The Good Shepherd and the Child

“As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you” John 15:9 

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Level One Book Study 

Level Two Book Study 

Today Joanie helps us break open chapter 7 of The Religious Potential of the Child for 6 to 12 Years Old which speaks about the Covenant in the Parables, most especially the True Vine and the Good Shepherd parables.  

Joanie Rymsza has practiced Catechesis of the Good Shepherd since 2005, building and coordinating a large team of volunteers at Christ the King Catholic School in South Bend, Indiana, to serve over 200 children weekly in the Level I and II atria, working primarily with 6- to 9-year-olds, and retiring from that position in 2023. She served concurrently for six years as lead catechist for lower and upper elementary children at Good Shepherd Montessori School in South Bend, and was recognized by CGSUSA as a formation leader in 2012. She recently served 2-year-olds for two years in the Toddler Atrium in Highland, Indiana, along with her current group of 9- to 12-year-olds in the Level III Atrium at St. Joseph Parish in Mishawaka, Indiana. Married to Guy for 34 years and mother of three adult children with two grandchildren, Joanie holds a Bachelor of Architecture with a minor in Art History and a Master of Arts in Theology from the University of Notre Dame. 

Some Resources for Further Contemplation: 

TODAYS LISTENER QUESTION- I became the catechist in a Catholic School this year. Ages 3 - 5th grade. The children have never been in an atrium. How do I present the Good Shepherd to Levels II and III? How are the materials used? Is it necessary to present all of the Good Shepherd parables? Should the presentations for the Good Shepherd still be one on one? 

Podcasts Episodes You May Be Interested In: 

Episode 160. RPC2 – Introduction and Chapter 1 with Joann Terranova 

Episode 161. RPC2 – Ch. 2 Mystery of Time with Rebekah Rojcewicz 

Episode 170. RPC2 Ch. 3 - The Globality of Biblical History with Deb Pelletier 

Episode 176. RPC2 Ch. 4 and 5 - The History of the Covenant with Stephanie Diethelm 

Episode 177. RPC2 Ch. 6 – Historical Events and the Typological Reading of Scripture with Dan Teller 

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 

CGS 7 Minute Video 

CGS Atrium Locator - Please check if your church atrium in in our atrium locator.  If not, please send this link to the COORDINATOR of your CGS program to add your atrium to the locator. THANK YOU! If you have any questions please email [email protected] 

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 had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you.” – Job 42:5 

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Podcasts by Series 

Level One Book Study 

Level Two Book Study 

Today Dan helps us break open chapter 6 of The Religious Potential of the Child for 6 to 12 Year Olds that speaks about historical events and the typological reading of scripture.  

Dan Teller earned a Masters in Montessori Education from Xavier University in 1984 and has been involved in Montessori education almost continually ever since.  After teaching at a public Montessori school for 11 years, Dan served as a parochial school principal for three years before founding Queen of Angels Montessori School in 1998.  Dan served as a principal, teacher, and catechist at the school (now named Good Shepherd Catholic Montessori, serving children ages 3-14) until retiring in 2022.  

Dan began his formation in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in 1998.  He is formed as a catechist at Level I, II, and III in CGS and has worked at all three levels of atria for 25  years.  He began work as a formation leader around 15 years ago and has enjoyed training future CGS catechists at all three levels.  Dan had the opportunity to serve as an American representative on the CGS International Consiglio for 10 years in the early 2000’s.  

Dan is married to Maureen and they reside in Cincinnati, Ohio.  They have seven children and three grandchildren. 

TODAYS LISTENER QUESTION- Would you recommend sharing presentations to the whole group at the Prayer Table?  Many new catechists are struggling with concerns that they need to get all of the presentations to all of the children under time constraints. 

Podcasts Episodes For the Beginning of the Atrium Year: 

98: Welcoming the Children (Level 1) 

122: Welcoming the Level 2 and 3 Child PART ONE 

123: Welcoming the Level 2 and 3 Child PART TWO 

Podcasts Episodes You May Be Interested In: 

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 

CGS 7 Minute Video 

CGS Atrium Locator - Please check if your church atrium in in our atrium locator.  If not, please send this link to the COORDINATOR of your CGS program to add your atrium to the locator. THANK YOU! If you have any questions please email [email protected] 

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 came that they may have life and have it abundantly” John 10:10 

Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE! 

Podcasts by Series 

Level One Book Study 

Level Two Book Study 

Today Stephanie helps us break open chapters 4 and 5 of The Religious Potential of the Child for 6 to 12 Year Olds 

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). 

TODAYS LISTENER QUESTION- I hear there isn't any use for the slow controlled movements of practical life in level 2 or 3.  Yet as an adult we are asked to make materials and explore practical life to slow us down.  Doesn't the 2nd plane child also need help with slowing down and contemplation? 

