) that either offers CGS and/or supports those who serve the children as catechists, aides, or formation leaders) Organization Members also receive the following each month:  Bulletin Items - 4 bulletin articles for each month. We have a library of 4 years of bulletin items available on the CGSUSA Website.  Catechist In-Services to download TODAY and offer your catechists. We have six in-services available on the website.  Assistant Formation - prayer service, agenda, talking points, and handouts.  Seed Planting Workshop - prayer service, agenda, and talking points.  Family Events: downloadable, 1/2 day events for Advent, Christmas/Epiphany, and Lent.  Catechist Prayers and prayer services  and so much more!  Click Here to create your Organizational Membership!      AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Today we begin SEASON FIVE of the podcast!  We are excited to kick off season five with a series on Freedom and Responsibility with Sister Maria Terestia Rodkey talking to us about what this means and how we as adults can live into it better with the children among us.  Sister Maria Teresita is a Dominican Sister of St. Cecilia. She currently serves as an upper-elementary guide at St. Philip Learning Center, a Catholic Montessori homeschool enrichment program in Franklin, TN, a catechist for Levels 2 and 3 in a parish setting, and a formation leader for CGS Levels 1 and 2. Sister holds an AMI diploma at the Elementary level, a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies (Aquinas College, Nashville), and a M.A. in Montessori Education (Loyola University, Maryland). She has enjoyed nearly 20 years serving children as a classroom teacher in both conventional and Montessori settings and 14 years as a catechist of the Good Shepherd in all three atria levels. Sister began her Montessori journey as a child in a Montessori school where she developed a deep love for learning. She is a convert to the Catholic faith and delights in every opportunity to “listen to God with children.”      Books you may be interested in:    Nurturing the Whole Child by Gianna Gobbi    Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom  The Discovery of the Child    Podcast Episodes you might be interested in:  Episode 30 – Freedom and Discipline with Claire Paglia  Episode 49 – Four Planes of Development with Claire Paglia    BECOME AN ORGANIZATION MEMBER!  Organization Members are any entity (church/parish, school, regional group, diocese, etc.) that either offers CGS and/or supports those who serve the children as catechists, aides, or formation leaders) Organization Members also receive the following each month:  Bulletin Items - 4 bulletin articles for each month. We have a library of 4 years of bulletin items available on the CGSUSA Website.  Catechist In-Services to download TODAY and offer your catechists. We have six in-services available on the website.  Assistant Formation - prayer service, agenda, talking points, and handouts.  Seed Planting Workshop - prayer service, agenda, and talking points.  Family Events: downloadable, 1/2 day events for Advent, Christmas/Epiphany, and Lent.  Catechist Prayers and prayer services  and so much more!  Click Here to create your Organizational Membership!      AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

"Hear, O heavens, and listen, O earth,  for the LORD speaks:  Sons have I raised and reared,  but they have rebelled against me.  An ox knows its owner,  and an ass,* its master's manger;  But Israel does not know,  my people has not understood.” Isaiah 1:2-3      Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    CGSUSA Parent Pages HERE    "The events of Christ's infancy appear rather difficult due to the misuse that is generally made of them by often telling them (with many diminutives!) as if they were beautiful fables. The fact is that the infancy narratives, especially in Luke, are a type of “theological tapestry” - if it is possible to call them so- whereby the evangelist stresses the grandeur of the mystery he is announcing through a variety of techniques.” The Religious Potential of the Child, pg. 76    Marty O'Bryan joins us on the podcast to ponder how deep the scriptures during this season of Christmas are and the beautiful theological tapestry that weaves them all together throughout the whole Bible are.      Marty O'Bryan began her formation in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd with Sofia Cavalletti in 1983 and has been a catechists since 1985. She conducts adult formations at Levels I, II and III throughout the United States. A retired speech and language pathologist, Marty holds a Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Studies with an emphasis on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd from Aquinas Institute of Theology. Currently, she works with children in Level I, II, and III atria in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix.    Scripture Verses to Read in Advent and Christmas Seasons:  Annunciation- Luke 1:26-38  Visitation- Luke 1:39-56  Birth of Jesus and Adoration of the Shepherds- Luke 2:1-20  Presentation of Jesus in the Temple- Luke 2: 21-33, 36-39  Adoration of the Magi- Matthew 2:1-12  Flight into Egypt- Matthew 2:13-23     Little Gospel Booklets- Infancy Narratives      Books you may be interested in:    The Religious Potential of the Child  Ways to Nurture the Relationship with God  History of the Kingdom of God Part 1: From Creation to Parousia    Books from Fr Raymond Brown:  The Birth of the Messiah  A Coming Christ in Advent  An Adult Christ as Christmas    Episodes with Marty-  Episode 15- Chapter One of Joyful Journey   Episode 95- CGS Characteristics #21 and 25 with Lynne Worthington and Marty O'Bryan  Episode 100 – Art as Prayer Response  Episode 114- Characteristic #27       Podcast Episodes about Advent and Christmas:  Episode 27- Mystery of the Incarnation with Karen Maxwell  Episode 79- Chapter 6 of The Religious Potential of the Child  Episode 104- Annunciation and the Incarnation with Sofia Cavalletti   Episode 128 CGS Advent in the Home with Mary Heinrich  Episode 129- The Family in Advent with Gertrud Muller Nelson      BECOME AN ORGANIZATION MEMBER!  Organization Members are any entity (church/parish, school, regional group, diocese, etc.) that either offers CGS and/or supports those who serve the children as catechists, aides, or formation leaders) Organization Members also receive the following each month:  Bulletin Items - 4 bulletin articles for each month. We have a library of 4 years of bulletin items available on the CGSUSA Website.  Catechist In-Services to download TODAY and offer your catechists. We have six in-services available on the website.  Assistant Formation - prayer service, agenda, talking points, and handouts.  Seed Planting Workshop - prayer service, agenda, and talking points.  Family Events: downloadable, 1/2 day events for Advent, Christmas/Epiphany, and Lent.  Catechist Prayers and prayer services  and so much more!  Click Here to create your Organizational Membership!      AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

"A voice of one crying out in the desert; Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” Luke 3:4    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    CGSUSA Parent Pages HERE    Advent for Families  Episode 104- Incarnation and Annunciation  History of the Kingdom of God Part 1: From Creation to Parousia    Mindy and Claudia help us live into the seasons of Advent and Christmas by exploring what Sofia Cavalletti taught us about Sacred History, most especially Incarnation.     Mindy Longwell has been a catechist, director and formation leader for over 25 years. Mindy has worked in many different settings, including giving formation in the holy land. If asked what her favorite part of being involved in CGS is she would tell you, it is being able to hear the sweet voice of the good shepherd through the child.    Claudia Margarita Schmitt lived in many different countries throughout her life. She has discovered over time that her roots are first in her Roman Catholic faith and also in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.  Everywhere she goes she recognizes the same language being used to discover the mystery of God. As an international formation leader for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She constantly has this experience of finding her roots.  She has been a catechist for 33 years and a formation leader for 32.  She lived for 8 years in Rome studying and working with Gianna Gobbi and Sofia Cavalletti. She describes this time as precious and that they taught her many things but first to be humble.    Read the Article Learning to Love HERE       CGS Advent Resources for Families  Little Gospel Booklets- Infancy Narratives  Advent Fling Wide the Doors Calendar  Advent Candles  Advent Wreath Set  Expectant Mary Statue    Books you may be interested in:    History of the Kingdom of God Part 1: From Creation to Parousia    Episodes with Claudia-  Episode 112- Pedagogy of the Child and God- Fr Mongillo with Claudia Margarita Schmitt  Episode 78- A Glimpse of Gianna Gobbi with Claudia Margarita Schmitt  Episode 58 – Examination of Conscience with Claudia Margarita Schmitt  Episode 18 – Chapter 4: Sources of Nourishment with Claudia Margarita Schmitt        Podcast Episodes about Advent and Christmas:  Episode 27- Mystery of the Incarnation with Karen Maxwell  Episode 104- Annunciation and the Incarnation with Sofia Cavalletti   Episode 128 CGS Advent in the Home with Mary Heinrich  Episode 129- The Gamily in Advent with Gertrud Muller Nelson      BECOME AN ORGANIZATION MEMBER!  Organization Members are any entity (church/parish, school, regional group, diocese, etc.) that either offers CGS and/or supports those who serve the children as catechists, aides, or formation leaders) Organization Members also receive the following each month:  Bulletin Items - 4 bulletin articles for each month. We have a library of 4 years of bulletin items available on the CGSUSA Website.  Catechist In-Services to download TODAY and offer your catechists. We have six in-services available on the website.  Assistant Formation - prayer service, agenda, talking points, and handouts.  Seed Planting Workshop - prayer service, agenda, and talking points.  Family Events: downloadable, 1/2 day events for Advent, Christmas/Epiphany, and Lent.  Catechist Prayers and prayer services  and so much more!  Click Here to create your Organizational Membership!      AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

