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Where we explore the spirituality of Christian children through the method of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Episodes
Wednesday Feb 17, 2021
Wednesday Feb 17, 2021
“Even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart” (Joel 2:12-13)
The first reading from the liturgy of Ash Wednesday from Joel, invites us deeply into the season of Lent. We are called to return to God with all our hearts. The words “even now” allow us to reflect on the gift that it is still not too late to turn our hearts to the Lord, especially during this season of Lent.
Mary Heinrich joins the podcast today to share her reflections on this scripture as we prepare our hearts for the season of Lent.
Mary Heinrich began her journey with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in 2001 when her daughter was three years old. She has been trained in all three levels of the catechesis, and is a formation leader throughout the United States, working primarily in Level I and Level II courses. She works in the atrium at St. Augustin Catholic Church in Des Moines, Iowa and St. Pius X Catholic Church in Urbandale, Iowa. Her involvement as catechist and formation leader has been a gift for her.
Mary has 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. Mary has served as Chair of the Board of the United States Association, and she has served on the Membership Committee, TLM Fund Committee and the LEAVEN Committee.
Her husband, Kurt is a permanent deacon 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 a Level One catechist and enjoys working in the atrium. When not immersed in CGS, Mary enjoys reading, art and spending time with her family.
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Wednesday Feb 03, 2021
Wednesday Feb 03, 2021
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” – 2 Corinthians 3:17
Freedom and Discipline are two words usually used as opposites and yet they are at the heart of the Montessori method and our work in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Maria Montessori believed that true discipline comes from within and that freedom is the ability to accept rules without being limited by them. The purposeful work that we offer in our environments that leads to concentration and then is followed by the opportunity to make choices and then subsequently develops the will, feeds independence, and results in freedom. Discipline is not the idea of “training people to obey rules” but more about self-discipline. It comes from within the child rather than imposed externally.
The art of applying Freedom and Discipline in the atrium, classroom, or our homes can be tricky as we encounter children of different needs or different emotional states from day to day. Claire Paglia joins us on the podcast today to speak about Montessori’s philosophy of Freedom and Discipline and its application with children.
Claire Paglia was 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.
Listening to God with Children by Gianna Gobbi (This book is now published as Nurturing the Whole Child)
The Absorbent Mind (Owl Edition, 1995) Chapters 25 and 26
The Discovery of the Child (Clio edition, 1997) Chapters 3 and 23
The Secret of Childhood (Ballantine, 1966) Chapter 19
Education for a New World (Clio edition, 2007) Chapter 12
The NAMTA Journal: Montessori's Positive Psychology to Help All Children (Spring 2017 Volume 42, Number 2)
Montessori Speaks to Parents: A Collection of Articles
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Wednesday Jan 20, 2021
Wednesday Jan 20, 2021
Abide in my love… you shall bear much fruit.” (John 15:1-17)
- The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is open to all Christians of various denominations and of different commitments within the church.
- The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd offers its services to the diocese and therefore works in communion with the bishop.
The Characteristics of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - 32 Points of Reflection
Every year, Christian communities and churches join together to pray for the visible unity of the Church, accepting the will of Christ, who prayed "that all may be one" (John 17:21) during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity which we are celebrating this week. As we gather throughout our world to pray for the unity of Christians in 2021, we celebrate the theme gifted this year to the Church from the ecumenical monastic community of Grandchamp in Switzerland, "Abide in my love... you shall bear much fruit." (John 15:1-17)
We know how important this parable is to the children and catechists in CGS. The True Vine and His branches, the sap that nourishes the vine and the Vinedresser who is taking care of all. Each branch can produce abundant good fruit to nourish in turn the whole world. And we know that it is Jesus Christ himself who is the vine who holds us all together. Together then, especially after the upheavals and anguish of 2020, let us all remain in His love to bear the good fruit that can make 2021 a blessing for all.
We are delighted to have the Most Reverend David Talley, Bishop of Memphis, Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs and CGS Level I and Level II catechist, who will discuss his experience with CGS and with ecumenism.
You can read a short bio of Bishop David Talley.
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Wednesday Jan 06, 2021
Wednesday Jan 06, 2021
"Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses. Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you." Isaiah 60: 4-5
Epiphany is the one-year anniversary of our podcast and 114 years since Maria Montessori dedicated a space specifically for the poor children of San Lorenzo which began her lifelong work of discovering the child and their absorbent minds.
Sherry Mock joins us today to tell us the spirit filled story of that beautiful Epiphany 114 years ago!
Sherry Mock lives in Texas with her husband. She has been trained as a Montessori guide and in all three levels of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She is a wife, mother, grandmother, Godmother, Bible teacher, and church and community volunteer.
