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Where we explore the spirituality of Christian children through the method of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Episodes
Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
Diane helps us think about this time of Advent as not just a time to remember what happened 2000 years ago but also preparation for today and for this unknown time of Jesus coming again.
Diane Olsen has been involved in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd since 1990. She has received all formation levels and was recognized as a formation leader in 2002. She is actively involved leading catechist formation around the country. Diane has a philosophy and math degree from St. John’s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies-Catechesis of the Good Shepherd from the Aquinas Institute of Theology, St. Louis, Missouri. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother.
Links for this Episode:
The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Year Olds
History of the Kingdom of God Part 1: Creation to Parouisa
Episode 42 – The Mystery of Time
Episode 104 – Incarnation and the Annunciation
Thank you to all our members and our donors who have given to the 2025-26 Annual Appeal and Tina Lillig Memorial Fund. Your donations make it possible for CGSUSA to expand formation opportunities, give mission courses, invest in technology, create catechist and parent resources and publications, and offer many wonderful events that build our catechist community. All of these initiatives help us serve children with love and generosity. The revenue generated from membership fees covers about 55 percent of the cost of the benefits of membership, so philanthropy is essential to delivering excellent support to catechists, ministry leaders, families, and children. To find out more or make a gift, please visit www.cgsusa.org/donate. Thank you!
Podcast Episodes you might be interested in:
Episode 27 – The Mystery of the Incarnation
Episode 53 – The Birth and Infancy of Jesus
Episode 104 – Incarnation and the Annunciation
Episode 105 – Welcoming the Christ Child as a Sacred Act
Episode 128 – CGS Advent in the Home
Episode 129 – The Family in Advent
Episode 132 – The Depth of the Christmas Season
The Religious Potential of the Child
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
Wednesday Dec 03, 2025
Wednesday Dec 03, 2025
"Hear, O Israel, The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.” Deuteronomy 6:4
Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!
As we begin our Advent journey—a time of waiting with the children—we hear the message of the prophets, calling us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus and for the fulfillment of the history of the Kingdom of God at the Parousia. Today, Donna Turner helps us ponder the great richness of the prophets and their prophecies for both us and the child.
Donna Turner is a Level III catechist and Formation Leader. She is the Co-Director of the Good Shepherd Center-Memphis, TN, and the volunteer coordinator of CGS at St. Philip Episcopal Church-Memphis. Donna serves CGSUSA as a member of the Formation Advisory Council and the Episcopal Committee. She lives in Germantown, TN.
History of the Kingdom of God Part 1: Creation to Parouisa
Thank you to all our members and our donors who have given to the 2025-26 Annual Appeal and Tina Lillig Memorial Fund. Your donations make it possible for CGSUSA to expand formation opportunities, give mission courses, invest in technology, create catechist and parent resources and publications, and offer many wonderful events that build our catechist community. All of these initiatives help us serve children with love and generosity. The revenue generated from membership fees covers about 55 percent of the cost of the benefits of membership, so philanthropy is essential to delivering excellent support to catechists, ministry leaders, families, and children. To find out more or make a gift, please visit www.cgsusa.org/donate. Thank you!
Podcast Episodes you might be interested in:
Episode 27 – The Mystery of the Incarnation
Episode 53 – The Birth and Infancy of Jesus
Episode 104 – Incarnation and the Annunciation
Episode 105 – Welcoming the Christ Child as a Sacred Act
Episode 128 – CGS Advent in the Home
Episode 129 – The Family in Advent
Episode 132 – The Depth of the Christmas Season
The Religious Potential of the Child
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
Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
"The unfolding of your words gives light..” -Psalm 119:130a
Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!
“You will find God when you find your true self, and you find yourself when you find God.” Henri Nouwen
"The purpose of the contemplative life is the perfection of love.” St Thomas Aquinas
“Listening is so much like loving, that most people can’t tell the difference.”
Today, Autumn Domingue joins us again on the podcast to explore the contemplative method—what it is and how it fits into the history of the Church, as well as its place within the rich tradition of CGS. She also guides us through practical tools for becoming a more contemplative listener and responder.