"A voice of one crying out in the desert; Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” Luke 3:4    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    CGSUSA Parent Pages HERE    Advent for Families    Mindy and Claudia help us live into the seasons of Advent and Christmas by exploring what Sofia Cavalletti taught us about Sacred History, most especially Incarnation.     Mindy Longwell has been a catechist, director and formation leader for over 25 years. Mindy has worked in many different settings, including giving formation in the holy land. If asked what her favorite part of being involved in CGS is she would tell you, it is being able to hear the sweet voice of the good shepherd through the child.    Claudia Margarita Schmitt lived in many different countries throughout her life. She has discovered over time that her roots are first in her Roman Catholic faith and also in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.  Everywhere she goes she recognizes the same language being used to discover the mystery of God. As an international formation leader for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She constantly has this experience of finding her roots.  She has been a catechist for 33 years and a formation leader for 32.  She lived for 8 years in Rome studying and working with Gianna Gobbi and Sofia Cavalletti. She describes this time as precious and that they taught her many things but first to be humble.    Read the Article Learning to Love HERE     BOOKS TO READ-    To Dance With God by Gertrud Mueller Nelson      CGS Advent Resources for Families  Little Gospel Booklets- Infancy Narratives  Advent Fling Wide the Doors Calendar  Advent Candles  Advent Wreath Set  Expectant Mary Statue    Books you may be interested in:    History of the Kingdom of God Part 1: From Creation to Parousia    Episodes with Claudia-  Episode 112- Pedagogy of the Child and God- Fr Mongillo with Claudia Margarita Schmitt  Episode 78- A Glimpse of Gianna Gobbi with Claudia Margarita Schmitt  Episode 58 – Examination of Conscience with Claudia Margarita Schmitt  Episode 18 – Chapter 4: Sources of Nourishment with Claudia Margarita Schmitt        Podcast Episodes about Advent and Christmas:  Episode 27- Mystery of the Incarnation with Karen Maxwell  Episode 104- Annunciation and the Incarnation with Sofia Cavalletti   Episode 128 CGS Advent in the Home with Mary Heinrich  Episode 129- The Gamily in Advent with Gertrud Muller Nelson      BECOME AN ORGANIZATION MEMBER!  Organization Members are any entity (church/parish, school, regional group, diocese, etc.) that either offers CGS and/or supports those who serve the children as catechists, aides, or formation leaders) Organization Members also receive the following each month:  Bulletin Items - 4 bulletin articles for each month. We have a library of 4 years of bulletin items available on the CGSUSA Website.  Catechist In-Services to download TODAY and offer your catechists. We have six in-services available on the website.  Assistant Formation - prayer service, agenda, talking points, and handouts.  Seed Planting Workshop - prayer service, agenda, and talking points.  Family Events: downloadable, 1/2 day events for Advent, Christmas/Epiphany, and Lent.  Catechist Prayers and prayer services  and so much more!  Click Here to create your Organizational Membership!      AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

"A voice of one crying out in the desert; Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” Luke 3:4    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    CGSUSA Parent Pages HERE    Virtual Songbook: Songs of the Atrium HERE    Gertrud Mueller Nelson joins us on the podcast to lift up many possibilities for families on how to live into the season of Advent in your homes, your domestic churches.  Many of her ideas can be found in her book To Dance with God.      Born in Germany in a German family and raised in Minnesota, Gertrud is an artist and writer whose work springs up here and there in clip art and essays. She also designs silver jewelry, makes stained glass windows, paper and wood sculptures and teaches, giving workshops and lectures internationally. The Jungian understanding and interpretation of Fairy Tales is another of her passions and a subject of one of her books: Here All Dwell Free.    She helped build up the first Montessori school in the US and saw the beginnings of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd coming to us in 1959. She is Montessori trained and studied at the Jung Institute in Zurich, and is known for her multiple books, especially “To Dance with God.” She cares passionately about the importance of living the liturgical cycle of the year with its richness of ceremony and ritual which bonds families in the mysteries of our faith and builds community in parish life.      BOOKS TO READ-    To Dance With God by Gertrud Mueller Nelson      CGS Advent Resources for Families  Little Gospel Booklets- Infancy Narratives  Advent Fling Wide the Doors Calendar  Advent Candles  Advent Wreath Set  Expectant Mary Statue    Books you may be interested in:    To Dance with God    Podcast Episodes with Gertrud:  Episode 83- The Family in Lent  Episode 84- The Family in Easter      Other Podcast Episodes You Might Be Interested In:  Episode 27- Mystery of the Incarnation with Karen Maxwell  Episode 104- Annunciation and the Incarnation with Sofia Cavalletti   Episode 128 CGS Advent in the Home with Mary Heinrich      BECOME AN ORGANIZATION MEMBER!  Organization Members are any entity (church/parish, school, regional group, diocese, etc.) that either offers CGS and/or supports those who serve the children as catechists, aides, or formation leaders) Organization Members also receive the following each month:  Bulletin Items - 4 bulletin articles for each month. We have a library of 4 years of bulletin items available on the CGSUSA Website.  Catechist In-Services to download TODAY and offer your catechists. We have six in-services available on the website.  Assistant Formation - prayer service, agenda, talking points, and handouts.  Seed Planting Workshop - prayer service, agenda, and talking points.  Family Events: downloadable, 1/2 day events for Advent, Christmas/Epiphany, and Lent.  Catechist Prayers and prayer services  and so much more!  Click Here to create your Organizational Membership!      AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

"A voice of one crying out in the desert; Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” Luke 3:4    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    CGSUSA Parent Pages HERE    Virtual Songbook: Songs of the Atrium HERE    Mary Heinrich joins us on the podcast to discuss how we live into the Advent season in the atrium and how that can be extended into the spiritual life of the domestic church in the home.     Mary is the Membership Coordinator for The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Prior to joining the staff, Mary served on the CGSUSA Board of Trustees for seven years. Mary has also served as a Director of Faith Formation in the Catholic Church for twenty-nine years, as well as a consultant and editor for religious education publishers.  She earned a bachelor's degree in religious studies from Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and a master's degree in Pastoral Studies in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri. Her husband, Kurt is a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Des Moines and teaches theology at the local Catholic high school, is a Level One catechist, and enjoys making materials for the atrium.  Their daughter, Clare, is the elementary faith formation coordinator at her Church, working in the Level One and Level Two atria. When not immersed in CGS, Mary enjoys reading, art and spending time with her family.    CGS Advent Resources for Families  Little Gospel Booklets- Infancy Narratives  Advent Fling Wide the Doors Calendar  Advent Candles  Advent Wreath Set  Expectant Mary Statue    Books you may be interested in:  To Dance with God    Podcast Episodes with Mary Heinrich:  Episode 31- Even Now- a Lenten Reflection  Episode 103- Friendship of Catechists      Other Podcast Episodes You Might Be Interested In:  Episode 27- Mystery of the Incarnation with Karen Maxwell  Episode 104- Annunciation and the Incarnation with Sofia Cavalletti       BECOME AN ORGANIZATION MEMBER!  Organization Members are any entity (church/parish, school, regional group, diocese, etc.) that either offers CGS and/or supports those who serve the children as catechists, aides, or formation leaders) Organization Members also receive the following each month:  Bulletin Items - 4 bulletin articles for each month. We have a library of 4 years of bulletin items available on the CGSUSA Website.  Catechist In-Services to download TODAY and offer your catechists. We have six in-services available on the website.  Assistant Formation - prayer service, agenda, talking points, and handouts.  Seed Planting Workshop - prayer service, agenda, and talking points.  Family Events: downloadable, 1/2 day events for Advent, Christmas/Epiphany, and Lent.  Catechist Prayers and prayer services  and so much more!  Click Here to create your Organizational Membership!      AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:  Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves" Romans 12:10    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    CGSUSA Parent Pages HERE    Virtual Songbook: Songs of the Atrium HERE    Ann Garrido tells us all about her book Redeeming Administration and how it shows us how administration tasks, that is a part of all ministry work, can have spiritual virtues that help shape us into the person God is calling us to be.     Ann Garrido has been a catechist of the Good Shepherd since 1996.  She currently serves as a Level One catechist at her parish while she also serves as a formation leader for the US Association at all three levels.  Ann is an Associate Professor at Aquinas Institute of Theology, a graduate school of theology and ministry in the Dominican tradition.  She is the author of multiple works, including her newest book Redeeming Power about the healthy and holy exercise of leadership.  Ann Garrido's website HERE    Books by Ann Garrido    ANN'S NEW BOOK – REDEEMING POWER    Redeeming Administration  Redeeming Conflict  A Year with Sofia Cavalletti by Ann Garrido   Preaching with Children     Podcast Episodes with Ann Garrido  Episode 19 – Typology with Ann Garrido  Episode 53 – The Birth and Infancy of Jesus with Ann Garrido  Episode 59 – Preaching with Children with Ann Garrido  Episode 68 – The CGS Heritage – Eugenio Zolli with Ann Garrido  Episode 111. About Justice, A Meditation by Fr Mongillo with Ann Garrido      Other Podcast Episodes You Might Be Interested In:  Episode 102- Theological Reflection with Autumn Domingue    Episode 37 – CGS and Spiritual Direction with Autumn Domingue  Episode 85 – CGS and Accompaniment with Fr Boniface Hicks    BECOME AN ORGANIZATION MEMBER!  Organization Members are any entity (church/parish, school, regional group, diocese, etc.) that either offers CGS and/or supports those who serve the children as catechists, aides, or formation leaders) Organization Members also receive the following each month:  Bulletin Items - 4 bulletin articles for each month. We have a library of 4 years of bulletin items available on the CGSUSA Website.  Catechist In-Services to download TODAY and offer your catechists. We have six in-services available on the website.  Assistant Formation - prayer service, agenda, talking points, and handouts.  Seed Planting Workshop - prayer service, agenda, and talking points.  Family Events: downloadable, 1/2 day events for Advent, Christmas/Epiphany, and Lent.  Catechist Prayers and prayer services  and so much more!  Click Here to create your Organizational Membership!      AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves" Romans 12:10    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    CGSUSA Parent Pages HERE    Virtual Songbook: Songs of the Atrium HERE    Jennifer Bell dives into the work of the Thinking Environment that has been thought provoking for our work in CGS with adults and even in some cases with children.     Jennifer Bell is an International Formation Leader and has been a Catechist of the Good Shepherd for 27 years. She continually works with children 2-12 years old in Atria in schools, homes, and parishes.  She is a Formation Leader in Levels 1 and 2 and was on the original Seminal Infant Toddler Formation Team. She has been active in developing this work since 2015.  This CGS way of being with children in their relationship with God has informed Jennifer's work as a Spiritual Director, transforming lives in individual and group settings.  Jennifer has added Nancy Klein's work and will soon be a certified Time to Think Group Facilitator and Coach.  https://www.timetothink.com/thinking-environment/  Igniting one's own independent thinking so private dreams can be seen and realized.   You will find more information and ways to work with Jennifer at www.spiritdirection.com.   There are special offerings for our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd friends – parents, catechists, priests, all of you.”    Information about the Basic Needs of Baby Course!    Other Podcast Episodes You Might Be Interested In:  Episode 36- The True Vine with Tim Bell  Episode 92- Who was Adele Costa Gnocchi with Karin Slabaugh  Episode 99- Oxytocin With Ruth Ehrhardt and Mary Mirrione  Episode 37 – CGS and Spiritual Direction with Autumn Domingue  Episode 85 – CGS and Accompaniment with Fr Boniface Hicks    AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“For you are a people sacred to the Lord, your God, who has chosen you from al the nations on the face of the earth to be a people peculiarly his own.” Deuteronomy 14:2     Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    CGSUSA Parent Pages HERE    Virtual Songbook: Songs of the Atrium HERE  Fr Kevin Douglas is a diocesan priest in Scotland who is formed in The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. He shares with us his experience with the work and how it has affected priesthood.   Blessed to be from a Catholic family, Fr Kevin Douglas grew up in the south of England, went to school with the Christian Brothers, went to University in Scotland, applied to Seminary for the Archdiocese of St. Andrews and Edinburgh, studied at the Scots College Rome, ordained 2007 and served in various parishes after that. He is presently a parish priest of St. Theresa's, East Calder, St. Philip's Livingston, St. Andrew's, Livingston and chaplain to 3 primary schools (St. Andrew's, St. Ninian's, St. Paul's) and a high School. (St. Margaret's).        AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“Blessed are you, Lord God of all Creation, for through your goodness we have received the bread we offer you: fruit of the earth and work of human hands, it will become for us the bread of life”     Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Today we have Anna Hurdle and Cathy Johanni on the podcast to continue this exploration of the second plane child as we begin this new atrium year as we prepare our hearts, our environments, our communities to welcome these children into our level two and level three atrium. They dive into the Montessori concept of work as a formation of self. We ponder how this applies to our work in the atrium, how do we facilitate that type of work in our atrium,   Cathy Johanni lives in Columbus, Ohio where she has enjoyed accompanying children on their spiritual journeys for more than two decades. She is recognized as a formation leader in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at levels I, II, and III.  She has been involved in Montessori education for a decade, working with children ages 5-14.   A member of the editorial committee for the United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Annual Journal. Cathy has authored articles and contributed to The Roman Missal Third Edition and the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: Changes to Materials . She holds a Bachelor's degree in cultural anthropology from Princeton University, a Master's degree from The Ohio State University and Montessori Elementary certificates. Married for 31 years, she is the mother of five.  Anna Hurdle is a catechist and formation leader at levels I, II and III. She is a retired elementary Montessori guide and coordinator of CGS at her parish in Charlotte, NC. Anna serves the National Association through the Episcopal Committee and the Formation Advisory Council.  Nurturing the Whole Child by Gianna Gobbi. Chapter 14 is the article The Relationship between the Child's Work and Cosmic Work    Other Podcast Episodes You Might Be Interested In:  Episode 41 – The Elementary Aged Child with Anna Hurdle  Episode 49 – Four Planes of Development  Episode 54 – Human Needs and Tendencies with Cathy Johanni  Episode 67 – Anthropological Catechesis with Cathy Johanni  Episode 98 – Welcoming the Child  Episode 115 – CGS in the Episcopal Church with Anna Hurdle and Donna Turner  Episode 122 – Welcoming the Level 2 and 3 Child with Lynne Worthington and Anna Hurdle    Episode 123 – Welcoming the Level 2 and 3 Child PART TWO with Lynne Worthington and Anna Hurdle      AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

