Episode 144. Independence for the 0–3-Year-Old with Cecilia Drabbant

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

 

"Every useless help is an obstacle to the child's development." Maria Montessori 

 

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Level One Book Study 

Level Two Book Study 

 

Cecilia joins us on the podcast again to help us explore how to foster Independence in the 0-3 year-old. How we as the adult can help this growth in the child rather than be an obstacle.  

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. 

 

 

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 in Development with Pilar Bewley 

 

 

Purchase the book Discovery of the Child to learn more.  

 

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. 

Registration information will come in July. 

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: 

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