Autumn Domingue is a spiritual director and life coach who delights in walking alongside others as they seek deeper meaning and purpose. For the past twelve years, she has supported individuals in her private practice. With over thirty years of experience as a catechist and formation leader, and as a new instructor at Aquinas Institute of Theology, Autumn is equally at home nurturing children in the atrium and guiding graduate students in their study of spirituality. Autumn’s website
Thank you to all our members and our donors who have given to the 2025-26 Annual Appeal and Tina Lillig Memorial Fund. Your donations make it possible for CGSUSA to expand formation opportunities, give mission courses, invest in technology, create catechist and parent resources and publications, and offer many wonderful events that build our catechist community. All of these initiatives help us serve children with love and generosity. The revenue generated from membership fees covers about 55 percent of the cost of the benefits of membership, so philanthropy is essential to delivering excellent support to catechists, ministry leaders, families, and children. To find out more or make a gift, please visit www.cgsusa.org/donate. Thank you!
Podcast Episodes you might be interested in:
Episode 37: CGS and Spiritual Direction with Autumn Domingue
Episode 42: The Mystery of Time with Autumn Domingue
Episode 85: CGS and Accompaniment with Fr Boniface Hicks
Episode 102: Theological Reflection with Autumn Domingue
Episode 126: The Thinking Environment with Jennifer Bell
The Religious Potential of the Child
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
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
"I salute you, Queen Wisdom. May the Lord safeguard you with your holy sister, pure and holy simplicity.” - St Francis of Assisi, The Praise of Virtue
Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!
Today we read Sofia Cavalletti’s 2003 journal article “Holy Simplicity,” and then Anna Hurdle joined me to discuss the beauty and wisdom found in her words.
Anna Hurdle is a catechist and formation leader at levels I, II and III. She is a retired elementary Montessori guide and coordinator of CGS at her parish in Charlotte, NC. Anna serves the National Association through the Episcopal Committee and the Formation Advisory Council.
Read the article “Holy Simplicity” HERE
Thank you to all our members and our donors who have given to the 2025-26 Annual Appeal and Tina Lillig Memorial Fund. Your donations make it possible for CGSUSA to expand formation opportunities, give mission courses, invest in technology, create catechist and parent resources and publications, and offer many wonderful events that build our catechist community. All of these initiatives help us serve children with love and generosity. The revenue generated from membership fees covers about 55 percent of the cost of the benefits of membership, so philanthropy is essential to delivering excellent support to catechists, ministry leaders, families, and children. To find out more or make a gift, please visit www.cgsusa.org/donate. Thank you!
The Religious Potential of the Child
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
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” – 2 Corinthians 3:17
Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!
Chip DeLorenzo, co-author of Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom, and his wife Kathleen, a Level I CGS catechist, join us to share how they became involved in both Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and Positive Discipline. They explore the connections between Positive Discipline and Montessori philosophy, and offer practical tools to help us maintain freedom and limits in our work with children in the atrium.
Chip and Kathleen DeLorenzo are longtime Montessori educators and parents of five Montessori-educated children. Chip has been teaching since 1995, is co-author of Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom, and has trained thousands of teachers and parents through his workshops and lectures. Kathleen is a certified Primary Guide who taught in Children’s House classrooms for 10 years, and is also a Level One Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Guide, bringing together Montessori education and spiritual formation for children. Together, Chip and Kathy share a passion for supporting families, educators, and children in living out the principles of Montessori both in the classroom and at home.
Purchase Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom by Jane Nelson and Chip DeLorenzo
For more information about Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom, newsletter articles, or to register for the online PDMC course please go to the link below. If you register for the course, please indicate CGS as your group affiliation.
Episodes to help you further explore Freedom and Discipline:
Episode 30 – Freedom and Discipline with Claire Paglia
Episode 133 – Freedom and Responsibility with Sr Mary Teresita
Episode 134 – Freedom and Responsibility for the First Plane Child
Episode 135 – Freedom and Responsibility for the Second Plane Child
Episode 139 – What to Try When it Seems to be Failing? With Cathy Johanni
Episode 141 – Normalization with Claire Paglia and Sr Maria Teresita
Episode 142 – Adults as Potential Obstacles for Development with Pilar Bewley
Episode 145 – Psychic Deviations with Maggie Radzik
Episode 146 – Tools for Freedom and Discipline
Episode 147 – Development of the Will
Episode 152 – Positive Discipline with Pilar Bewley
The Religious Potential of the Child
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
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
“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!
