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Where we explore the spirituality of Christian children through the method of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
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4 days ago
Episode 165. Building of Relationship with Carolyn Kohlhaas
“If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered.”
Psalm 130: 3-4
Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!
"Moral existence is a response to the Lord's loving initiative. It is the acknowledgement and homage given to God and a worship of thanksgiving. It is cooperation with the plan God pursues in history." Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraph 2062
“To teach morality, the catechist must be convinced that at its roots is love, and then proceed from that principle. Morality emerges from love. We must never wander far from this source, not even when we teach explicitly the Law, which shows us the way we must follow to reach God. The entire Law has been summarized by Jesus in the two commandments of love, and He has made love the badge of allegiance. ‘One cannot obey more than one loves,’ wrote the prior of the Little Brothers of Jesus.” (Teaching Doctrine and Liturgy)
“We can never stress too much the necessity of anchoring every moral teaching in a solid, kerygmatic orientation. Before providing specific instructions of what I am to do, moral formation must tell me with whom I do it, for whom I do it, with whom I am in relationship. Often we rush to action without having given enough thought to these primary questions.” (RPCII, 83)
“The primary and fundamental attitude of the person educated in the moral life is the awareness of belonging: to belong to God, to belong to God’s world, to belong to humanity.”- Father Mongillo
Carolyn joins the conversation today to walk us through how morality evolves and progresses in a child’s life and how we can meet those needs in all levels of the atria.
Carolyn Kohlhaas is a nationally recognized Formation Leader for CGS at all three levels of formation. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology and in Religious Education from Franciscan University of Steubenville and her AMI Primary (3-6) and Elementary (6-12) Level Certifications from the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota. Carolyn has a Master of Education degree (Loyola College, Maryland) as well as a Master of Arts in Theology (St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity). She has worked with children in Atriums in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis since 2006 and with adults in formation courses across the US since 2009. wosatrium.weebly.com
Books you might be interested in:
Development of the Rome Atrium
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
Podcast Episodes you might be interested in:
Episode 34 – The Paschal Mystery
TINA LILIG MEMORIAL FUND
During the month of February, we remember our first national director, Valentina Lillig, and we honor her legacy by encouraging generosity to the Tina Lillig Memorial Fund.
The mission of the Tina Lillig Memorial Fund is to support the growth and development of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd through catechist formation, missionary outreach, and the work of the United States Association of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGSUSA). To these ends, the TLM Fund offers a source of financial aid (in the form of partial scholarships) to applicants who would find paying the full tuition of a course to be a hardship.
If you or your community needs scholarship or grant support for formation, please visit our website and apply [this could be a link in the show notes]. The next deadline for applications is April 30. Thank you to all the donors who have generously supported the TLM Fund and made formation courses possible for catechists across the US and the world.
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 Mar 25, 2026
Wednesday Mar 25, 2026
“For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of the light.” Ephesians 5:8
Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!
Ruth joins us on the podcast to explore the theology behind the Easter Vigil Mass and also how it parallels to the celebration of the Liturgy of Light in the atrium.
Ruth Ohm Sutherland is a catechist in Levels Infant-Toddler-3 and a Formation Leader for Levels 1 and 2. She has started the CGS in several cities, most recently in Wausau, Wisconsin; she offers atrium sessions for Levels 1-3 in Wausau. Prior to moving to Wisconsin, Ruth taught Sacred Scripture at St. Patrick’s Seminary & University in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Great Vigil of Easter for Episcopalians
Roman Catholic Novus Ordo Easter Vigil
Roman Catholic 1962 Extraordinary Form of the Mass
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
Podcast Episodes with Ruth:
Episode 62 – Christ the Good Shepherd and the Eucharist
Episode 77 – Eucharist: God with Us
Podcast Episodes for the Easter Season:
Episode 34 – The Paschal Mystery
Episode 61 – The Roots of the Eucharist and the Easter Mystery
Episode 84 – The Family in Easter with Gerturde Mueller Nelson
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 Mar 11, 2026
Wednesday Mar 11, 2026
“If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered.”
Psalm 130: 3-4
Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!
“To ‘build the house’ which morality will inhabit, some mastery of the body is necessary” (Spontaneous Activity in Education, 7: Will, 147
“We must always give the children “the big picture” that informs and sustains immediate behaviors. Bracketing for a moment all we have said up to this point about presenting the kerygma, what foundation would moral exhortation rest upon without kerygma? If moral exhortation were left to stand alone, if good behaviors were taught for their own sake, it would be like preparing robots who know and follow rules instead of persons who participate in God’s plan for the fullness of life.” (RPCII, 94)
“We must remember that Christian morality is a morality of “you can.” Through the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, “we can”; or, in the words of St. Paul, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).” (RPCII, 88)
Carolyn joins the conversation today to walk us through how morality evolves and progresses in a child’s life and how we can meet those needs in all levels of the atria.
Carolyn Kohlhaas is a nationally recognized Formation Leader for CGS at all three levels of formation. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology and in Religious Education from Franciscan University of Steubenville and her AMI Primary (3-6) and Elementary (6-12) Level Certifications from the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota. Carolyn has a Master of Education degree (Loyola College, Maryland) as well as a Master of Arts in Theology (St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity). She has worked with children in Atriums in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis since 2006 and with adults in formation courses across the US since 2009. wosatrium.weebly.com
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
Podcast Episodes you might be interested in:
Episode 34 – The Paschal Mystery
TINA LILIG MEMORIAL FUND
During the month of February, we remember our first national director, Valentina Lillig, and we honor her legacy by encouraging generosity to the Tina Lillig Memorial Fund.