" But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect " 1 Peter 3:15     Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Anna Hurdle and Lynne Worthington come back on the podcast to continue helping us prepare to welcome the level two and three child to the beginning of the atrium year.  They discuss those first few atrium sessions. Last year, we started the atrium year with an episode on Welcoming the Child based on the chapter in Gianna's book Nurturing the Whole Child.  That was episode 98 if you want to go back and listen to it to prepare for your level one children this year.    Anna Hurdle is a catechist and formation leader at levels I, II and III. She is a retired elementary Montessori guide and coordinator of CGS at her parish in Charlotte, NC. Anna serves the National Association through the Episcopal Committee and the Formation Advisory Council.  Lynne Worthington worked for 30 years as a catechist for children and adults at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Durham, NC. She also served as the coordinator for CGS in Immaculata School and for the parish. Since 1991 she has taken part in National Formation courses for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, earning certificates as a catechist for all three levels, ages 3-12 years old. She has participated in numerous formation leadership workshops and is recognized as a formation leader by the National Association of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She holds an MA degree in Pastoral Studies from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, MO.   Lynne now lives in Ball Ground, GA and volunteers in Atria in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. She and her husband, Bill, have three grown children and two grandchildren.    Other Podcast Episodes You Might Be Interested In:  Episode 17- Practical Suggestions with Lynne Worthington  Episode 41 – The Elementary Aged Child with Anna Hurdle  Episode 49 – Four Planes of Development  Episode 70 – Art of Observation with Lynne Worthington  Episode 95- Characteristic #21 and 25 with Lynne Worthington and Marty O'Bryan  Episode 98 – Welcoming the Child  Episode 115 – CGS in the Episcopal Church with Anna Hurdle and Donna Turner      AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

