“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” John 12:24 

Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE! 

Jo joins us on the podcast to ponder Lent as gift which is a different way of looking at Lent for most of us.  Through the lens of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd she helps us look at Lent with new eyes.  

Jo Thornley Cox has been in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd since 2001. She is certified in all three levels and is a formation leader recognized by the U.S. Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in Levels I and II. She is grateful to have worked on formation teams in Missouri, Kansas, North Dakota, Texas, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Ottawa, Canada. A graduate of St. Mary-of-the-Woods College near Terre Haute, Ind., she also earned a primary certificate from the American Montessori Society. Among other positions, she worked as a Montessori directress in a Catholic school in Duluth, Minn., and a parish director of traditional religious education in Kansas City, Mo., before discovering CGS. As a charter member of the SonFlower Region of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, she served on its board many years. She is co-director of CGS at St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish/School in Kansas City, offering CGS in all three levels. This is the sixth iteration of her atria and hopefully the last! Jo and her husband, Jody, have three children and a granddaughter. 

CGS Lent Resources for Families 

San Damiano Crucifix Parent Page 

Items from the Store You May be Interested In: 

To Dance with God 

Paschal Candle Set 

Podcast Episodes About Lent: 

Episode 31- Even Now- a Lenten Reflection 

Episode 58- Examination of Conscience  

Episode 83- Merciful Parenting 

Episode 83- The Family in Lent 

Episode 110- Learning to Love 

Episode 136- CGS Lent in the Home 

BECOME AN ORGANIZATION MEMBER!  Organization Members are any entity (church/parish, school, regional group, diocese, etc.) that either offers CGS and/or supports those who serve the children as catechists, aides, or formation leaders) Organization Members also receive the following each month: 

Click Here to create your Organizational Membership! 

AUDIOBOOK: 

Audiobook – Now Available on Audible 

CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz! 

The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child’s spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook. 

Find out more about CGS: 

Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd 

Follow us on Social Media- 

Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” 

Instagram-  cgsusa 

Twitter- @cgsusa 

Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA 

YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” John 12:24 

Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE! 

Mary Heinrich joins us on the podcast to discuss how we live into the Lent season in the atrium and how that can be extended into the spiritual life of the domestic church in the home. 

Mary Heinrich is the Membership Coordinator for The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Prior to joining the staff, Mary served on the CGSUSA Board of Trustees for seven years. Mary has also served as a Director of Faith Formation in the Catholic Church for twenty-nine years, as well as a consultant and editor for religious education publishers.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in religious studies from Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and a master’s degree in Pastoral Studies in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri. Her husband, Kurt is a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Des Moines and teaches theology at the local Catholic high school, is a Level One catechist, and enjoys making materials for the atrium.  Their daughter, Clare, is the elementary faith formation coordinator at her Church, working in the Level One and Level Two atria. When not immersed in CGS, Mary enjoys reading, art and spending time with her family. 

CGS Lent Resources for Families 

San Damiano Crucifix Parent Page 

Items from the Store You May be Interested In: 

To Dance with God 

Paschal Candle Set 

Podcast Episodes with Mary Heinrich:  

Episode 31- Even Now- a Lenten Reflection  

Episode 103- Friendship of Catechists 

Episode 128- CGS Advent in the Home 

Podcast Episodes About Lent: 

Episode 83- The Family in Lent 

BECOME AN ORGANIZATION MEMBER!  Organization Members are any entity (church/parish, school, regional group, diocese, etc.) that either offers CGS and/or supports those who serve the children as catechists, aides, or formation leaders) Organization Members also receive the following each month: 

Click Here to create your Organizational Membership! 

AUDIOBOOK: 

Audiobook – Now Available on Audible 

CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz! 

The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child’s spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook. 

Find out more about CGS: 

Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd 

Follow us on Social Media- 

Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” 

Instagram-  cgsusa 

Twitter- @cgsusa 

Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA 

YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. II Timothy 1:7 

Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE! 

Today we continue season 5 of the podcast with our series on Freedom and Responsibility.  Pilar and Anna help us dive into what freedom and responsibility look like for the second plane child, the 6 to 12 year old and how our work specifically in CGS can aid a child’s development in freedom and responsibility.  

Pilar Bewley is an AMI-certified guide for Primary and Elementary levels and a Positive Discipline facilitator. After spending over a decade teaching in Montessori classrooms, Pilar began homeschooling her children in 2019.  Her passion for making Montessori education accessible inspired her to create Mainly Montessori, where she mentors parents who choose to homeschool using Montessori principles. Connect with Pilar on Instagram at @mainly.montessori.homeschool or visit her website at www.mainlymontessori.com. 