The mission of the Tina Lillig Memorial Fund is to support the growth and development of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd through catechist formation, missionary outreach, and the work of the United States Association of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGSUSA). To these ends, the TLM Fund offers a source of financial aid (in the form of partial scholarships) to applicants who would find paying the full tuition of a course to be a hardship.
If you or your community needs scholarship or grant support for formation, please visit our website and apply [this could be a link in the show notes]. The next deadline for applications is April 30. Thank you to all the donors who have generously supported the TLM Fund and made formation courses possible for catechists across the US and the world.
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 Feb 25, 2026
Wednesday Feb 25, 2026
“But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Mark 13:32
Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!
“The religious needs and capacities of older children are no less great or essential than those of younger children. Their religious potential is no less strong; rather, it is expressed through the new capacities of their own stage of development.” - Sofia Cavalletti, The History of the Kingdom of God, Part 1, Pg. 173
Rebekah joins us on the podcast today to discuss the Spiral Method and how it applies to our work in CGS.
Rebekah Rojcewicz is a catechist and formation leader in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd having completed her training in 1981 in Rome with Dr. Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi. She has translated several of their books and articles from the original Italian and has written and edited various parts of the CGS core texts. She is also the author of Life in the Vine: The Joyful Journey Continues. Rebekah is a catechist at her parish, St. Patrick Catholic Church, and for the Missionaries of Charity atrium in Memphis, Tennessee. She serves on the formation advisory council for CGSUSA, as well as on the International Board for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
Characteristic #3 - The atrium is a community in which children and adults live together a religious experience which 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.
“The pilgrimage of faith is not a journey in a straight line with death waiting at the end, but a kind of spiral through which progress is made only in successively deeper experiences of death and rebirth.” - Mark Searle
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
Podcast Episodes you might be interested in:
Episode 42 – The Mystery of Time
Episode 57 – Celebrating the Life of Tina Lilig
TINA LILIG MEMORIAL FUND
During the month of February, we remember our first national director, Valentina Lillig, and we honor her legacy by encouraging generosity to the Tina Lillig Memorial Fund.
The mission of the Tina Lillig Memorial Fund is to support the growth and development of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd through catechist formation, missionary outreach, and the work of the United States Association of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGSUSA). To these ends, the TLM Fund offers a source of financial aid (in the form of partial scholarships) to applicants who would find paying the full tuition of a course to be a hardship.
If you or your community needs scholarship or grant support for formation, please visit our website and apply [this could be a link in the show notes]. The next deadline for applications is April 30. Thank you to all the donors who have generously supported the TLM Fund and made formation courses possible for catechists across the US and the world.
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 Feb 11, 2026
Wednesday Feb 11, 2026
“But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Mark 13:32
Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!
Rebekah joins us on the podcast today to discuss chapter 2 of The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 year Olds on the Mystery of Time.
Rebekah Rojcewicz is a catechist and formation leader in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd having completed her training in 1981 in Rome with Dr. Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi. She has translated several of their books and articles from the original Italian and has written and edited various parts of the CGS core texts. She is also the author of Life in the Vine: The Joyful Journey Continues. Rebekah is a catechist at her parish, St. Patrick Catholic Church, and for the Missionaries of Charity atrium in Memphis, Tennessee. She serves on the formation advisory council for CGSUSA, as well as on the International Board for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
Characteristic #3 - The atrium is a community in which children and adults live together a religious experience which 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.
“The pilgrimage of faith is not a journey in a straight line with death waiting at the end, but a kind of spiral through which progress is made only in successively deeper experiences of death and rebirth.” - Mark Searle
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
Podcast Episodes you might be interested in:
Episode 42 – The Mystery of Time
Episode 57 – Celebrating the Life of Tina Lilig
TINA LILIG MEMORIAL FUND
During the month of February, we remember our first national director, Valentina Lillig, and we honor her legacy by encouraging generosity to the Tina Lillig Memorial Fund. Learn more and donate HERE
The mission of the Tina Lillig Memorial Fund is to support the growth and development of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd through catechist formation, missionary outreach, and the work of the United States Association of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGSUSA). To these ends, the TLM Fund offers a source of financial aid (in the form of partial scholarships) to applicants who would find paying the full tuition of a course to be a hardship.
If you or your community needs scholarship or grant support for formation, please visit our website and apply [this could be a link in the show notes]. The next deadline for applications is April 30. Thank you to all the donors who have generously supported the TLM Fund and made formation courses possible for catechists across the US and the world.
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 Jan 28, 2026
Wednesday Jan 28, 2026
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The Lord in my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid?” - Psalm 27:1
Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!
Joann joins us on the podcast to discuss the Introduction and Chapter One of The Religious Potential of the Child for 6 to 12 Year Olds.
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.
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
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 Jan 14, 2026
Wednesday Jan 14, 2026
"Arise! Shine, for your light has come, the glory of the Lord has dawned upon you. Though darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds, the peoples, upon you the Lord will dawn, and over you his glory will be seen.” - Isaiah 60:1-2
Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!
We’re kicking off Season 6! With an overarching theme of the Second Plane Child, we’re especially excited to welcome Anna Hurdle as our co-host this season.
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.
Link to Maria Montessori’s Speech from January 6, 1942
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
Podcast Episodes you might be interested in:
Episode 28- Montessori's Epiphany with Sherry Mock
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 31, 2025
Wednesday Dec 31, 2025
"Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it." Luke 18:17
Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!
Today, we share stories from atria across the country, from all levels. Again and again, the children reveal their deep capacity to recognize the most essential aspects of our faith.
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 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.
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