"Children are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb, a reward. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with foes at the gate." Psalm 127: 3-5    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Last year, we started the atrium year with an episode on Welcoming the Child based on the chapter in Gianna's book Nurturing the Whole Child.  That was episode 98 if you want to go back and listen to it to prepare for your level one children this year.  This year we have invited Anna Hurdle and Lynne Worthington on the podcast to help us prepare and welcome the second plane child in level two and three. With this episode we are beginning a three part series on this topic of the second plane child, who are they, welcoming them at the beginning of the atrium year, and how they work.    Anna Hurdle is a catechist and formation leader at levels I, II and III. She is a retired elementary Montessori guide and coordinator of CGS at her parish in Charlotte, NC. Anna serves the National Association through the Episcopal Committee and the Formation Advisory Council.  Lynne Worthington worked for 30 years as a catechist for children and adults at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Durham, NC. She also served as the coordinator for CGS in Immaculata School and for the parish. Since 1991 she has taken part in National Formation courses for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, earning certificates as a catechist for all three levels, ages 3-12 years old. She has participated in numerous formation leadership workshops and is recognized as a formation leader by the National Association of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She holds an MA degree in Pastoral Studies from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, MO.   Lynne now lives in Ball Ground, GA and volunteers in Atria in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. She and her husband, Bill, have three grown children and two grandchildren.    Other Podcast Episodes You Might Be Interested In:  Episode 17- Practical Suggestions with Lynne Worthington  Episode 41 – The Elementary Aged Child with Anna Hurdle  Episode 49 – Four Planes of Development  Episode 70 – Art of Observation with Lynne Worthington  Episode 95- Characteristic #21 and 25 with Lynne Worthington and Marty O'Bryan  Episode 98 – Welcoming the Child  Episode 115 – CGS in the Episcopal Church with Anna Hurdle and Donna Turner      AUDIOBOOK:  Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:    Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”  — John 6:35    Celebrate 40 Years of CGSUSA Registration for the 40th Celebration closes on August 1st, 2024!    FAQs about the 40th    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Watch a video about the CGSUSA at the NEC HERE!     At the National Eucharistic Congress, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the members and staff of CGSUSA came together to serve the children and families that came to the NEC by providing a space of prayer and encounter with God. Mary and Sue, who participated in this event, share with us about this unique event and how they saw God work through the presence of CGSUSA.  Sue Stuhlsatz-Reese began her formation in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in 1996 and has been formed in Levels I, II, III and Infant-Toddler. Her ongoing formation in CGS includes the Cavalletti Heritage Course at Aquinas Institute and being formed by children in the atrium. She currently works with toddlers, Level I and Level II in the atrium. Working with children in the atrium has expanded to include serving as a Level I formation leader and as Board Chair for CGSUSA. Her very favorite people include her husband, three children, and four grandchildren. Sue's family also includes two rescued dogs.  Mary Mirrione began working with CGS in 1992. She and a team of catechists and parents built atria at St Anne's in Gilbert, Arizona for their 1800 children. She has been a formation leader since 1997 serving as such at home and abroad. She also works with Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity throughout the United States and around the world. Mary served on the Board for CGSUSA and is a graduate of the first cohort at Aquinas Institute of Theology to receive a Masters in Pastoral Studies with an emphasis in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She is a faculty member of Kino Catechetical Institute in the Diocese of Phoenix. Since 2010, she serves as the National Director for the United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.      Help us prepare for the 40th Celebration:  We invite you to assist with our celebration:     Please tell us where the atrium you serve is, the names of your catechists, and the first names of the children you serve in the atrium, so we may include all their names on our prayer table when we gather next August. We ask that you email this information to Susan Stuhlsatz‑Reese at susansr@cgsusa.org   We are counting on you! We are also happy to share with you that our new and improved atrium locator is now up and running! As part of our “soft launch” to make sure all is working well we are inviting you to take a first look and add your atrium if it is not there yet: Find CGS Near Me – Atrium Locator. Please consider also listing your atrium in the atrium locator. Video for easy instructions HERE  We know many catechists have gone before us to share in the heavenly banquet. We want to remember each of them. If you know a catechist who has died, please send us their name, a small bio or obituary, the gifts they shared with our CGS community and if possible, a photo. Please share with Mary Heinrich at maryheinrich@cgsusa.org.   We have opportunities for sponsors to contribute to our event fund. Please let us know of any individuals, groups, businesses, or organizations you know who may be willing to contribute. We will have some wonderful opportunities for our sponsors, more information will be coming soon.      AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.”  — Psalm 111:1-3    Celebrate 40 Years of CGSUSA Registration for the 40th Celebration closes on August 1st, 2024!    FAQs about the 40th    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    CORRECTION- In our conversation we referred to LTP under the wrong name. LTP's correct name is Liturgical Training Publications.    CGSUSA is a wealth of knowledge and resources to support our work with the children. One of those resources is the annual journal that is given to all members and can be purchased through the CGSUSA store.  Carol and Betsy join us on the podcast to share with us the history of the CGSUSA annual journal.  Carol Dittberner's experiences with children and adults span over 40 years. In 1974, she completed the Level I Montessori Training Course in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. Just one year later, in July, 1975, Sofia Cavalletti made her first trip to the United States. In St. Paul, MN, Carol was a participant in this first course on the religious formation of the child. She completed the Assistants to Infancy Course at Opera Montessori Nationale in Rome, Italy, and has a M.A. from St. Mary's University in Minneapolis, MN. Her work as a catechist has been with Toddlers, Levels I, II, and III. As a Formation Leader, she conducted courses around the U.S., and international trips to New Zealand and Australia. Mission trips for the Missionaries of Charity include Uganda. Kenya, Rwanda, Uzbekistan, Trinidad and Sri Lanka. Carol was the co-founder of the first Catechesis Journal, first published in 1984.  Betsy Peterson lives in Chicago, Illinois. She is a wife, and the mother of two grown children.  She fell in love with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in 1990, and 34 years later, the love just continues to grow. She works in the 9-12 atrium at Church of Our Saviour Episcopal church, and the 3-6 atrium at St Teresa of Avila Roman Catholic church. She is certified through CGSUSA as a formation leader in all three levels. She was a member of the CGS Journal team for twelve years. Learning, praying, singing - being with the children fills her with wonder and delight, as does the deep friendships with her fellow catechists. She thanks God for giving her this work. What a gift!      Help us prepare for the 40th Celebration:  We invite you to assist with our celebration:     Please tell us where the atrium you serve is, the names of your catechists, and the first names of the children you serve in the atrium, so we may include all their names on our prayer table when we gather next August. We ask that you email this information to Susan Stuhlsatz‑Reese at susansr@cgsusa.org   We are counting on you! We are also happy to share with you that our new and improved atrium locator is now up and running! As part of our “soft launch” to make sure all is working well we are inviting you to take a first look and add your atrium if it is not there yet: Find CGS Near Me – Atrium Locator. Please consider also listing your atrium in the atrium locator. Video for easy instructions HERE  We know many catechists have gone before us to share in the heavenly banquet. We want to remember each of them. If you know a catechist who has died, please send us their name, a small bio or obituary, the gifts they shared with our CGS community and if possible, a photo. Please share with Mary Heinrich at maryheinrich@cgsusa.org.   We have opportunities for sponsors to contribute to our event fund. Please let us know of any individuals, groups, businesses, or organizations you know who may be willing to contribute. We will have some wonderful opportunities for our sponsors, more information will be coming soon.      AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.”  — Psalm 111:1-3    Celebrate 40 Years of CGSUSA    FAQs about the 40th    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Patricia Coulter met Sofia Cavalletti in 1975, and their friendship and close collaboration lasted until Sofia's death in 2011. Patricia collaborated with Sofia in formation courses, in translations of her writings, and in coauthoring various books. Patricia's most recent words are a collection of Sofia's writings, All if Gift: Enjoying the Presence of God and letters, Look at the Light, Words of Loss and Love from Sofia Cavalletti. Dr. Coulter received her certification in the Franciscan Internship Program in Spiritual Direction and Directed Retreats and her doctorate in ministry from the University of St Michael's College, University of Toronto. She is the recipient of the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice cross for her pastoral ministry with adults and children.    Help us prepare for the 40th Celebration:  We invite you to assist with our celebration:     Please tell us where the atrium you serve is, the names of your catechists, and the first names of the children you serve in the atrium, so we may include all their names on our prayer table when we gather next August. We ask that you email this information to Susan Stuhlsatz‑Reese at susansr@cgsusa.org   We are counting on you! We are also happy to share with you that our new and improved atrium locator is now up and running! As part of our “soft launch” to make sure all is working well we are inviting you to take a first look and add your atrium if it is not there yet: Find CGS Near Me – Atrium Locator. Please consider also listing your atrium in the atrium locator. Video for easy instructions HERE  We know many catechists have gone before us to share in the heavenly banquet. We want to remember each of them. If you know a catechist who has died, please send us their name, a small bio or obituary, the gifts they shared with our CGS community and if possible, a photo. Please share with Mary Heinrich at maryheinrich@cgsusa.org.   We have opportunities for sponsors to contribute to our event fund. Please let us know of any individuals, groups, businesses, or organizations you know who may be willing to contribute. We will have some wonderful opportunities for our sponsors, more information will be coming soon.    Patricia's Books:   Ways to Nurture the Relationship with God  Drinking from the Sources   Like Leaven: Accompanying Children on their Spiritual Journey   The Infinite Mercy of God   Look at the Light: Words on Loss and Love from Sofia Cavalletti    Podcast Episodes with Patricia-    Episode 89 – Background of Ways to Nurture the Relationship with God  Episode 90- Ch. 4 The Parable of the True Vine from Ways to Nurture the Relationship with God with Patricia Coulter  Episode 91- The Infinite Mercy of God with Patricia Coulter    Episode 110: Learning to Love    AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.”  — Psalm 111:1-3    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Celebrate 40 Years of CGSUSA    FAQs about the 40th     This year, we are celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. From August 22-25, 2024, we will gather in person in Phoenix, Arizona, and we will broadcast via livestream for those who cannot attend in person. We look forward to you joining us for this celebration.  In these days, we will remember our legacy, celebrate our present work with the children, and pray for our future in the coming of the Kingdom as we join this friendship of catechists upon which our association is founded.  Mary Mirrione began working with CGS in 1992. She and a team of catechists and parents built atria at St Anne's in Gilbert, Arizona for their 1800 children. She has been a formation leader since 1997 serving as such at home and abroad. She also works with Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity throughout the United States and around the world. Mary served on the Board for CGSUSA and is a graduate of the first cohort at Aquinas Institute of Theology to receive a Masters in Pastoral Studies with an emphasis in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She is a faculty member of Kino Catechetical Institute in the Diocese of Phoenix. Since 2010, she serves as the National Director for the United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.  Karen became involved with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in 1990 when her oldest daughter was four years old. She was moved by the spiritual depth offered to the youngest children and found this approach to faith formation personally enriching as well. She helped to begin all three levels of atria in the first church in Georgia to offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She also enjoys introducing adults to this method of catechesis as a CGS formation leader. Karen joined the staff for the United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in 2004 as Director of Formation. Her work supports formation leaders and catechists through communications, conferences, ongoing formation and resources as well as in responding to a variety of inquiries and pastoral concerns about CGS. Karen is one of two US representatives to the International Council. She also was part of the first cohort to complete a Masters in Pastoral Studies in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at Aquinas Institute of Theology. Karen currently serves as a Level III catechist for a church in her area. Her children, now young adults, all were involved in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.  For further questions about CGS you can email Karen at karenmaxwell@cgsusa.org  We invite you to assist with our celebration:     Please tell us where the atrium you serve is, the names of your catechists, and the first names of the children you serve in the atrium, so we may include all their names on our prayer table when we gather next August. We ask that you email this information to Susan Stuhlsatz‑Reese at susansr@cgsusa.org   We are counting on you! We are also happy to share with you that our new and improved atrium locator is now up and running! As part of our “soft launch” to make sure all is working well we are inviting you to take a first look and add your atrium if it is not there yet: Find CGS Near Me – Atrium Locator. Please consider also listing your atrium in the atrium locator. Video for easy instructions HERE  We know many catechists have gone before us to share in the heavenly banquet. We want to remember each of them. If you know a catechist who has died, please send us their name, a small bio or obituary, the gifts they shared with our CGS community and if possible, a photo. Please share with Mary Heinrich at maryheinrich@cgsusa.org.   We have opportunities for sponsors to contribute to our event fund. Please let us know of any individuals, groups, businesses, or organizations you know who may be willing to contribute. We will have some wonderful opportunities for our sponsors, more information will be coming soon.      AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

"This is how it is with the kingdom of God, it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how.” Mark 4:26-27    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Find a Formation Course HERE!    Julie Baltuska and Donna Turner joining us on the podcast to talk about the level three atrium, what all is in that huge work that is the level three atrium. what does the level three child have to teach us about who God is and to encourage all of us to continue our formation all the way through level three no matter how we choose to serve the child.   Julie Baltuska lives in Kansas with her retired husband and Maine Coon cat. She and David raised 6 sons and 1 daughter and now enjoy 9 grandchildren all close to home.  Julie has been a recognized Formation Leader in Level 3 of CGS since 2018 and has been team leading L3 courses since 2008. The highlight of every week for her is spending time in the Atrium with 9-12 year olds which she has been doing for 24 years.   Julie has a BA degree in Theology from Rockhurst College and has served on the Board of Directors of the SonFlower Region of CGS. Her favorite down-time activities after adoration, include reading, improving her Spanish skills and dabbling in sculpture and piano.  A catechist since 1994, Donna has experience working with children in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in Level I, Level II, and Level III. She has been a Level III catechist and volunteer CGS coordinator for 24 years at St. Philip Episcopal Church in Memphis, TN. Donna has been a Formation Leader since 2001. She is the Co-Director of the Good Shepherd Center in Memphis, TN. Donna serves CGSUSA as a member of the Formation Committee and Episcopal Committee and assists with the Level III Materials Manual. She and her husband, Bob, live in Germantown, TN.    Podcast Episodes-  Episode 6- Geography and the Holy Land with Julie Baltuska  Episode 19- Typology with Ann Garrido  Episode 35 – Baptism with Donna Turner  Episode 115- CGS in the Episcopal Church with Anna Hurdle and Donna Turner    AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