Pilar joins us once again to discuss Positive Discipline and share practical tools that can help us uphold both freedom and limits—whether in the atrium or at home.
Pilar Bewley is an AMI-certified guide for Primary and Elementary levels and a Positive Discipline facilitator. After spending over a decade teaching in Montessori classrooms, Pilar began homeschooling her children in 2019. Her passion for making Montessori education accessible inspired her to create Mainly Montessori, where she mentors parents who choose to homeschool using Montessori principles. Connect with Pilar on Instagram at @mainly.montessori.homeschool or visit her website at www.mainlymontessori.com.
Purchase Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom by Jane Nelson and Chip DeLorenzo
For more information about Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom, newsletter articles, or to register for the online PDMC course please go to the link below. If you register for the course, please indicate CGS as your group affiliation.
Types of Parenting Chart
Episodes to help you further explore Freedom and Discipline:
Episode 30 – Freedom and Discipline with Claire Paglia
Episode 133 – Freedom and Responsibility with Sr Mary Teresita
Episode 134 – Freedom and Responsibility for the First Plane Child
Episode 135 – Freedom and Responsibility for the Second Plane Child
Episode 139 – What to Try When it Seems to be Failing? With Cathy Johanni
Episode 141 – Normalization with Claire Paglia and Sr Maria Teresita
Episode 142 – Adults as Potential Obstacles for Development with Pilar Bewley
Episode 145 – Psychic Deviations with Maggie Radzik
Episode 146 – Tools for Freedom and Discipline
Episode 147 – Development of the Will
The Religious Potential of the Child
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
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
“Your speech must always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” Colossians 4:6
Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!
Stephanie and Maris dive into the huge subject of communication and how we can see it’s importance deep in our CGS roots, the value of good communication among the catechists and assistants in the atrium, as well as between different CGS church communities.
Maris Wimberly began the work of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in 2008 and is a Nationally Recognized Formation Leader in Levels I, II, & III. She has a BS in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Birmingham-Southern College and is a former preschool teacher. Maris is the coordinator of CGS at Our Lady of Sorrows Church and School in Homewood, AL, and a catechist in all 3 atrium levels throughout the week. She also works with 7th and 8th graders in preparation for Confirmation.
Stephanie Diethelm has been a catechist since 1998. She completed her Level 1 training with Tina Lillig, Barbara Searle and Carol Nyberg in Chicago in 1999 and says that it changed her life. She has been a formation leader for the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd since 2005. She has worked extensively with children and adults in a variety of settings and now works with children in an atrium both at Red Mountain Community School and All Saints Episcopal Church in Birmingham, AL. She also completed the Education for Ministry (EfM) Seminar course through Sewanee: University of the South School of Theology in 2019 and has been a trained mentor for EfM Groups since 2020. She resides in Birmingham, AL and has two children, Catherine (33) and Christopher (30).
The Religious Potential of the Child
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
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
“Train the young in the way they should go; even when old, they will not swerve from it.” Proverbs 22:6
“In the absence of a faith environment where the child may live, of which he feels himself a part and in which he feels himself almost held, we risk cultivating hothouse flowers in the atrium, which are incapable of enduring the severity of the external climate. On the other hand, without a place where the child can come in touch with the religious reality in a way and at a rhythm suitable to children, there is the danger the child will pass by great things without ever being able to grasp, interiorize, and make these realities his own. The initiation of a child into Christian life is not a work that can be fulfilled by the catechist alone, nor by the parents alone, It is the whole Christian community that proclaims Christ, and the child must enter into contact with the entire Christian community. The catechist’s work – valuable as it is- must be sustained and confirmed by a community that lives what the catechist proclaims.” Sofia Cavalletti, The Religious Potential of the Child page 30-31
Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!
