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The Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the ChildEpisode 160. RPC2 - Introduction and Chapter 1 with Joann Terranova"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!    Podcasts by Series  Level One Book Study  Level Two Book Study    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 Minist...
2026-01-2838 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the ChildEpisode 159. SEASON 6- Looking Back and Looking Forward"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!    Podcasts by Series  Level One Book Study  Level Two Book Study    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...
2026-01-1441 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the ChildEpisode 158. Stories from the Atrium"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!    Podcasts by Series  Level One Book Study  Level Two Book Study    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 ha...
2025-12-3127 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the ChildEpisode 157. Invitation to Hope in Advent with Diane OlsenDiane 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...
2025-12-1735 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the ChildEpisode 156. The Prophets with Donna Turner"Hear, O Israel, The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.” Deuteronomy 6:4    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Podcasts by Series  Level One Book Study  Level Two Book Study    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...
2025-12-0334 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the ChildEpisode 155. The Art of Contemplative Listening and Responding in the Atrium with Autumn Domingue"The unfolding of your words gives light..” -Psalm 119:130a    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Podcasts by Series  Level One Book Study  Level Two Book Study    “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 e...
2025-11-1945 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the ChildEpisode 154. Holy Simplicity by Sofia Cavalletti, Discussion with Anna Hurdle"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!    Podcasts by Series  Level One Book Study  Level Two Book Study    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 i...
2025-11-0536 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the ChildEpisode 151. Communication with Stephanie Diethelm and Maris Wimberly“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!    Podcasts by Series  Level One Book Study  Level Two Book Study    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 com...
2025-09-2441 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the ChildEpisode 147. Development of the Will with Sister Maria Teresita Rodkey"For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7    "We must remember that the phenomenon of internal discipline is something which. Must be achieved, not something pre-existent. Our function is that of guides upon the road of discipline.” - Maria Montessori, The Call of Education    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Podcasts by Series  Level One Book Study  Level Two Book Study    Sister Maria Teresita joins us again on the podcast to...
2025-07-3049 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the ChildEpisode 140. Feed My Lambs with Mary Mirrione"When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord you know that I love you.’ He said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ ” John 21:15    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Mary Mirrione joins us on the podcast to ponder the scripture from John 21 with Peter and Jesus. We sit with this scripture in light of the Easter season we have just entered and the many gifts it has to offer us.  Mary Mirrione began work...
2025-04-2327 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the ChildEpisode 138. CGS and Ignatian Spirituality with Fr Joseph Hill"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Fr Joseph shares with us about how he got involved in The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and a few of the parallels he sees between CGS and Ignatian Spirituality.  Fr. Joseph Hill, SJ was born in Phoenix, AZ, raised in a Catholic family with his three brothers. At nine years old his family moved to England, where he attended Catholic schools and then the University of Oxford, earning a BA...
2025-03-2637 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the ChildEpisode 136. CGS Lent in the Home“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” John 12:24    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Mary Heinrich joins us on the podcast to discuss how we live into the Lent season in the atrium and how that can be extended into the spiritual life of the domestic church in the home.  Mary Heinrich is the Membership Coordinator for The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Prior to joining t...
2025-02-2636 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the ChildEpisode 128. CGS Advent in the Home"A voice of one crying out in the desert; Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” Luke 3:4    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    CGSUSA Parent Pages HERE    Virtual Songbook: Songs of the Atrium HERE    Mary Heinrich joins us on the podcast to discuss how we live into the Advent season in the atrium and how that can be extended into the spiritual life of the domestic church in the home.     Mary is the Membership Coordinator for The United St...
2024-11-0633 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child125. A Priest in CGS with Fr Kevin Douglas“For you are a people sacred to the Lord, your God, who has chosen you from al the nations on the face of the earth to be a people peculiarly his own.” Deuteronomy 14:2     Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    CGSUSA Parent Pages HERE    Virtual Songbook: Songs of the Atrium HERE  Fr Kevin Douglas is a diocesan priest in Scotland who is formed in The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. He shares with us his experience with the work and how it has affected priesthood.   Blessed to...
2024-09-2525 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child121. CGS and the National Eucharistic Congress with Mary Mirrione and Sue Stuhlsatz-Reese“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”  — John 6:35    Celebrate 40 Years of CGSUSA Registration for the 40th Celebration closes on August 1st, 2024!    FAQs about the 40th    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Watch a video about the CGSUSA at the NEC HERE!     At the National Eucharistic Congress, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the members and staff of CGSUSA came together to serve the children and fa...
2024-07-3134 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child120. History of the Journal with Carol Dittberner and Betsy Peterson“Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.”  — Psalm 111:1-3    Celebrate 40 Years of CGSUSA Registration for the 40th Celebration closes on August 1st, 2024!    FAQs about the 40th    Purchase the 40th Anniversary Commemorative Journal Here   Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!  ...
2024-07-1734 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child118. 40th Anniversary Celebration with Karen Maxwell and Mary Mirrione“Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.”  — Psalm 111:1-3    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Celebrate 40 Years of CGSUSA    FAQs about the 40th     This year, we are celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the United States Association of the Catechesis of t...
2024-06-1941 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child117. The Level Three Child with Julie Baltuska and Donna Turner"This is how it is with the kingdom of God, it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how.” Mark 4:26-27    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Find a Formation Course HERE!    Julie Baltuska and Donna Turner joining us on the podcast to talk about the level three atrium, what all is in that huge work that is the level three atrium. what does the leve...