"God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Find a Formation Course HERE!    Joel Musser and Matthew Irwin join the podcast to talk about men in The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, the benefit of having that full image of God reflected back by having both men and women present in this work for the children, and what we can do to encourage more men to be apart of this work.   Matthew Irwin is the Director of Faith Formation at St. Elizabeth Seton in Naples, FL and also serves as the Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of CGSUSA.  Joel Musser is the Director of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at Immaculate Conception Church and Immaculata Catholic School in Durham, NC. He also started and ran for four years the atria at Emmaus Way, an emergent church in Durham. Joel is a Level 1 Formation Leader certified in Levels 1-3, and is currently in Infant-Toddler formation. He has a Master of Theological Studies degree from Duke Divinity School and is in the Mathis Liturgical Leadership Program at the Notre Dame Center for Liturgy.    AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one floc, one shepherd.” Luke 10:16    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Donna Turner and Anna Hurdle dive into what CGS looks like in the Episcopal Church and its unique history that it has in our work in the United States.   Anna Hurdle is a catechist and formation leader at levels I, II and III. She is a retired elementary Montessori guide and coordinator of CGS at her parish in Charlotte, NC. Anna serves the National Association through the Episcopal Committee and the Formation Advisory Council.  Donna Turner has been a catechist since 1994. Donna has experience working with children in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in Level I, Level II, and Level III. She has been a Level III catechist and volunteer CGS coordinator for 24 years at St. Philip Episcopal Church in Memphis, TN. Donna has been a Formation Leader since 2001. She is the Co-Director of the Good Shepherd Center in Memphis, TN. Donna serves CGSUSA as a member of the Formation Committee and Episcopal Committee and assists with the Level III Materials Manual. She and her husband, Bob, live in Germantown, TN.  NAMTA Quote:  The following is a quote from the Spring 1999 NAMTA conference entitled The Spiritual Development of the Child in which Sofia spoke via videoconference:  “…Of course, there are other traditions, which stress different richness and propose different ways of relationship with the transcendent.  To be faithful to my tradition-is it a limitation? In some sense it is, but I have to remember here that there is another basic human need: to belong. We want to belong to a family, to a country, to a culture, and so on. To be a citizen of the world is a very noble ideal and aspiration, but there is a risk in it: the risk of becoming somebody without roots, somebody who has no soil under his or her feet.  In this regard, we have to learn a lesson from nature; in nature there are many trees, small ones and big ones, and in order to be alive they have to strictly observe a rule: the breadth of the foliage has to correspond to the size of the roots. If there is not a balance between the foliage and the roots, the tree will fall down and die.  In human beings, the roots are our traditions and the foliage is the capacity of being open to wider and wider horizons. We have to take care of both. Only if we are firmly bound to our soil-our tradition-will we be able to have a vital interchange with other cultures and traditions. Only if we are firmly rooted in our tradition will be able to offer others our richness, be open to receive others' richness, and be capable of taking advantage of it.”        Further Reading:    Purchase Nurturing the Whole Child HERE    Other Episodes with Donna or Anna:    Episode 35- Baptism with Donna Turner    Episode 41- The Elementary Aged Child with Anna Hurdle      Other Episodes About Ecumenism-    Episode 29- CGS and Christian Unity with Bishop Talley      Learn more about the 40th Anniversary Celebration of CGSUSA HERE      AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:    Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd      Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“Let the little children come to me; do not stop them.” Mark 10:14    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!  Read the article “Characteristics of the Good Shepherd Catechesis Number 27” HERE  What are the principal points which distinguish this catechesis and because of which it is called the “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”?  We have 32 characteristics that are intended to represent the principal aspects of the catechesis as they have emerged after more than fifty years of work with children of different countries, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds. These characteristics are reflective of the constants which have presented themselves in this work and are presented here with the invitation to go deeper into them for further reflection. Read all 32 Points of Reflection HERE    In the 2020 CGS Journal Francesca Cocchini wrote an article about characteristic #27.  Today we will listen to that article as well as discuss it with Marty O'Bryan.  Marty also answers one of our listener's questions about how to manage a level one atrium and still follow the child with many little ones. Read the article HERE    Characteristic #27:  The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is also concerned with helping adults open their eyes to the hidden riches of the child, especially to the child's spiritual wealth, so that adults will be drawn to learn from the child and to serve him/her. The guiding principles in this endeavor are:  The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd does not seek success.  It does not set about to be important or to impress others. (Isaiah 10:33-11:10)  It is faithful to the spirit of the mustard seed. (Matthew 13: 31)  It stands in solidarity with the least in the church.    Marty O'Bryan began her formation in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd with Sofia Cavalletti in 1983 and has been a catechists since 1985. She conducts adult formations at Levels I, II and III throughout the United States. A retired speech and language pathologist, Marty holds a Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Studies with an emphasis on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd from Aquinas Institute of Theology. Currently, she works with children in Level I, II, and III atria in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix.    Further Reading:    2020 Journal of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd  The Religious Potential of the Child by Sofia Cavalletti   The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old by Sofia Cavalletti    Other Episodes You Might Enjoy    Episode 94-CGS Characteristics #17, 18, 19, and 20 with Lynda Catalano and Diane Olsen  Episode 95- CGS Characteristics #21 and 25 with Lynne Worthington and Marty O'Bryan    Learn more about the 40th Anniversary Celebration of CGSUSA HERE      AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:    Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd       Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“Truly I say to you, unless you change and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3    “Help us, O God, to enter into the secret of childhood, so that we may know, love and serve the child in accordance with the laws of thy justice and following thy holy will.” Maria Montessori     Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Artwork/Figure 11 from The Religious Potential of the Child that Rebekah speaks about    We are so happy to announce that Nurturing the Whole Child: Montessori Principles Applied to the Catechesis of Children by Gianna Gobbi is now available in print and on Kindle! For many years we have been looking to update, clarify, and add to Gianna's written work that was held in the book Listening to God with Children.  This is now published through our CGSUSA imprint with Liturgy Training Publications.  It is a beautiful book with chapters from Gianna that were written after the publication of Listening to God with Children. It had photos and an appendix of articles from others who have written about Gianna, including her closest collaborator, Sofia Cavalletti.  Rebekah joins us on the podcast to share with us about Gianna and the story of bringing her writing to us.   Rebekah is a catechist and formation leader in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd having completed her training in 1981 in Rome with Dr. Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi. She has translated several of their books and articles from the original Italian and has written and edited various parts of the CGS core texts. Rebekah is a catechist at her parish, St. Patrick Catholic Church, and for the Missionaries of Charity atrium in Memphis, Tennessee. She serves on the formation committee of CGSUSA, as well as on the International Board for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.      Further Reading:    Purchase Nurturing the Whole Child HERE  Purchase the Commemorative Journal: Gianna Gobbi 1919 – 2002 HERE  Purchase A Year with Sofia Cavalletti: Daily Reflections on the Spirtual and Theological Influences of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd by Ann Garrido    Other Episodes with Rebekah-    Episode 2- God and the Child     Episode 10- A Reflection on the Good Shepherd    Episode 26- Life in the Vine    Episode 33 – Moral Formation    Episode 71 – A Glimpse at Sofia Cavalletti    Episode 97- The International Consiglio      Other Episodes About Gianna or Her Writing-    Episode 3 - Chapter 1 “The Environment” and chapter 2 “The Adult”     Episode 78- A Glimpse of Gianna Gobbi    Episode 93- The Meaning, Importance, and Limitations of our Catechetical Materials    Episode 98 – Welcoming the Children        Learn more about the 40th Anniversary Celebration of CGSUSA HERE        AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd      Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

"One body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call. One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:4-6    “What have we done to Christianity? We have made it into a lot of rules; but Christianity is to enjoy a Person.” Fr Dalmazio Mongillo    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Claudia joins us on the podcast to share with us some of her memories about Father Mongillo as well as tell us about his teachings regarding the pedagogy of God and the child.     Claudia Margarita Schmitt lived in many different countries throughout her life. She has discovered over time that her roots are first in her Roman Catholic faith and also in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.  Everywhere she goes she recognizes the same language being used to discover the mystery of God. As an international formation leader for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She constantly has this experience of finding her roots.  She has been a catechist for 33 years and a formation leader for 32.  She lived for 8 years in Rome studying and working with Gianna Gobbi and Sofia Cavalletti. She describes this time as precious and that they taught her many things but first to be humble.      Further Reading:  Journal Articles by Fr Mongillo:  History and Prayer 2004 Journal   About Justice: A Meditation 1999 Journal – Read HERE  Covenant, Collaboration, & Children 2007 Journal   A Letter from Father Mongillo 2006 Journal   Learning to Love 2009 Journal – Purchase HERE Read HERE  The Vocation to Become Human 2011 Journal – Purchase HERE  Sofia's article about Fr Mongillo from the 2006 Journal, read HERE  A Year with Sofia Cavalletti by Ann Garrido  Essential Realities, Ch. 2 Catechesis as Celebration by Fr Mongillo    Heritage Episodes-  Episode 60- Pioneers of CGS with Betty Hissong  Episode 68- The CGS Heritage- Eugenio Zolli  Episode 76- The CGS Heritage- Romano Guardini  Episode 92- Who was Adele Costa Gnocchi       AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:  Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd      Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