Anna Hurdle is a catechist and formation leader at levels I, II and III. She is a retired elementary Montessori guide and coordinator of CGS at her parish in Charlotte, NC. Anna serves the National Association through the Episcopal Committee and the Formation Advisory Council. 

Books you may be interested in: 

Nurturing the Whole Child by Gianna Gobbi 

Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom 

The Discovery of the Child 

Carolyn Kohlhaas’s blog The Wanderings of Sheep in the Atrium: 

Freedom and Limits Series: 

Freedom within Limits 

"Can" and "May" 

Belonging 

Staying on the Path 

The Collective Interest 

A Place of Work 

Additional Limits 

True Freedom 

Podcast Episodes you might be interested in: 

Episode 30 – Freedom and Discipline with Claire Paglia 

Episode 41 – The Elementary Aged Child with Anna Hurdle 

Episode 49 – Four Planes of Development with Claire Paglia 

Episode 115 – CGS in the Episcopal Church with Anna Hurdle and Donna Turner 

Episode 122- Welcoming the Level 2 and 3 Child with Lynne Worthington and Anna Hurdle 

Episode 123- Welcoming the Level 2 and 3 Child PART TWO with Lynne Worthinton and Anna Hurdle 

Episode 124- The Work of the Second Plane Child with Cathy Johanni and Anna Hurdle 

BECOME AN ORGANIZATION MEMBER!  Organization Members are any entity (church/parish, school, regional group, diocese, etc.) that either offers CGS and/or supports those who serve the children as catechists, aides, or formation leaders) Organization Members also receive the following each month: 

Click Here to create your Organizational Membership! 

AUDIOBOOK: 

Audiobook – Now Available on Audible 

CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz! 

The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child’s spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook. 

Find out more about CGS: 

Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd 

Follow us on Social Media- 

Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” 

Instagram-  cgsusa 

Twitter- @cgsusa 

Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA 

YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 

Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE! 

Today we continue season 5 of the podcast with our series on Freedom and Responsibility.  Cecilia and Claire help us dive into what freedom and responsibility look like for the first plane child, the 0-6 year old.  

Cecilia Drabbant holds an Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) diploma in Assistant to Infancy (0-3), as well as an AMI certificate in Montessori Core Principles. She also holds an Architecture Engineering degree from Universitas Katolik Parahyangan, Bandung, Indonesia, and completed her formation in evangelization from Emmanuel School of Mission in Rome, Italy. Her work includes serving both as a Toddler Directress and a Toddler Catechist for the weekly sessions at Renaissance Montessori School.  Since being introduced to the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in 2012, she has received CGS formation in Levels I, II, III, and Infant-Toddler, and has the opportunity to work with children at all levels. Additionally, she is recognized as a Level 1 Formation Leader.  A particularly meaningful moment in her ministry was when she and her team brought the first CGS Formation Course to Indonesia in its native language. 

Currently, Cecilia serves as a Catechist and Atrium Program Director at Renaissance Montessori School in Nokesville, VA, also a Level II Catechist at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish Church in Colonial Beach, VA.   

Claire Paglia is a child of the atrium. As an adult, she is an AMI-trained guide who has been in the primary environment for 12 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in education with a concentration in Montessori from Loyola University, Maryland. She worked for a year as a course assistant for the primary training center. In 2012, she received her Level I formation and has been a catechist at her church in varying capacities since then. She enjoys spending time with her family and particularly enjoys preparing Montessori-friendly spaces at home for her three children. 

Books you may be interested in: 

Nurturing the Whole Child by Gianna Gobbi 

Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom 

The Discovery of the Child 

Carolyn Kohlhaas’s blog The Wanderings of Sheep in the Atrium: 

Freedom and Limits Series: 

Freedom within Limits 

"Can" and "May" 

Belonging 

Staying on the Path 

The Collective Interest 

A Place of Work 

Additional Limits 

True Freedom 

Podcast Episodes you might be interested in: 

Episode 30 – Freedom and Discipline with Claire Paglia 

Episode 49 – Four Planes of Development with Claire Paglia 

BECOME AN ORGANIZATION MEMBER!  Organization Members are any entity (church/parish, school, regional group, diocese, etc.) that either offers CGS and/or supports those who serve the children as catechists, aides, or formation leaders) Organization Members also receive the following each month: 

Click Here to create your Organizational Membership! 