Gianna Gobbi worked with Dr. Maria Montessori and was responsible for the two year old children in the Casa dei Bambini (Children’s House) of Professor Adele Costa Gnocchi in Palazoo Taverna, in Rome. It was Gianna who brought the original Atrium materials, the instruments and means that distinguish the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd from all other methods and programs. The materials reflect the methodological character of our work, which is based on the educational principles of Maria Montessori. This special Commemorative Journal allows Gianna Gobbi’s voice and spirit to remind us of the beauty, value, and gift of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and how we as adults, must behold, must “See” the child before us and their contemplation and enjoyment in the presence of God.
Sherry mentions the article "A Modest Virtue" by Margaret Dornay in the 2020 CGSUSA Annual Journal. Sherry also shares quotes from The Child in the Church. In this reprint of a spiritual treasure, E.M. Standing, Montessori biographer and disciple, gathers a thoughtful collection of works focused on nurturing the spiritual life of the child through Montessori educational philosophy.
You may also enjoy Montessori: On Religious Education, a compilation of 3 books that Montessori wrote on involving children in the Liturgy and opening the door to their own religious experience. All titles are available for purchase from the CGSUSA Online Store!
We are committed to providing resources and services int the living out of our mission to support catechists, parents, and others in the Church and beyond, as they grow in their understanding of the religious potential of children. Even while we see a decrease in income (loss of course registration fees, book sales, new memberships, and the sales of resources and materials from Shepherd’s Closet.) The Light of Our Good Shepherd sustains us in these times. May you feel inspired to help others to rejoice in His Sustaining Light please donate today. Thank you!
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 23, 2020
Wednesday Dec 23, 2020
“And the angel said to her in reply, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.” Luke 1:35
Each year we go through a time of preparation, the season called Advent, to prepare ourselves for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Yes, we give lots of time to preparing our homes, our gifts for family and friends, and preparing our hearts. But do we really embrace the reason for so much preparation? How do we prepare our children for Jesus’ birth in the midst of so much anticipation for the gifts they receive at Christmas? And even during the time of celebration of Christmas, the 12 twelve days of Christmas from Christmas Day to Epiphany, how can we live the joy of the meaning of Jesus’ birth that we celebrate.
The Incarnation is difficult for us to grasp. It is a mystery. How is it that God becomes truly human and a human could be truly God?
Karen Maxwell joins the podcast today to help us ponder this mystery further.
Karen became involved with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in 1990 when her oldest daughter was four years old. She was moved by the spiritual depth offered to the youngest children and found this approach to faith formation personally enriching as well. She helped to begin all three levels of atria in the first church in Georgia to offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She also enjoys introducing adults to this method of catechesis as a CGS formation leader. Karen joined the staff for the United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in 2004 as Director of Formation. Her work supports formation leaders and catechists through communications, conferences, ongoing formation and resources as well as in responding to a variety of inquiries and pastoral concerns about CGS. Karen is one of two US representatives to the International Council. She also was part of the first cohort to complete a Masters in Pastoral Studies in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at Aquinas Institute of Theology. Karen currently serves as a Level III catechist for a church in her area. Her children, now young adults, all were involved in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
Listen to another episode with Karen anytime!
To purchase a copy of Ways to Nurture the Relationship with God, please visit the CGSUSA online store!
We are committed to providing resources and services int the living out of our mission to support catechists, parents, and others in the Church and beyond, as they grow in their understanding of the religious potential of children. Even while we see a decrease in income (loss of course registration fees, book sales, new memberships, and the sales of resources and materials from Shepherd’s Closet.) The Light of Our Good Shepherd sustains us in these times. May you feel inspired to help others to rejoice in His Sustaining Light please donate today! Thank you.
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 09, 2020
Wednesday Dec 09, 2020
“Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me.” John 15:4
Rebekah Rojcewicz joins us on the podcast again today to discuss her book Life in the Vine: The Joyful Journey Continues which will be available January 6th, 2021. She tells us about how this book came to be and what needs it will address.
Rebekah 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. 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 committee of CGSUSA, as well as on the International Board for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
To order your copy of Life in the Vine: The Joyful Journey Continues today! Listen to another episode with Rebekah anytime.
Purchase Advent items from the CGSUSA Online Store today. When you shop with us, you help further the work to support catechists, parents, and others in the Church and beyond, as they grow in their understanding of the religious potential of children.
We are committed to providing resources and services int the living out of our mission to support catechists, parents, and others in the Church and beyond, as they grow in their understanding of the religious potential of children. Even while we see a decrease in income (loss of course registration fees, book sales, new memberships, and the sales of resources and materials from Shepherd’s Closet.) The Light of Our Good Shepherd sustains us in these times. May you feel inspired to help others to rejoice in His Sustaining Light please go to our website and donate today. Thank you.