"One body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call. One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:4-6    “What have we done to Christianity? We have made it into a lot of rules; but Christianity is to enjoy a Person.” Fr Dalmazio Mongillo    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Ann Garrido joins us to discuss Fr Mongillo's article, About Justice, A Meditation, from the 1999 Journal of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd where he defines justice in the religious sense and how it applies to our life in the atrium with children.     Read Mongillo's article, About Justice, A Meditation HERE.    Ann Garrido has been a catechist of the Good Shepherd since 1996.  She currently serves as a Level One catechist at her parish while she also serves as a formation leader for the US Association at all three levels.  Ann is an Associate Professor at Aquinas Institute of Theology, a graduate school of theology and ministry in the Dominican tradition.  She is the author of multiple works, including her newest book Redeeming Power about the healthy and holy exercise of leadership.      Further Reading:    Journal Articles by Fr Mongillo:  History and Prayer 2004 Journal   About Justice: A Meditation 1999 Journal – Read HERE  Covenant, Collaboration, & Children 2007 Journal   A Letter from Father Mongillo 2006 Journal   Learning to Love 2009 Journal – Purchase HERE Read HERE  The Vocation to Become Human 2011 Journal – Purchase HERE  Sofia's article about Fr Mongillo from the 2006 Journal, read HERE  A Year with Sofia Cavalletti by Ann Garrido  Essential Realities, Ch. 2 Catechesis as Celebration by Fr Mongillo    ANN'S NEW BOOK – REDEEMING POWER     Heritage Episodes-    Episode 60- Pioneers of CGS with Betty Hissong  Episode 68- The CGS Heritage- Eugenio Zolli  Episode 76- The CGS Heritage- Romano Guardini  Episode 92- Who was Adele Costa Gnocchi       AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:    Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd      Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“Love as I love you.” John 13:34    “Lent is the time in which the joy of loving is rejuvenated.” - Father Mongillo    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Patricia Coulter joins us on the podcast to tell us more about Father Mongillo and to open up the beauty of his article, Learning to Love, from the 2009 journal.      Read the article Learning to Love from the 2009 Journal    Patricia Coulter met Sofia Cavalletti in 1975, and their friendship and close collaboration lasted until Sofia's death in 2011. Patricia collaborated with Sofia in formation courses, in translations of her writings, and in coauthoring various books. Patricia's most recent words are a collection of Sofia's writings, All if Gift: Enjoying the Presence of God and letters, Look at the Light, Words of Loss and Love from Sofia Cavalletti. Dr. Coulter received her certification in the Franciscan Internship Program in Spiritual Direction and Directed Retreats and her doctorate in ministry from the University of St Michael's College, University of Toronto. She is the recipient of the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice cross for her pastoral ministry with adults and children.    Prayer by Father Mongillo, can be found on page 275-276 of A Year with Sofia Cavalletti:  Trinity Love    Trinity most sweet!  Abba, Father!  Son, Jesus!  Spirit, Love!  Trinity all love!  Source of our identity and our  peace,  source of our happiness!  We adore you, we praise you, we bless you,  we thank you, we love you!  Abba, Father! give us your Spirit,  give us the Spirit of your Son!  The Spirit who knows the depths of your  mystery,  the Spirit who knows the depths of  our mystery!  Give us the Spirit,  in whom you have entrusted the Son to us,  the Spirit who took Jesus by the hand  and made him Son for us!  So that he takes us by the hand and accompanies us  on our pilgrim way toward your dwelling,  where we will contemplate you with uncovered face…  And you will see Jesus in us, the beloved,  and we will lose ourselves in your gaze of love  as in an infinite sea…  as the Son and in the Son,  all in one with You…  with the Beloved… with the Lover,  in the same ecstasy of love forever!  Amen.    Further Reading:    Journal Articles by Fr Mongillo:  History and Prayer 2004 Journal   About Justice: A Meditation 1999 Journal – Read HERE  Covenant, Collaboration, & Children 2007 Journal   A Letter from Father Mongillo 2006 Journal   Learning to Love 2009 Journal – Purchase HERE Read HERE  The Vocation to Become Human 2011 Journal – Purchase HERE  Christianity? To Enjoy a Person by Sofia Cavalletti about Fr Mongillo – Read HERE    A Year with Sofia Cavalletti by Ann Garrido  Essential Realities  Patricia's Books:   Ways to Nurture the Relationship with God  Drinking from the Sources   Like Leaven: Accompanying Children on their Spiritual Journey   The Infinite Mercy of God   Look at the Light: Words on Loss and Love from Sofia Cavalletti    Podcast Episodes with Patricia-    Episode 89 – Background of Ways to Nurture the Relationship with God  Episode 90- Ch. 4 The Parable of the True Vine from Ways to Nurture the Relationship with God with Patricia Coulter  Episode 91- The Infinite Mercy of God with Patricia Coulter        Heritage Episodes-    Episode 60- Pioneers of CGS with Betty Hissong  Episode 68- The CGS Heritage- Eugenio Zolli  Episode 76- The CGS Heritage- Romano Guardini  Episode 92- Who was Adele Costa Gnocchi   Episode 109. The CGS Heritage- Father Dalmazio Mongillo, To Enjoy a Person with Sue Jett        AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:    Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.” Deuteronomy 6:5  “What have we done to Christianity? We have made it into a lot of rules; but Christianity is to enjoy a Person.” Fr Dalmazio Mongillo    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Who is Father Dalmazio Mongillo and how has he influenced our work in The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?    Read Sofia's article about Fr Mongillo: Christianity? To Enjoy a Person from the 2006 Journal    Sue first began implementing the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in 2003 while teaching at St. Peter's Catholic School in Beaufort, SC. She is certified in Levels I, II, and III and became a formation leader in 2010 after receiving her Master of Arts degree in the discipline of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, MO.  Sue has directed religious education programs in the dioceses of Milwaukee, Chicago, and NW Indiana and has facilitated the development of CGS in several parishes.  She currently serves as a Level 1 Catechist at St. James the Less in Highland, IN and works with lower-elementary children at the Montessori Children's Schoolhouse in Hammond, IN.      Further Reading:  Journal Articles by Fr Mongillo:  History and Prayer 2004 Journal   About Justice: A Meditation 1999 Journal – Read HERE  Covenant, Collaboration, & Children 2007 Journal   A Letter from Father Mongillo 2006 Journal   Learning to Love 2009 Journal – Purchase HERE Read HERE The Vocation to Become Human 2011 Journal – Purchase HERE    A Year with Sofia Cavalletti by Ann Garrido  Essential Realities    Heritage Episodes-  Episode 60- Pioneers of CGS with Betty Hissong  Episode 68- The CGS Heritage- Eugenio Zolli  Episode 76- The CGS Heritage- Romano Guardini  Episode 92- Who was Adele Costa Gnocchi       AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:    Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.  Matthew 11: 24,25    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!  What is Phenomenology and how do we see it lived out both in the child and in the atrium?  Donald (Donny) Wallenfang, OCDS, PhD is a Level III catechist, Secular Discalced Carmelite, and Professor of Theology and Philosophy at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. He received his MTS from St Norbert College and his doctorate from Loyola University Chicago. He has published twelve books as well as numerous articles and book chapters on a variety of topics in Christian theology and philosophy. His areas of expertise merge at the intersection of Carmelite spirituality, phenomenology, metaphysics, liturgical theology, evangelization and catechesis. Wallenfang served in full-time youth and young adult ministry for nine years. He has been married to his wife, Megan, for twenty-four years and has six children.    Further Reading:    The Religious Potential of the Child 3rd Edition  The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 year old 2nd Edition  Way of Holy Joy by Sofia Cavalletti  Redeeming Conflict by Ann Garrido  A Year with Sofia Cavalletti by Ann Garrido  Phenomenology: A Basic Introduction in the Light of Jesus Christ by Donald Wallenfang  Shoeless: Carmelite Spirituality in a Disquieted World by Donald and Megan Wallenfang  Dialectical Anatomy of the Eucharist: An Étude in Phenomenology by Donald Wallenfang  Absorbent Mind by Maria Montessori    Other Episodes You Might Enjoy    Episode 107- The Metaphysical Child with Dr Donald Wallenfang  Episode 2 –God and the Child   Episode 82 - Merciful Parenting    AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will."  Matthew 11: 24,25    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!   What is metaphysics and how does it relate to the child? How does Montessori's idea of the triangular relationship which is the child, the adult, the environment manifest this idea of metaphysics. How can we as adults create environments that allow the child to be more metaphysical?  “There is no being more metaphysical than the child.” Sofia RPC1  Donald (Donny) Wallenfang, OCDS, PhD is a Level III catechist, Secular Discalced Carmelite, and Professor of Theology and Philosophy at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. He received his MTS from St Norbert College and his doctorate from Loyola University Chicago. He has published twelve books as well as numerous articles and book chapters on a variety of topics in Christian theology and philosophy. His areas of expertise merge at the intersection of Carmelite spirituality, phenomenology, metaphysics, liturgical theology, evangelization and catechesis. Wallenfang served in full-time youth and young adult ministry for nine years. He has been married to his wife, Megan, for twenty-four years and has six children.    Further Reading:    The Religious Potential of the Child 3rd Edition  The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 year old 2nd Edition  Way of Holy Joy by Sofia Cavalletti  Donald Wallenfang, Metaphysics: A Basic Introduction in a Christian Key (Cascade, 2019).  Donald Wallenfang, Human and Divine Being: A Study on the Theological Anthropology of Edith Stein (Cascade, 2017).  Thomas Aquinas, Aquinas's Shorter Summa (Sophia Institute, 2001).      Other Episodes You Might Enjoy    Episode 2 –God and the Child   Episode 82 - Merciful Parenting    AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

"Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.  Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you."  Isaiah 60: 4-5    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!     Epiphany is 117 years since Maria Montessori dedicated a space specifically for the poor children of San Lorenzo which began her lifelong work of discovering the child and their absorbent minds.    Sherry Mock joins us today to tell us the spirit filled story of that beautiful Epiphany.  Sherry Mock lives in Texas with her husband.  She has been trained as a Montessori guide and in all three levels of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.  She is a wife, mother, grandmother, Godmother, Bible teacher, and church and community volunteer.      Further Reading:    2020 The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Journal  The Child in the Church by Maria Montessori  Other Episode with Sherry:    Episode 52: Practical Life with Sherry Mock    AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

"And Mary kept all theses things, pondering them in her heart.” Luke 2:19    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Mary Mirrione and I ponder the great mystery of the Incarnation as we do with the children in the work of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd wondering about that great mystery of who Jesus is. Our conversation today is in light of what we are learning through our work with the infant and toddler about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, what the basic needs of a woman in labor and a newborn are and what light this might give us about the mystery of the Incarnation.      Further Reading:    The Basic Needs of a Woman in Labour by Ruth Ehrhardt    The History of the Kingdom of God, Part 1: From Creation to Parousia    Other Podcast Episodes You Might Want to Listen To:    Episode 99- Oxytocin with Ruth Ehrhardt and Mary Mirrione    Episode 92- Adele Costa Gnocchi with Karin Slabaugh    Episode 27 – Mystery of the Incarnation with Karen Maxwell  Episode 53 – The Birth and Infancy of Jesus with Ann Garrido  Episode 79- Ch. 6 of The Religious Potential of the Child- The Historical Events in the Life of Jesus Christ  Episode 104. Incarnation and the Annunciation with Sofia Cavalletti    AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

