"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The Lord in my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid?” - Psalm 27:1 

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Joann joins us on the podcast to discuss the Introduction and Chapter One of The Religious Potential of the Child for 6 to 12 Year Olds. 

Joann Terranova: In the past Joann has served as a Pastoral Assistant for Children's Ministry in Catholic parishes, and began her involvement with CGS in 1998.  She helped to begin the atrium at St. Michael Olympia WA, and currently serves as a Toddler Catechist.  Her ministry as a formation leader began in 2007, and she is recognized to serve Levels 1, 2, &3.   She holds a Bachelor's degree in Religious Studies and Psychology, a Master's in Adult Christian Community Development and Master's in Pastoral Studies with an emphasis in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. 

Books you might be interested in: 

The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Year Olds 

History of the Kingdom of God Part 1: Creation to Parouisa 

History of the Kingdom of God Part 2: Liturgy and the Building of the Kingdom 

Life in the Vine: The Joyful Journey Continues 

BECOME A CGSUSA MEMBER 

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 

"Arise! Shine, for your light has come, the glory of the Lord has dawned upon you. Though darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds, the peoples, upon you the Lord will dawn, and over you his glory will be seen.” - Isaiah 60:1-2 

Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE! 

Podcasts by Series 

Level One Book Study 

Level Two Book Study 

We’re kicking off Season 6! With an overarching theme of the Second Plane Child, we’re especially excited to welcome Anna Hurdle as our co-host this season. 

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. 

Link to Maria Montessori’s Speech from January 6, 1942 

Books you might be interested in: 

The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Year Olds 

History of the Kingdom of God Part 1: Creation to Parouisa 

History of the Kingdom of God Part 2: Liturgy and the Building of the Kingdom 

Life in the Vine: The Joyful Journey Continues 

Podcast Episodes you might be interested in: 

Episode 28- Montessori's Epiphany with Sherry Mock 

BECOME A CGSUSA MEMBER 

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 

"Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it." Luke 18:17 

Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE! 

Podcasts by Series 

Level One Book Study 

Level Two Book Study 

Today, we share stories from atria across the country, from all levels. Again and again, the children reveal their deep capacity to recognize the most essential aspects of our faith. 

Thank you to all our members and our donors who have given to the 2025-26 Annual Appeal and Tina Lillig Memorial Fund. Your donations make it possible for CGSUSA to expand formation opportunities, give mission courses, invest in technology, create catechist and parent resources and publications, and offer many wonderful events that build our catechist community. All of these initiatives help us serve children with love and generosity. The revenue generated from membership fees covers about 55 percent of the cost of the benefits of membership, so philanthropy is essential to delivering excellent support to catechists, ministry leaders, families, and children. To find out more or make a gift, please visit www.cgsusa.org/donate. Thank you! 

The Religious Potential of the Child 

CGSUSA Store 

BECOME A CGSUSA MEMBER 

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 

Diane helps us think about this time of Advent as not just a time to remember what happened 2000 years ago but also preparation for today and for this unknown time of Jesus coming again. 

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. 

Links for this Episode: 

The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Year Olds 

History of the Kingdom of God Part 1: Creation to Parouisa 

Episode 42 – The Mystery of Time 

Episode 104 – Incarnation and the Annunciation 

Thank you to all our members and our donors who have given to the 2025-26 Annual Appeal and Tina Lillig Memorial Fund. Your donations make it possible for CGSUSA to expand formation opportunities, give mission courses, invest in technology, create catechist and parent resources and publications, and offer many wonderful events that build our catechist community. All of these initiatives help us serve children with love and generosity. The revenue generated from membership fees covers about 55 percent of the cost of the benefits of membership, so philanthropy is essential to delivering excellent support to catechists, ministry leaders, families, and children. To find out more or make a gift, please visit www.cgsusa.org/donate. Thank you! 

Podcast Episodes you might be interested in: 

Episode 27 – The Mystery of the Incarnation 

Episode 53 – The Birth and Infancy of Jesus 

Episode 104 – Incarnation and the Annunciation 

Episode 105 – Welcoming the Christ Child as a Sacred Act 

Episode 128 – CGS Advent in the Home 

Episode 129 – The Family in Advent 

Episode 132 – The Depth of the Christmas Season 

The Religious Potential of the Child 

CGSUSA Store 

BECOME A CGSUSA MEMBER 

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 Israel, The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.” Deuteronomy 6:4 

Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE! 