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 25, 2020
Wednesday Nov 25, 2020
Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
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Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”
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Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA
YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd
Wednesday Nov 11, 2020
Wednesday Nov 11, 2020
“Blessed are the eyes that see what you see…, for prophets and kings desired to see what you see…” Luke 10:23-24
The atrium is a place prepared for the religious life of children in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. The atrium is also a chamber of the heart. We have found that the heart of the child is deep and open to the loving call of our Good Shepherd. We know that when given time and the space of an environment prepared for their religious life, children are quite content to contemplate the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. Like Mary, in the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke, they keep all these things and ponder them in their hearts. We have observed as well that children’s spirituality is often manifested in their artwork. We pay special attention to this artwork of children because it can profoundly articulate their relationship with God. Mary Mirrione returns to the podcast to dive into this mystery of the children’s artwork with us.
Mary Mirrione began working with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in 1992. She and a team of catechists and parents-built atria at St Anne’s in Gilbert, Arizona for their 1800 children. She has been a formation leader since 1997 serving as such at home and abroad. She also worked with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in Honduras and Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity throughout the States as well as in Manila, Philippines Western Europe and Kolkata, India. Mary served on the Board of the National Association and is a member of first cohort at Aquinas Institute to receive a Masters in Pastoral Ministry in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She serves as a faculty member of Kino Catechetical Institute in the Diocese of Phoenix. She is a consultant for the USCCB Subcommittee on the Catechism. Since 2010, she serves as the National Director for the United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. For more information on this approach to religious formation with children please go to our website.
Artistic Expression of Children in the Atrium by Tilde Cocchini
Inspiring Art Expression in the Atrium by Marty O’Bryan -
Do You See What I See? – article about The HeART of the Child exhibit
The HeART of the Child Art Book
We are committed to providing resources and services to aid in living out of our mission to support catechists, parents, and others in the Church and beyond, as they grow in their understanding of the religious potential of children. Even while we see a decrease in income (loss of course registration fees, book sales, new memberships, and the sales of resources and materials from Shepherd’s Closet.) The Light of Our Good Shepherd sustains us in these times. May you feel inspired to help others to rejoice in His Sustaining Light please donate today. Thank you.
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 28, 2020
Wednesday Oct 28, 2020
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.” Psalm 96:3
One of the core characteristics of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is that it “can be realized in any social or cultural setting.” (32 Points of Reflection of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd). Celine Mitchell shares with us how she witnessed the universality of this work as she traveled to different countries bringing Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to all, including the Missionaries of Charity.
Although Celine recently retired as Director of CGS at her parish, she continues to be involved as catechist at St. Ambrose Academy where she also is a primary Montessori teacher. Celine is a recognized formation leader in Levels I and II. She assisted numerous parishes in starting CGS in western Pennsylvania and internationally and in her "retirement" continues to do consulting for those wanting to begin Catholic Montessori. She has led formation courses in Poland and for the Missionaries of Charity in Latvia, Brazil, Haiti, Puerto Rico, and San Francisco. Celine and her husband Bob (also a CGS catechist) have 3 grown children and 6 grandchildren and live at Good Shepherd House of Prayer.
The Characteristics of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: The 32 Points of Reflection
Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
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Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA
YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd
Wednesday Oct 14, 2020
Wednesday Oct 14, 2020
“Amen, amen, I say to you, 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
Why is this happening? How long will it last? What will life be like from now on? What can we do?
The world is facing unprecedented loss, grief, pain, and anxiety during this time of COVID-19. The losses and the grief we share come in many forms: the deaths of families and friends, of work, health, and celebrating or worshipping in community. We seek comfort and meaning from our grief. During times of suffering, loss, and grief, each of us needs companions who console and strengthen us. As Christians, we also need to understand our experience in light of our faith. At such times, Sofia Cavalletti offered her friend Patricia Coulter such guidance and encouragement. We will all benefit from reading the excerpts from her letter to Coulter, as well as meditating on the questions and carefully selected texts from Scripture and liturgy that Coulter provides. Many people are familiar with Sofa Cavalletti's writings on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. These books help to form catechists and give the theological and pedagogical underpinnings for that approach to the spiritual formation of children. In this book we have a rare glimpse into her personal life and her deep care for her friends, in this case, her student and friend Patricia Coulter. Her words remind us that for Christians death does not have the last word. Having faced and moved through the suffering in all these forms of darkness, Sofia offers hope and consolation with eyes of faith that look at and move toward the Light. We are challenged to “Look at the Light” when darkness of any kind seems to surround us. Michaela Tudela joins us today to reflect on this inspiring and essential book about loss and love.
Michaela Tudela is an editor at Liturgy Training Publications (LTP.org), an agency of the Archdiocese of Chicago. She has helped produce prayer resources for children and their families, including Children’s Daily Prayer, Children’s Liturgy of the Word, and Celebrating Sundays for Catholic Families. For the past two years, she has served as the publishing liaison between LTP and The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Michaela holds a BA in English Literature from Loyola University Chicago and has served as a grade 1 catechist.
The book Look at the Light: Words on Loss and Love from Sofia Cavalletti is available for purchase from the CGSUSA online store.
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