AUDIOBOOK: 

Audiobook – Now Available on Audible 

CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz! 

The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child’s spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook. 

Find out more about CGS: 

Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd 

Follow us on Social Media- 

Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” 

Instagram-  cgsusa 

Twitter- @cgsusa 

Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA 

YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

“For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 

Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE! 

Today we begin SEASON FIVE of the podcast!  We are excited to kick off season five with a series on Freedom and Responsibility with Sister Maria Terestia Rodkey talking to us about what this means and how we as adults can live into it better with the children among us. 

Sister Maria Teresita is a Dominican Sister of St. Cecilia. She currently serves as an upper-elementary guide at St. Philip Learning Center, a Catholic Montessori homeschool enrichment program in Franklin, TN, a catechist for Levels 2 and 3 in a parish setting, and a formation leader for CGS Levels 1 and 2. Sister holds an AMI diploma at the Elementary level, a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies (Aquinas College, Nashville), and a M.A. in Montessori Education (Loyola University, Maryland). She has enjoyed nearly 20 years serving children as a classroom teacher in both conventional and Montessori settings and 14 years as a catechist of the Good Shepherd in all three atria levels. Sister began her Montessori journey as a child in a Montessori school where she developed a deep love for learning. She is a convert to the Catholic faith and delights in every opportunity to “listen to God with children.” 

Books you may be interested in: 

Nurturing the Whole Child by Gianna Gobbi 

Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom 

The Discovery of the Child 

Podcast Episodes you might be interested in: 

Episode 30 – Freedom and Discipline with Claire Paglia 

Episode 49 – Four Planes of Development with Claire Paglia 

BECOME AN ORGANIZATION MEMBER!  Organization Members are any entity (church/parish, school, regional group, diocese, etc.) that either offers CGS and/or supports those who serve the children as catechists, aides, or formation leaders) Organization Members also receive the following each month: 

Click Here to create your Organizational Membership! 

AUDIOBOOK: 

Audiobook – Now Available on Audible 

CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz! 

The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child’s spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook. 

Find out more about CGS: 

Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd 

Follow us on Social Media- 

Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” 

Instagram-  cgsusa 

Twitter- @cgsusa 

Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA 

YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

"Hear, O heavens, and listen, O earth, 

for the LORD speaks: 

Sons have I raised and reared, 

but they have rebelled against me. 

An ox knows its owner, 

and an ass,* its master’s manger; 

But Israel does not know, 

my people has not understood.” Isaiah 1:2-3 

Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE! 

CGSUSA Parent Pages HERE 

"The events of Christ’s infancy appear rather difficult due to the misuse that is generally made of them by often telling them (with many diminutives!) as if they were beautiful fables. The fact is that the infancy narratives, especially in Luke, are a type of “theological tapestry” - if it is possible to call them so- whereby the evangelist stresses the grandeur of the mystery he is announcing through a variety of techniques.” The Religious Potential of the Child, pg. 76 

Marty O’Bryan joins us on the podcast to ponder how deep the scriptures during this season of Christmas are and the beautiful theological tapestry that weaves them all together throughout the whole Bible are.   

Marty O’Bryan began her formation in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd with Sofia Cavalletti in 1983 and has been a catechists since 1985. She conducts adult formations at Levels I, II and III throughout the United States. A retired speech and language pathologist, Marty holds a Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Studies with an emphasis on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd from Aquinas Institute of Theology. Currently, she works with children in Level I, II, and III atria in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix. 

Scripture Verses to Read in Advent and Christmas Seasons: 

Annunciation- Luke 1:26-38 

Visitation- Luke 1:39-56 

Birth of Jesus and Adoration of the Shepherds- Luke 2:1-20 

Presentation of Jesus in the Temple- Luke 2: 21-33, 36-39 

Adoration of the Magi- Matthew 2:1-12 

Flight into Egypt- Matthew 2:13-23 

Little Gospel Booklets- Infancy Narratives 

Books you may be interested in: 

The Religious Potential of the Child 

Ways to Nurture the Relationship with God 

History of the Kingdom of God Part 1: From Creation to Parousia 

Books from Fr Raymond Brown: 

The Birth of the Messiah 

A Coming Christ in Advent 

An Adult Christ as Christmas 

Episodes with Marty- 

Episode 15- Chapter One of Joyful Journey  

Episode 95- CGS Characteristics #21 and 25 with Lynne Worthington and Marty O’Bryan 