Podcasts by Series 

Level One Book Study 

Level Two Book Study 

As we begin our Advent journey—a time of waiting with the children—we hear the message of the prophets, calling us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus and for the fulfillment of the history of the Kingdom of God at the Parousia. Today, Donna Turner helps us ponder the great richness of the prophets and their prophecies for both us and the child. 

Donna Turner is a Level III catechist and Formation Leader. She is the Co-Director of the Good Shepherd Center-Memphis, TN, and the volunteer coordinator of CGS at St. Philip Episcopal Church-Memphis. Donna serves CGSUSA as a member of the Formation Advisory Council and the Episcopal Committee. She lives in Germantown, TN. 

History of the Kingdom of God Part 1: Creation to Parouisa 

Thank you to all our members and our donors who have given to the 2025-26 Annual Appeal and Tina Lillig Memorial Fund. Your donations make it possible for CGSUSA to expand formation opportunities, give mission courses, invest in technology, create catechist and parent resources and publications, and offer many wonderful events that build our catechist community. All of these initiatives help us serve children with love and generosity. The revenue generated from membership fees covers about 55 percent of the cost of the benefits of membership, so philanthropy is essential to delivering excellent support to catechists, ministry leaders, families, and children. To find out more or make a gift, please visit www.cgsusa.org/donate. Thank you! 

Podcast Episodes you might be interested in: 

Episode 27 – The Mystery of the Incarnation 

Episode 53 – The Birth and Infancy of Jesus 

Episode 104 – Incarnation and the Annunciation 

Episode 105 – Welcoming the Christ Child as a Sacred Act 

Episode 128 – CGS Advent in the Home 

Episode 129 – The Family in Advent 

Episode 132 – The Depth of the Christmas Season 

The Religious Potential of the Child 

CGSUSA Store 

BECOME A CGSUSA MEMBER 

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 

"The unfolding of your words gives light..” -Psalm 119:130a 

Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE! 

Podcasts by Series 

Level One Book Study 

Level Two Book Study 

“You will find God when you find your true self, and you find yourself when you find God.” Henri Nouwen 

"The purpose of the contemplative life is the perfection of love.” St Thomas Aquinas 

“Listening is so much like loving, that most people can’t tell the difference.”  

Today, Autumn Domingue joins us again on the podcast to explore the contemplative method—what it is and how it fits into the history of the Church, as well as its place within the rich tradition of CGS. She also guides us through practical tools for becoming a more contemplative listener and responder. 

Autumn Domingue is a spiritual director and life coach who delights in walking alongside others as they seek deeper meaning and purpose. For the past twelve years, she has supported individuals in her private practice. With over thirty years of experience as a catechist and formation leader, and as a new instructor at Aquinas Institute of Theology, Autumn is equally at home nurturing children in the atrium and guiding graduate students in their study of spirituality. Autumn’s website 

Spiritual Direction 101 

Thank you to all our members and our donors who have given to the 2025-26 Annual Appeal and Tina Lillig Memorial Fund. Your donations make it possible for CGSUSA to expand formation opportunities, give mission courses, invest in technology, create catechist and parent resources and publications, and offer many wonderful events that build our catechist community. All of these initiatives help us serve children with love and generosity. The revenue generated from membership fees covers about 55 percent of the cost of the benefits of membership, so philanthropy is essential to delivering excellent support to catechists, ministry leaders, families, and children. To find out more or make a gift, please visit www.cgsusa.org/donate. Thank you! 

Podcast Episodes you might be interested in: 

Episode 37: CGS and Spiritual Direction with Autumn Domingue 

Episode 42: The Mystery of Time with Autumn Domingue 

Episode 85: CGS and Accompaniment with Fr Boniface Hicks 

Episode 102: Theological Reflection with Autumn Domingue 

Episode 126: The Thinking Environment with Jennifer Bell 

Episode 154: Holy Simplicity 

The Religious Potential of the Child 

CGSUSA Store 

BECOME A CGSUSA MEMBER 

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 salute you, Queen Wisdom. May the Lord safeguard you with your holy sister, pure and holy simplicity.” - St Francis of Assisi, The Praise of Virtue 

Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE! 

Podcasts by Series 

Level One Book Study 

Level Two Book Study 

Today we read Sofia Cavalletti’s 2003 journal article “Holy Simplicity,” and then Anna Hurdle joined me to discuss the beauty and wisdom found in her words. 

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. 