"Let it be with me according to you word.” Luke 1:38    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    As we enter Advent and celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception let us listen to Sofia's words from Chapters 41 and 43 of The History of the Kingdom of God Part One on the Incarnation and the Annunciation      Further Reading:    The History of the Kingdom of God, Part 1: From Creation to Parousia           Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

"Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other." —1 John 4:11    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Mary Heinrich discusses with us the value of friendship in this work as well as different networks you can set up to help sustain this desired support and community.  Mary is the Membership Coordinator for The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Prior to joining the staff, Mary served on the CGSUSA Board of Trustees for seven years. Mary has also served as a Director of Faith Formation in the Catholic Church for twenty-nine years, as well as a consultant and editor for religious education publishers.  She earned a bachelor's degree in religious studies from Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and a master's degree in Pastoral Studies in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri. Her husband, Kurt is a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Des Moines and teaches theology at the local Catholic high school, is a Level One catechist, and enjoys making materials for the atrium.  Their daughter, Clare, is the elementary faith formation coordinator at her Church, working in the Level One and Level Two atria. When not immersed in CGS, Mary enjoys reading, art and spending time with her family.    Types of CGSUSA Memberships    Information about Regional Groups      Other Episode with Mary:   Episode 31 - “Even Now” A Lenten Reflection with Mary Heinrich    Further Reading:    Read Tina Lillig's article Life of the Catechist online   Facets of Joy          Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

"And Mary kept all these things, pondering on them in her heart.” Luke 2:19  Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!  Autumn Domingue joins us on the podcast again to explain the art of Theological Reflection, how it can help us in this work, and to demonstrate the process to us.   Autumn Domingue is a spiritual director, formation leader, and Life Coach, whose greatest joy is journeying with those searching for greater meaning and purpose in their lives. In addition to her private practice, Autumn supervises other spiritual directors and currently works as a mental health coach for Lyra Mental Health whose mission is to transform access to life-changing mental health care. Autumn enjoys yoga, painting, playing with her grandchildren, and taking long walks in the Texas Hill Country where she resides. Autumn's website: https://www.autumndomingue.com/      Other Episodes with Autumn:  Episode 37 –CGS and Spiritual Direction     Episode 42 - The Mystery of Time    Further Reading:    2019 Journal of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd article Growing Collaboration through Theological Reflection  Supervising Ministry Students by Ann M. Garrido Chapter 3 (Theological Reflection: The Heart of Field Education)  The Art of Theological Reflection By Patricia O'Connell Killen and John DeBeer         Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

"Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” Genesis 1:26  Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!  Diane Olsen returns to the podcast to explore who the transitioning child is, the 6 year old, the 9 year old, and the 12 year old.  We also discuss how we can best serve these children in our atria.   “We must take man himself, take him with patience and confidence, across all the planes of education. We must put everything before him, the school, culture, religion, the world itself. We must help him to develop within himself that which will make him capable of understanding. It is not merely words, it is a labor of education. This will be a be a preparation for peace, for peace cannot exist without justice and without men endowed with a strong conscience and personality.”  Montessori, Maria. The Four Planes of Education (pg 10)  Diane Olsen has been involved in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd since 1990. She has received all formation levels and was recognized as a formation leader in 2002. She is actively involved leading catechist formation around the country. Diane has a philosophy and math degree from St. John's College in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies-Catechesis of the Good Shepherd from the Aquinas Institute of Theology, St. Louis, Missouri. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother.    Other Episodes that relate to this topic:  The Four Planes of Development with Claire Paglia      Other Episodes with Diane:  Episode 3 – The Environment and the Adult with Diane Olsen    Episode 51 – Prayer of Thanksgiving with Diane Olsen  Episode 94-CGS Characteristics #17, 18, 19, and 20 with Lynda Catalano and Diane Olsen      The Four Planes of Education by Maria Montessori       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd   

