The Good Shepherd and the Child

"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: 

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. 

Correction about Sunday Readings for Advent: 

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.” 

Direct link to Jennifer's “Time to Think” offerings: https://www.spiritdirection.com/time-to-think

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! 

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. 

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