Episode 100 – Art as Prayer Response 

Episode 114- Characteristic #27  

Podcast Episodes about Advent and Christmas: 

Episode 27- Mystery of the Incarnation with Karen Maxwell 

Episode 79- Chapter 6 of The Religious Potential of the Child 

Episode 104- Annunciation and the Incarnation with Sofia Cavalletti  

Episode 128 CGS Advent in the Home with Mary Heinrich 

Episode 129- The Family in Advent with Gertrud Muller Nelson 

BECOME AN ORGANIZATION MEMBER!  Organization Members are any entity (church/parish, school, regional group, diocese, etc.) that either offers CGS and/or supports those who serve the children as catechists, aides, or formation leaders) Organization Members also receive the following each month: 

Click Here to create your Organizational Membership! 

AUDIOBOOK: 

Audiobook – Now Available on Audible 

CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz! 

The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child’s spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook. 

Find out more about CGS: 

Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd 

Follow us on Social Media- 

Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” 

Instagram-  cgsusa 

Twitter- @cgsusa 

Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA 

YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

"A voice of one crying out in the desert; Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” Luke 3:4 

Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE! 

CGSUSA Parent Pages HERE 

Advent for Families 

Episode 104- Incarnation and Annunciation 

History of the Kingdom of God Part 1: From Creation to Parousia 

Mindy and Claudia help us live into the seasons of Advent and Christmas by exploring what Sofia Cavalletti taught us about Sacred History, most especially Incarnation.  

Mindy Longwell has been a catechist, director and formation leader for over 25 years. Mindy has worked in many different settings, including giving formation in the holy land. If asked what her favorite part of being involved in CGS is she would tell you, it is being able to hear the sweet voice of the good shepherd through the child. 

Claudia Margarita Schmitt lived in many different countries throughout her life. She has discovered over time that her roots are first in her Roman Catholic faith and also in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.  Everywhere she goes she recognizes the same language being used to discover the mystery of God. As an international formation leader for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She constantly has this experience of finding her roots.  She has been a catechist for 33 years and a formation leader for 32.  She lived for 8 years in Rome studying and working with Gianna Gobbi and Sofia Cavalletti. She describes this time as precious and that they taught her many things but first to be humble. 

Read the Article Learning to Love HERE 

CGS Advent Resources for Families 

Little Gospel Booklets- Infancy Narratives 

Advent Fling Wide the Doors Calendar 

Advent Candles 

Advent Wreath Set 

Expectant Mary Statue 

Books you may be interested in: 

History of the Kingdom of God Part 1: From Creation to Parousia 

Episodes with Claudia- 

Episode 112- Pedagogy of the Child and God- Fr Mongillo with Claudia Margarita Schmitt 

Episode 78- A Glimpse of Gianna Gobbi with Claudia Margarita Schmitt 

Episode 58 – Examination of Conscience with Claudia Margarita Schmitt 

Episode 18 – Chapter 4: Sources of Nourishment with Claudia Margarita Schmitt 

Podcast Episodes about Advent and Christmas: 

Episode 27- Mystery of the Incarnation with Karen Maxwell 

Episode 104- Annunciation and the Incarnation with Sofia Cavalletti  

Episode 128 CGS Advent in the Home with Mary Heinrich 

Episode 129- The Gamily in Advent with Gertrud Muller Nelson 

BECOME AN ORGANIZATION MEMBER!  Organization Members are any entity (church/parish, school, regional group, diocese, etc.) that either offers CGS and/or supports those who serve the children as catechists, aides, or formation leaders) Organization Members also receive the following each month: 

Click Here to create your Organizational Membership! 

AUDIOBOOK: 

Audiobook – Now Available on Audible 

CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz! 

The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child’s spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook. 

Find out more about CGS: 

Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd 

Follow us on Social Media- 

Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” 

Instagram-  cgsusa 

Twitter- @cgsusa 

Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA 

YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

"A voice of one crying out in the desert; Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” Luke 3:4 

Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE! 

CGSUSA Parent Pages HERE 

Advent for Families 

Mindy and Claudia help us live into the seasons of Advent and Christmas by exploring what Sofia Cavalletti taught us about Sacred History, most especially Incarnation.  

Mindy Longwell has been a catechist, director and formation leader for over 25 years. Mindy has worked in many different settings, including giving formation in the holy land. If asked what her favorite part of being involved in CGS is she would tell you, it is being able to hear the sweet voice of the good shepherd through the child. 