Read the article “Holy Simplicity” HERE 

Thank you to all our members and our donors who have given to the 2025-26 Annual Appeal and Tina Lillig Memorial Fund. Your donations make it possible for CGSUSA to expand formation opportunities, give mission courses, invest in technology, create catechist and parent resources and publications, and offer many wonderful events that build our catechist community. All of these initiatives help us serve children with love and generosity. The revenue generated from membership fees covers about 55 percent of the cost of the benefits of membership, so philanthropy is essential to delivering excellent support to catechists, ministry leaders, families, and children. To find out more or make a gift, please visit www.cgsusa.org/donate. Thank you! 

The Religious Potential of the Child 

CGSUSA Store 

BECOME A CGSUSA MEMBER 

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 

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” – 2 Corinthians 3:17 

Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE! 

Podcasts by Series 

Level One Book Study 

Level Two Book Study 

Chip DeLorenzo, co-author of Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom, and his wife Kathleen, a Level I CGS catechist, join us to share how they became involved in both Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and Positive Discipline. They explore the connections between Positive Discipline and Montessori philosophy, and offer practical tools to help us maintain freedom and limits in our work with children in the atrium. 

Chip and Kathleen DeLorenzo are longtime Montessori educators and parents of five Montessori-educated children. Chip has been teaching since 1995, is co-author of Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom, and has trained thousands of teachers and parents through his workshops and lectures. Kathleen is a certified Primary Guide who taught in Children’s House classrooms for 10 years, and is also a Level One Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Guide, bringing together Montessori education and spiritual formation for children. Together, Chip and Kathy share a passion for supporting families, educators, and children in living out the principles of Montessori both in the classroom and at home. 

Purchase Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom by Jane Nelson and Chip DeLorenzo 

For more information about Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom, newsletter articles, or to register for the online PDMC course please go to the link below. If you register for the course, please indicate CGS as your group affiliation.  

Pdmc-montessori.org 

Positivediscipline.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 

Episode 142 – Adults as Potential Obstacles for Development with Pilar Bewley 

Episode 145 – Psychic Deviations with Maggie Radzik 

Episode 146 – Tools for Freedom and Discipline 

Episode 147 – Development of the Will 

Episode 152 – Positive Discipline with Pilar Bewley 

The Religious Potential of the Child 

CGSUSA Store 

BECOME A CGSUSA MEMBER 

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! 

Podcasts by Series 

Level One Book Study 

Level Two Book Study 

Pilar joins us once again to discuss Positive Discipline and share practical tools that can help us uphold both freedom and limits—whether in the atrium or at home. 

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. 

Purchase Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom by Jane Nelson and Chip DeLorenzo 

For more information about Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom, newsletter articles, or to register for the online PDMC course please go to the link below. If you register for the course, please indicate CGS as your group affiliation.  

Pdmc-montessori.org 

Positivediscipline.com 

Types of Parenting Chart 

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 

Episode 142 – Adults as Potential Obstacles for Development with Pilar Bewley 

Episode 145 – Psychic Deviations with Maggie Radzik 

Episode 146 – Tools for Freedom and Discipline 

Episode 147 – Development of the Will 

The Religious Potential of the Child 

CGSUSA Store 

BECOME A CGSUSA MEMBER 

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 

“Your speech must always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” Colossians 4:6 

Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE! 

Podcasts by Series 

Level One Book Study 

Level Two Book Study 

Stephanie and Maris dive into the huge subject of communication and how we can see it’s importance deep in our CGS roots, the value of good communication among the catechists and assistants in the atrium, as well as between different CGS church communities.   

Maris Wimberly began the work of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in 2008 and is a Nationally Recognized Formation Leader in Levels I, II, & III. She has a BS in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Birmingham-Southern College and is a former preschool teacher. Maris is the coordinator of CGS at Our Lady of Sorrows Church and School in Homewood, AL, and a catechist in all 3 atrium levels throughout the week.  She also works with 7th and 8th graders in preparation for Confirmation. 

Stephanie Diethelm has been a catechist since 1998. She completed her Level 1 training with Tina Lillig, Barbara Searle and Carol Nyberg in Chicago in 1999 and says that it changed her life.  She has been a formation leader for the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd since 2005. She has worked extensively with children and adults in a variety of settings and now works with children in an atrium both at Red Mountain Community School and All Saints Episcopal Church in Birmingham, AL. She also completed the Education for Ministry (EfM) Seminar course through Sewanee: University of the South School of Theology in 2019 and has been a trained mentor for EfM Groups since 2020. She resides in Birmingham, AL and has two children, Catherine (33) and Christopher (30). 

Facets of Joy 

The Religious Potential of the Child 

CGSUSA Store 

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: 

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