Hannah Marconeri shares with us idea on how to get parents involved in the CGS program as an aid to the CGS program but also for their own personal spiritual growth as well as to aid in the prayer life of their domestic churches.
Hannah Marconeri began her journey with The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in 2011 and currently serves as a catechist and Director of Discipleship at St. Robert Bellarmine in Flushing, MI. She works with families in the Catholic school and in the parish setting. She is a Level One and Two Formation Leader and has a masters degree in Pastoral Studies and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (MAPS-CGS) from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, MO.
Episode 74 – Spiritual Preparation of the Adult
Episode 98 - Welcoming the Children
Episode 122 - Welcoming the Level 2 and 3 Child PART ONE
Episode 123 - Welcoming the Level 2 and 3 Child PART TWO
Episode 124 - The Work of the Second Plane Child
A List of Podcast Episodes for Parents
The Good Shepherd and the Child: A Joyful Journey
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
Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
“The Lord said to Abram: Go forth from your land, your relatives, and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you.” Genesis 12:1
Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!
There is a new MAPS-CGS Cohort through Aquinas Institute in St Louis starting in January and applications are currently open to join! Carolyn Wright joins us to tell us a little about the program, who should prayerfully consider if this is the direction God is calling you, what are the logistics of the program, and so much more!
Carolyn Wright, MDiv., DMin serves on the faculty of Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri. She teaches in the areas of ministerial formation and Christian spirituality. Carolyn directs the Master of Arts in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (MAPS-CGS) degree program, the Theological Field Education program, and the Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction program at Aquinas. Carolyn has been a longtime advocate for CGS since she completed Level I (2010) and Level II (2011) formations. She recently completed Level III formation (2025). Carolyn is available to talk further about the MAPS-CGS degree program at Aquinas (wright@ai.edu | 314-256-8879)
Episode 74 – Spiritual Preparation of the Adult
Episode 98 - Welcoming the Children
Episode 122 - Welcoming the Level 2 and 3 Child PART ONE
Episode 123 - Welcoming the Level 2 and 3 Child PART TWO
Episode 124 - The Work of the Second Plane Child
MAPS-CGS Master’s Degree Brochure
REGISTER FOR MAPS CGS Virtual Information Session and Lecture Series
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
Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” ~ Proverbs 2:6
“3. The atrium is a community in which children and adults live together a religious experience that facilitates participation in the wider community of the family, the church, and other social spheres. • The atrium is a place of prayer, in which work and study spontaneously become meditation, contemplation, and prayer. • The atrium is a place in which the only Teacher is Christ; both children and adults place themselves in a listening stance before his Word and seek to penetrate the mystery of the liturgical celebration.” - 32 Points of Reflection of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!
Beate and Ann discuss the variety of meanings and the importance of de-schooling as it pertains to our work in catechesis.
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
Beate Buescher is a wife, mother, Omi, and catechist who began her journey with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in 2003. Her educational background is in early childhood education and she is passionate about faith, learning, nature and positive parenting. When she walked into her first formation course, she felt that she had finally found her tribe! Beate is currently listening to God alongside Level 1 and 3 children and is certified in all levels of CGS, including Infant/Toddler. She is a recognized Level 1 Formation Leader.
EPISODE 72- Characteristic of the Good Shepherd Catechesis
Read the article Characteristics of the Good Shepherd Catechesis by Sofia Cavalletti
2014 Consiglio Report: De-Schooling
Books by Ann Garrido
ANN’S NEW BOOK – REDEEMING POWER
A Year with Sofia Cavalletti by Ann Garrido
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
Episode 127 – Redeeming Administration with Ann Garrido
The Prepared Environment: Making Materials
with Don Martin (The Catechist's Husband) and Lynda Catalano
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
7:00 - 8:30 pm EDT
Join Don Martin, CGSUSA Vendor, The Catechist's Husband, and Lynda Catalano, CGSUSA Formation Leader, who will share her wisdom and passion for making the materials by hand. Don and Lynda's sessions will be followed by time for questions. All those present will be registered for a drawing for an atrium material from the Catechist's Husband.
Mark your calendars for this SPECIAL EVENT.
This is a free Zoom Session
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
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