Podcasts Episodes For the Beginning of the Atrium Year: 

98: Welcoming the Children (Level 1) 

122: Welcoming the Level 2 and 3 Child PART ONE 

123: Welcoming the Level 2 and 3 Child PART TWO 

Podcasts Episodes You May Be Interested In: 

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 

CGS 7 Minute Video 

CGS Atrium Locator - Please check if your church atrium in in our atrium locator.  If not, please send this link to the COORDINATOR of your CGS program to add your atrium to the locator. THANK YOU! If you have any questions please email [email protected] 

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 praise you, because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works! My very self you know.” Psalm 139:14 

Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE! 

Podcasts by Series 

Level One Book Study 

Level Two Book Study 

Montessorians Maggie Radzik and Anna Hurdle answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Practical Life across all levels! They explore the spiritual capacities developed through Practical Life, the foundational activities you might find at each level, helpful tips for presenting Practical Life activities, and so much more. Whether you are new to Practical Life or looking to deepen your understanding, this conversation offers practical guidance and thoughtful insight for every level. 

Maggie Radzik has been working in Montessori for over 35 years and has been a Level I formation leader for more than 10 years. She has served both the Montessori classroom and the atrium at all levels, Toddlers through Adolescents. She is a certified Montessorian at all levels as well. I am currently the Director of Our Lady of Guadalupe Family Life Center in Ave Maria, FL 

Podcasts Episodes You May Be Interested In: 

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 

CGS 7 Minute Video 

CGS Atrium Locator - Please check if your church atrium in in our atrium locator.  If not, please send this link to the COORDINATOR of your CGS program to add your atrium to the locator. THANK YOU! If you have any questions please email [email protected] 

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 

“So that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.” John 17:21 

Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE! 

Podcasts by Series 

Level One Book Study 

Level Two Book Study 

Joann joins us on the podcast again to explore the characteristics of an environment that allows for cosmic education to flourish.   

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. 

Today's Listener Questions:

We are all getting prepared to begin our atrium years soon. It would be so helpful to have a podcast dedicated to what the first month or so should look like in a Level 1 or 2 atrium with practical ideas and tools.

Podcasts Episodes You May Be Interested In: 

55: Cosmic Education  

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 

CGS 7 Minute Video 

CGS Atrium Locator - Please check if your church atrium in in our atrium locator.  If not, please send this link to the COORDINATOR of your CGS program to add your atrium to the locator. THANK YOU! If you have any questions please email [email protected] 

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 

“So that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.” John 17:21 

Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE! 

Podcasts by Series 

Level One Book Study 

Level Two Book Study 

Laura Accettullo helps us explore the Montessori philosophy of Cosmic Education more deeply, highlighting its connection to peace and religious education. 

Since being introduced to the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in 2000, Laura has received CGS certification in Levels I, II, III and Infant-Toddler, an A.M.I. Assistants to Infancy Orientation certificate, and is additionally recognized as a CGS National Formation Leader for Levels I and II. A Montessori child herself, Laura is co-founder of John XXIII Montessori Center where she currently prays with children in the Level II, Level III and the Toddler Atrium. Laura and her husband have nine grown children and 20 grandchildren and continue to work on their farm in the Shenandoah Valley of VA. 

Listener Question for Today:

In our atrium we have several catechists who were trained by different instructors and their album pages all differ as to what year/ages the presentation should be given. We would like to be on the same age/level schedule of presentations. Is there a standard? If so, why do different trainers have varying presentation ages for their album pages?

Podcasts Episodes You May Be Interested In: 

158: Stories from the Atrium 

161: RPC2 Ch. 2- Mystery of Time  

160: Introduction and Ch.1 of RPC2  

139: What to try when things seem to be failing with Cathy Johanni  

124: Work of the Second Plane Child 

55: Cosmic Education  

Books you might be interested in: 

Ways of Holy Joy 

Drinking from the Sources 

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 

CGS 7 Minute Video 

CGS Atrium Locator - Please check if your church atrium in in our atrium locator.  If not, please send this link to the COORDINATOR of your CGS program to add your atrium to the locator. THANK YOU! If you have any questions please email [email protected] 

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 

“You know this, my beloved brothers and sisters: everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger”  - James 1:19 

Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE! 

Podcasts by Series 

Level One Book Study 

Level Two Book Study 

Sr. Mary Rose joins us today to explore the role of the adult for the level two and three atria, how to prepare, qualities of an adult serving the 2nd plane child, as well as the role of the assistant in the level two and level three atria.  

Sr Mary Rose Bingham became a Dominican Sister of St. Cecilia of Nashville, TN in 1980.  She has had the opportunity to serve as a teacher and principal in several states.  Besides a Masters in Educational Administration, she has a Masters in Elementary Education with Montessori Primary and a Masters in Theology.  She is a CGS Level 1 and 2 formation Leader and pending Level 3.  She delights in being with children in a Level 1,2, and 3 atria while also traveling to give formation courses both nationally and internationally. 