"Bless the Lord, my soul; all my being, bless his holy name!” Psalm 103:1  Episode 100!!  Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!  Read Marty's article from the 2017 Journal Inspiriting Art Expression Online here.     Marty O”Bryan returns to the podcast to talk about prayer as a response in children, especially their art work.    Marty O'Bryan began her formation in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd with Sofia Cavalletti in 1983 and has been a catechists since 1985. She conducts adult formations at Levels I, II and III throughout the United States. A retired speech and language pathologist, Marty holds a Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Studies with an emphasis on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd from Aquinas Institute of Theology. Currently, she works with children in Level I, II, and III atria in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix.      Art Submissions for the CGSUSA Annual Journal: https://www.cgsusa.org/artwork-submission/  The Journal committee invites reflections by children you work with on the mysteries they encounter in the atrium, whether these are voiced or written prayer or theological expression through art. We especially seek syntheses of the various themes they have received.      Please follow these guidelines for submitting children's work or photographs for possible publication in 2024 Journal:      For the best possible image of children's art, please send the original. Otherwise, a photograph taken by a smartphone can have sufficient resolution if it is attached as file in its original size.      Every submission must have the child's name, age, and if pertinent, something the child said about his or her drawing. It can include an explanation of the circumstances that led to the child's work.      The child's art should be free from all adult writing.  Comments or explanations may be written on the permission form that accompanies the artwork.      The permission form needs to include the child's home address and signature of one of the child's parents. The permission form can be found on the website of The United States Association of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org      Please send materials to:   Journal Editors / Catechesis of the Good Shepherd   7655 East Main Street   Scottsdale, AZ 85251   Email: journal@cgsusa.org  Or submit online at:  https://www.cgsusa.org/artwork-submission/        Art Supplies for the Atrium sold by CGSUSA    The HeART of the Child Art Book      Other Episodes with Marty:  Episode 61- The Roots of the Eucharist and the Easter Mystery  Episode 95- CGS Characteristics #21 and #25       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“For thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” Isaiah 30:15  Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!  Ruth, Mary and I discuss the unique topic of the hormone Oxytocin, the love hormone, what is it and how can it be fostered.  We also ponder how this hormone relates to our work in the atrium with children and with God.   Ruth Ehrhardt is the mother of 4 home-birthed children, a South African traditional midwife, Certified as a Professional Midwife in the US, and the author of a book called The Basic Needs of a Woman in Labour (which has been translated into 15 different languages), and a birth and midwifery teacher. You can find the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Basic-Needs-Woman-Labour/dp/0620660287      She is the daughter, granddaughter, and niece of midwives, so it seems this work was in many ways predestined from birth.      Ruth has an innate love and trust for birth, women's bodies, and babies' intelligence. In her teaching and work, she mainly focuses on guarding and protecting the environment for pregnancy and birth, as opposed to guiding or facilitating the actual birthing process.      For more information on Ruth see her website:  TrueMidwifery.com    The Basic Needs of Babies course is an adult prepared environment, offering a chance to explore what everyone's Basic Needs are and how it feels when they are met.    Mary Mirrione began working with CGS in 1992. She and a team of catechists and parents built atria at St Anne's in Gilbert, Arizona for their 1800 children. She has been a formation leader since 1997 serving as such at home and abroad. She also works with Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity throughout the United States and around the world. Mary served on the Board for CGSUSA and is a graduate of the first cohort at Aquinas Institute of Theology to receive a Masters in Pastoral Studies with an emphasis in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She is a faculty member of Kino Catechetical Institute in the Diocese of Phoenix. Since 2010, she serves as the National Director for the United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.    AUDIO VERSION of The Religious Potential of the Child by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz.  CGSUSA has created a Premium Podcast Channel for this audiobook through Podbean.  The cost is $29.00 and does include the audio version of all chapters of The Religious Potential of the Child, 3rd Edition all read by Rebekah Rojcewicz.  We have provided both video overview instructions and written instructions on accessing this audiobook.  Please use these resources. Unlike the regular podcast, which will remain free and available on many podcast players/apps, this new resource is available only on the Podbean App, which you may download from the IOS App store or the Google Play App store. Learn more here!  Step by step instructions here!     Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“A that time Jesus said in reply, ‘I give praise to you, Father Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these tings from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.” Matthew 11:25  Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!  Today we listen to the words of Gianna Gobbi from her book Listening to God with Children. We have part of chapter 5 and part of chapter 6 as a way to help prepare ourselves for the beginning of the year in the atrium. The pages read include pages 41 through 53. Then Mary Mirrione joins us for a short discussion on this reading lifting up some important pieces from this beautiful work.   This precious book of Gianna's has unfortunately been out of print for 2 years.   We have been actively working on a new book which will contain Gianna's legacy with updated information and new content.  We hope to have this published by next Spring.  We will be keeping everyone informed though our Member Memos and In the Meadow emails which come monthly to our members.  Mary Mirrione began working with CGS in 1992. She and a team of catechists and parents built atria at St Anne's in Gilbert, Arizona for their 1800 children. She has been a formation leader since 1997 serving as such at home and abroad. She also works with Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity throughout the United States and around the world. Mary served on the Board for CGSUSA and is a graduate of the first cohort at Aquinas Institute of Theology to receive a Masters in Pastoral Studies with an emphasis in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She is a faculty member of Kino Catechetical Institute in the Diocese of Phoenix. Since 2010, she serves as the National Director for the United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.    AUDIO VERSION of The Religious Potential of the Child by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz.  CGSUSA has created a Premium Podcast Channel for this audiobook through Podbean.  The cost is $29.00 and does include the audio version of all chapters of The Religious Potential of the Child, 3rd Edition all read by Rebekah Rojcewicz.  We have provided both video overview instructions and written instructions on accessing this audiobook.  Please use these resources. Unlike the regular podcast, which will remain free and available on many podcast players/apps, this new resource is available only on the Podbean App, which you may download from the IOS App store or the Google Play App store. Learn more here!  Step by step instructions here!     Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“For thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” Isaiah 30:15  Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!  Next Month, on Sept 23-30 the International Consiglio or Council for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd will be meeting in Italy.  Rebekah Rojcewicz who is a member of the Consiglio joins us today to help us learn more about what this council is and its purpose in our work with children.  Rebekah is a catechist and formation leader in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd having completed her training in 1981 in Rome with Dr. Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi. She has translated several of their books and articles from the original Italian and has written and edited various parts of the CGS core texts. Rebekah is a catechist at her parish, St. Patrick Catholic Church, and for the Missionaries of Charity atrium in Memphis, Tennessee. She serves on the formation committee of CGSUSA, as well as on the International Board for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.  The Characteristics of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd – The 32 Points of Reflection   Learn More about the International Consiglio:  https://www.cgsusa.org/discover/cgs-world/    Episodes with Rebekah:  Episode 2- God and the Child  Episode 10- A Reflection on the Parable of the Good Shepherd  Episode 33- Moral Foramation  Episode 40 – Life in the Vine  Episode 71- A Glimpse at Sofia     AUDIO VERSION of The Religious Potential of the Child by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz.  CGSUSA has created a Premium Podcast Channel for this audiobook through Podbean.  The cost is $29.00 and does include the audio version of all chapters of The Religious Potential of the Child, 3rd Edition all read by Rebekah Rojcewicz.  We have provided both video overview instructions and written instructions on accessing this audiobook.  Please use these resources. Unlike the regular podcast, which will remain free and available on many podcast players/apps, this new resource is available only on the Podbean App, which you may download from the IOS App store or the Google Play App store. Learn more here!  Step by step instructions here!     Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.” Colossians 2:6-7  Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!  Today we hear all about the Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies - Catechesis of the Good Shepherd from Aquinas Institute of Theology!   To learn more about the program: https://www.ai.edu/academics/degree-programs/master-of-arts-in-pastoral-studies-catechesis-of-the-good-shepherd  Link for September Information Session that is on September 21st at 4:00pm CT: https://events.ai.edu/event/155986  Samantha Messier is the current Coordinator for Enrollment Management at Aquinas Institute of Theology, located in St. Louis, Missouri. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing from Indiana University. Prior to her current role at Aquinas Institute, Samantha's background includes working in communications and campus ministry at St. Paul Catholic Center in Bloomington, Indiana. To schedule a meeting with Sam: https://calendly.com/messier-1/30min?month=2023-08    Carolyn Wright, MDiv., DMin serves on the faculty of Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri. She teaches in the areas of ministerial formation and Christian spirituality. Carolyn directs the Master of Arts in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (MAPS-CGS) degree program as well as the Theological Field Education program at Aquinas. Carolyn has been a longtime advocate for CGS since she completed both her Level I (2010) and Level II (2011) formations. She is available to talk further about the MAPS-CGS degree program at Aquinas (wright@ai.edu | 314-256-8879).    Hannah Turchi began her journey with The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in 2011 and is a catechist and Director of Discipleship at St. Robert Bellarmine in Flushing. She is a Level One Formation Leader and has a masters degree in Pastoral Studies and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (MAPS-CGS) from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, MO.    Melanie Beyers was first exposed to Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in 2004 as a parent assistant with her oldest child, who was three at the time. She fell in love with the method and materials, and completed her Level I formation in 2008. After serving as a catechist in her parish, Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Saginaw MI, in the Level I Atrium for 10 years, she felt it time to complete her Level II and III formation in 2018 through 2020. She continues as a volunteer catechist at her parish and at the Catholic elementary school her children attended. Melanie holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Michigan University and a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University Law School. She currently works for the federal government as a staff attorney/law clerk, and hopes to make Catechesis of the Good Shepherd a post-retirement focus. Melanie is currently a student in the MAPS-CGS program at the Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, MO, and is about halfway through the program.      AUDIO VERSION of The Religious Potential of the Child by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz.  CGSUSA has created a Premium Podcast Channel for this audiobook through Podbean.  The cost is $29.00 and does include the audio version of all chapters of The Religious Potential of the Child, 3rd Edition all read by Rebekah Rojcewicz.  We have provided both video overview instructions and written instructions on accessing this audiobook.  Please use these resources. Unlike the regular podcast, which will remain free and available on many podcast players/apps, this new resource is available only on the Podbean App, which you may download from the IOS App store or the Google Play App store. Learn more here!  Step by step instructions here!     Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“May the favor of the Lord our God be ours, prosper the work of our hands! Prosper the work of our hands!” (Ps 90:17).   Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!  In today's episode we dive into two of our 32 Characteristics of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, 21 and 25, which speak about the materials we use in this work.   Link to the 32 Characteristics of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd  Lynne Worthington worked for 30 years as a catechist for children and adults at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Durham, NC. She also served as the coordinator for CGS in Immaculata School and for the parish. Since 1991 she has taken part in National Formation courses for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, earning certificates as a catechist for all three levels, ages 3-12 years old. She has participated in numerous formation leadership workshops and is recognized as a formation leader by the National Association of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She holds an MA degree in Pastoral Studies from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, MO.  Lynne now lives in Ball Ground, GA and volunteers in Atria in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. She and her husband, Bill, have three grown children and two grandchildren.    Marty O'Bryan began her formation in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd with Sofia Cavalletti in 1983 and has been a catechists since 1985. She conducts adult formations at Levels I, II and III throughout the United States. A retired speech and language pathologist, Marty holds a Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Studies with an emphasis on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd from Aquinas Institute of Theology. Currently, she works with children in Level I, II, and III atria in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix.    The Meaning, Importance, and Limitations of our Catechetical Materials by Gianna Gobbi    Episode 70- Art of Observation with Lynne Worthington  Episode 61- The Roots of the Eucharist and the Easter Mystery with Marty O'Bryan  Link to a list of CGSUSA Vendors    AUDIO VERSION of The Religious Potential of the Child by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz.  CGSUSA has created a Premium Podcast Channel for this audiobook through Podbean.  The cost is $29.00 and does include the audio version of all chapters of The Religious Potential of the Child, 3rd Edition all read by Rebekah Rojcewicz.  We have provided both video overview instructions and written instructions on accessing this audiobook.  Please use these resources. Unlike the regular podcast, which will remain free and available on many podcast players/apps, this new resource is available only on the Podbean App, which you may download from the IOS App store or the Google Play App store. Learn more here!  Step by step instructions here!     Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“May the favor of the Lord our God be ours, prosper the work of our hands! Prosper the work of our hands!” (Ps 90:17).   Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!  In today's episode we dive into four of our 32 Characteristics of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, 17, 18, 19 and 20 which all speak about the materials we use in this work.   Lynda Catalano has been a catechist at Trinity Church in Fillmore, California for 30 years. She works weekly in the atrium with groups of 3 to 6-year-olds, 6 to 9-year-olds, and 9 to 12-year-olds. She has led Levels I, II and III catechist formation throughout the United States and internationally including serving on national formation teams. Lynda is bi-lingual in Spanish and has also offered catechist formation in Spanish. She is a member of the Formation Leader Discernment Committee and served on teams for the Formation Leader Training Courses for the United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Lynda is retired from teaching kindergarten and first graders in a public school. She has four adult children and three beautiful grandchildren.    Diane Olsen has been involved in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd since 1990. She has received all formation levels and was recognized as a formation leader in 2002. She is actively involved leading catechist formation around the country. Diane has a philosophy and math degree from St. John's College in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies-Catechesis of the Good Shepherd from the Aquinas Institute of Theology, St. Louis, Missouri. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother.    The Meaning, Importance, and Limitations of our Catechetical Materials by Gianna Gobbi    1998 – 2002 Journals of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Volume 2    Episode 5 – Material Making with Lynda Catalano  Episode 51 – Prayer of Thanksgiving with Diane Olsen  Episode 70- Art of Observation with Lynne Worthington  Episode 81- Mystery of God Meets Mystery of the Child with Lynda Catalano  Link to a list of CGSUSA Vendors    AUDIO VERSION of The Religious Potential of the Child by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz.  CGSUSA has created a Premium Podcast Channel for this audiobook through Podbean.  The cost is $29.00 and does include the audio version of all chapters of The Religious Potential of the Child, 3rd Edition all read by Rebekah Rojcewicz.  We have provided both video overview instructions and written instructions on accessing this audiobook.  Please use these resources. Unlike the regular podcast, which will remain free and available on many podcast players/apps, this new resource is available only on the Podbean App, which you may download from the IOS App store or the Google Play App store. Learn more here!  Step by step instructions here!     Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“May the favor of the Lord our God be ours, prosper the work of our hands! Prosper the work of our hands!” (Ps 90:17).   Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!  In today's episode we listen to the words of Gianna Gobbi from the 2001 journal about the materials we use in the atrium and their meaning, importance, and limitations.   Gianna Gobbi personally worked as an apprentice with Maria Montessori in Rome. In collaboration with Sofia Cavelletti, a biblical scholar, Gianna played a primary role in applying the principles of the a Montessori method to the religious formation of children in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.     1998 – 2002 Journals of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Volume 2    The Religious Potential of the Child     The Child in the Church by Maria Montessori    Link to a list of CGSUSA Vendors    AUDIO VERSION of The Religious Potential of the Child by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz.  CGSUSA has created a Premium Podcast Channel for this audiobook through Podbean.  The cost is $29.00 and does include the audio version of all chapters of The Religious Potential of the Child, 3rd Edition all read by Rebekah Rojcewicz.  We have provided both video overview instructions and written instructions on accessing this audiobook.  Please use these resources. Unlike the regular podcast, which will remain free and available on many podcast players/apps, this new resource is available only on the Podbean App, which you may download from the IOS App store or the Google Play App store. Learn more here!  Step by step instructions here!     Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd