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  

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! 

CGSUSA Parent Pages

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 

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 

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. 

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 

“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 

Purchase the 40th Anniversary Commemorative Journal Here

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! 

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: 

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 

Purchase the 40th Anniversary Commemorative Journal Here

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. 

Patricia’s Books:  

• Ways to Nurture the Relationship with God 

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: 

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 [email protected] 

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 [email protected]  

• 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 [email protected].  

• 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: 

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 

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 

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