Listener Question for Today-

What are some ways to help a 3-year-old who cries for his mom during the first sessions of the year? How do you discern whether to keep trying such tactics as diversion, keeping the child close to you, etc., or to have the child wait a few weeks or months before returning to the atrium because he simply isn't ready? I've found this issue to be especially difficult when a crying child causes distress in other children nearby. Also, is it ever appropriate to have a parent present in the atrium with a child who is anxious about separating for any length of time?

Podcasts Episodes You May Be Interested In: 

161: RPC2 Ch. 2- Mystery of Time  

160: Introduction and Ch.1 of RPC2  

139: What to try when things seem to be failing with Cathy Johanni  

124: Work of the Second Plane Child 

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 

CGS 7 Minute Video 

CGS Atrium Locator - Please check if your church atrium in in our atrium locator.  If not, please send this link to the COORDINATOR of your CGS program to add your atrium to the locator. THANK YOU! If you have any questions please email [email protected] 

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 

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.” Luke 2:52 

Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE! 

Podcasts by Series 

Level One Book Study 

Level Two Book Study 

Dr. Montessori advised, “We must revise the learning environments and approaches for these new and different children. Our method should correspond to these different stages of the child’s life, finding a different environment, in a different way of dealing with him (the child) in each stage.” Creative Development in the Child, Volume I 

Cathy Johanni joins us on the podcast to discuss the psychological characteristics of the second plane child and how these characteristics inform our work in the 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. 

Listener Question for today:  

How can we best help children integrate into the atrium when they begin CGS later, without having gone through Level I? In my parish, I have a number of children who are beginning in Level II around second grade because of sacrament preparation. They don’t have the Level I foundation, and I want to serve them well while also honoring the method. How can I guide them so they can enter into the work of the atrium in a meaningful way, even though they’ve missed the earlier formation?

Podcasts Episodes with Cathy Johanni: 

139: What to try when things seem to be failing with Cathy Johanni 

124: Work of the Second Plane Child 

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 

CGS 7 Minute Video 

CGS Atrium Locator - Please check if your church atrium in in our atrium locator.  If not, please send this link to the COORDINATOR of your CGS program to add your atrium to the locator. THANK YOU! If you have any questions please email [email protected] 

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 

“As it was in the beginning, is now, and evermore shall be” 

Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE! 

Podcasts by Series 

Level One Book Study 

Level Two Book Study 

Deb Pelletier is our guest on the podcast today to dive into Chapter 3 of The Religious Potential of the Child: 6 to 12 Year Old which speaks about the Globality of Biblical History. She helps break down what that means and how we live this in the level two and three atria.  

Deb began her CGS journey in 1995, and has been a Formation Leader for over 20 years at all three levels. She is currently the Director of Faith Formation at a Franciscan Parish in Hartford, CT where she is a catechist in the atria levels, multiple times per week, most especially in Level 3. 

She is a Professor Emeritus, Doctor of Physical Therapy program and lives with her husband in Glastonbury, CT and enjoys spending time with her 3 year old granddaughter. 

Podcasts Episodes You May Be Interested In: 

161: RPC2 Ch. 2- Mystery of Time 

160: Introduction and Ch.1 of RPC2 

139: What to try when things seem to be failing with Cathy Johanni 

124: Work of the Second Plane Child 

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 

CGS 7 Minute Video 

CGS Atrium Locator - Please check if your church atrium in in our atrium locator.  If not, please send this link to the COORDINATOR of your CGS program to add your atrium to the locator. THANK YOU! If you have any questions please email [email protected] 

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 

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so must you do also.” - Colossians 3:12-13 

“As moral activity develops, he [the child] wants to use his own judgment, which often will be quite different from that of his teachers. There is nothing more difficult than to teach moral values to a child of this age; he gives an immediate retort to everything that we say, having become a rebel…An inner change has taken place, but nature is quite logical in arousing now in the child not only a hunger for knowledge and understanding, but a claim to mental independence, a desire to distinguish good from evil by his own powers, and to resent limitation by arbitrary authority. In the field of morality, the child now stands in need of his own inner light.” Maria Montessori, To Educate the Human Potential, pg 4 

Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE! 

Podcasts by Series 

Level One Book Study 

Level Two Book Study 

Anna and Kerri discuss the article Grace and Courtesy in the Elementary Community by Elise Huneke-Stone and what Grace and Courtesy looks like in the level two and three atria.  

Read the article HERE 

Podcasts about Second Plane Child: 

139: What to try when things seem to be failing with Cathy Johanni 

124: Work of the Second Plane Child 

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 

CGS 7 Minute Video 

CGS Atrium Locator - Please check if your church atrium in in our atrium locator.  If not, please send this link to the COORDINATOR of your CGS program to add your atrium to the locator. THANK YOU! If you have any questions please email [email protected] 

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