Claudia Margarita Schmitt lived in many different countries throughout her life. She has discovered over time that her roots are first in her Roman Catholic faith and also in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.  Everywhere she goes she recognizes the same language being used to discover the mystery of God. As an international formation leader for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She constantly has this experience of finding her roots.  She has been a catechist for 33 years and a formation leader for 32.  She lived for 8 years in Rome studying and working with Gianna Gobbi and Sofia Cavalletti. She describes this time as precious and that they taught her many things but first to be humble. 

Read the Article Learning to Love HERE 

BOOKS TO READ-   

To Dance With God by Gertrud Mueller Nelson 

CGS Advent Resources for Families 

Little Gospel Booklets- Infancy Narratives 

Advent Fling Wide the Doors Calendar 

Advent Candles 

Advent Wreath Set 

Expectant Mary Statue 

Books you may be interested in: 

History of the Kingdom of God Part 1: From Creation to Parousia 

Episodes with Claudia- 

Episode 112- Pedagogy of the Child and God- Fr Mongillo with Claudia Margarita Schmitt 

Episode 78- A Glimpse of Gianna Gobbi with Claudia Margarita Schmitt 

Episode 58 – Examination of Conscience with Claudia Margarita Schmitt 

Episode 18 – Chapter 4: Sources of Nourishment with Claudia Margarita Schmitt 

Podcast Episodes about Advent and Christmas: 

Episode 27- Mystery of the Incarnation with Karen Maxwell 

Episode 104- Annunciation and the Incarnation with Sofia Cavalletti  

Episode 128 CGS Advent in the Home with Mary Heinrich 

Episode 129- The Gamily in Advent with Gertrud Muller Nelson 

BECOME AN ORGANIZATION MEMBER!  Organization Members are any entity (church/parish, school, regional group, diocese, etc.) that either offers CGS and/or supports those who serve the children as catechists, aides, or formation leaders) Organization Members also receive the following each month: 

Click Here to create your Organizational Membership! 

AUDIOBOOK: 

Audiobook – Now Available on Audible 

CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz! 

The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child’s spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook. 

Find out more about CGS: 

Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd 

Follow us on Social Media- 

Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” 

Instagram-  cgsusa 

Twitter- @cgsusa 

Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA 

YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

"A voice of one crying out in the desert; Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” Luke 3:4 

Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE! 

CGSUSA Parent Pages HERE 

Virtual Songbook: Songs of the Atrium HERE 

Gertrud Mueller Nelson joins us on the podcast to lift up many possibilities for families on how to live into the season of Advent in your homes, your domestic churches.  Many of her ideas can be found in her book To Dance with God.   

Born in Germany in a German family and raised in Minnesota, Gertrud is an artist and writer whose work springs up here and there in clip art and essays. She also designs silver jewelry, makes stained glass windows, paper and wood sculptures and teaches, giving workshops and lectures internationally. The Jungian understanding and interpretation of Fairy Tales is another of her passions and a subject of one of her books: Here All Dwell Free.   

She helped build up the first Montessori school in the US and saw the beginnings of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd coming to us in 1959. She is Montessori trained and studied at the Jung Institute in Zurich, and is known for her multiple books, especially “To Dance with God.” She cares passionately about the importance of living the liturgical cycle of the year with its richness of ceremony and ritual which bonds families in the mysteries of our faith and builds community in parish life.  

BOOKS TO READ-   

To Dance With God by Gertrud Mueller Nelson 

CGS Advent Resources for Families 

Little Gospel Booklets- Infancy Narratives 

Advent Fling Wide the Doors Calendar 

Advent Candles 

Advent Wreath Set 

Expectant Mary Statue 

Books you may be interested in: 

To Dance with God 

Podcast Episodes with Gertrud: 

Episode 83- The Family in Lent 

Episode 84- The Family in Easter 

Other Podcast Episodes You Might Be Interested In: 

Episode 27- Mystery of the Incarnation with Karen Maxwell 

Episode 104- Annunciation and the Incarnation with Sofia Cavalletti  

Episode 128 CGS Advent in the Home with Mary Heinrich 

BECOME AN ORGANIZATION MEMBER!  Organization Members are any entity (church/parish, school, regional group, diocese, etc.) that either offers CGS and/or supports those who serve the children as catechists, aides, or formation leaders) Organization Members also receive the following each month: 

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