2024-06-0538 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child116. Men in CGS with Matthew Irwin and Joel Musser"God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Find a Formation Course HERE!    Joel Musser and Matthew Irwin join the podcast to talk about men in The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, the benefit of having that full image of God reflected back by having both men and women present in this work for the children, and what we can do to encourage more men to be apart of this...
2024-05-2244 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child115. CGS in the Episcopal Church with Donna Turner and Anna Hurdle“These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one floc, one shepherd.” Luke 10:16    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Donna Turner and Anna Hurdle dive into what CGS looks like in the Episcopal Church and its unique history that it has in our work in the United States.   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 ...
2024-05-0839 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child113. Nurturing the Whole Child with Rebekah Rojcewicz“Truly I say to you, unless you change and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3    “Help us, O God, to enter into the secret of childhood, so that we may know, love and serve the child in accordance with the laws of thy justice and following thy holy will.” Maria Montessori     Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Artwork/Figure 11 from The Religious Potential of the Child that Rebekah speaks about    We are so happy to announce that Nurturing the Wh...
2024-04-1039 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child106. Rebroadcasted- Montessori’s Epiphany with Sherry Mock"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    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!     Epiphany is 117 years since Maria Montessori dedicated a space specifically for the poor children of San Lorenzo which began her lifelon...
2024-01-0335 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child105. Welcoming the Christ Child as a Sacred Act with Mary Mirrione"And Mary kept all theses things, pondering them in her heart.” Luke 2:19    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Mary Mirrione and I ponder the great mystery of the Incarnation as we do with the children in the work of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd wondering about that great mystery of who Jesus is. Our conversation today is in light of what we are learning through our work with the infant and toddler about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, what the basic needs of a woman in labor and a newborn are and wh...
2023-12-2029 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child104. Incarnation and the Annunciation with Sofia Cavalletti"Let it be with me according to you word.” Luke 1:38    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    As we enter Advent and celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception let us listen to Sofia’s words from Chapters 41 and 43 of The History of the Kingdom of God Part One on the Incarnation and the Annunciation      Further Reading:    The History of the Kingdom of God, Part 1: From Creation to Parousia    UPDATE- Audiobook – Now Available on Audible CGSUSA is excited to offer...
2023-12-0622 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child103. Friendship of Catechists with Mary Heinrich"Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other." —1 John 4:11    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Mary Heinrich discusses with us the value of friendship in this work as well as different networks you can set up to help sustain this desired support and community.  Mary is the Membership Coordinator for The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Prior to joining the staff, Mary served on the CGSUSA Board of Trustees for seven years. Mary has also served as a Direc...
2023-11-2230 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child102. Theological Reflection with Autumn Domingue"And Mary kept all these things, pondering on them in her heart.” Luke 2:19  Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!  Autumn Domingue joins us on the podcast again to explain the art of Theological Reflection, how it can help us in this work, and to demonstrate the process to us.   Autumn Domingue is a spiritual director, formation leader, and Life Coach, whose greatest joy is journeying with those searching for greater meaning and purpose in their lives. In addition to her private practice, Autumn supervises other spiritual directors and currently works as a mental healt...
2023-11-0850 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child101. The Transitioning Child with Diane Olsen"Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” Genesis 1:26  Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!  Diane Olsen returns to the podcast to explore who the transitioning child is, the 6 year old, the 9 year old, and the 12 year old.  We also discuss how we can best serve these children in our atria.   “We must take man himself, take him with patience and confidence, across all the planes of education. We must put everything before him, the school, culture, religion, the world itself. We must help him to develop within himself tha...
2023-10-2536 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child100. Art as Prayer Response with Marty O’Bryan"Bless the Lord, my soul; all my being, bless his holy name!” Psalm 103:1  Episode 100!!  Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Read Marty’s article from the 2017 Journal Inspiriting Art Expression Online here.     Marty O”Bryan returns to the podcast to talk about prayer as a response in children, especially their art work.    Marty O’Bryan began her formation in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd with Sofia Cavalletti in 1983 and has been a catechists since 1985. She conducts adult formations at Levels I, II and III throughout the Uni...
2023-10-1139 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child99. Oxytocin with Ruth Ehrhardt and Mary Mirrione“For thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” Isaiah 30:15  Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!  Ruth, Mary and I discuss the unique topic of the hormone Oxytocin, the love hormone, what is it and how can it be fostered.  We also ponder how this hormone relates to our work in the atrium with children and with God.   Ruth Ehrhardt is the mother of 4 home-birthed children, a South African traditional midwife, Certified as a Professional Midwife in...
2023-09-2748 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child98. Welcoming the Children with Gianna Gobbi and Mary Mirrione“A that time Jesus said in reply, ‘I give praise to you, Father Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these tings from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.” Matthew 11:25  Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!  Today we listen to the words of Gianna Gobbi from her book Listening to God with Children. We have part of chapter 5 and part of chapter 6 as a way to help prepare ourselves for the beginning of the year in the atrium. The pages read include pages 41 through 53. Then Mary Mirrione...
2023-09-1334 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child97. The International Consiglio with Rebekah Rojcewicz“For thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” Isaiah 30:15  Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!  Next Month, on Sept 23-30, 2023 the International Consiglio or Council for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd will be meeting in Italy.  Rebekah Rojcewicz who is a member of the Consiglio joins us today to help us learn more about what this council is and its purpose in our work with children.  Rebekah is a catechist and formation leader in the Cat...
2023-08-2841 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child95. CGS Characteristics #21 and 25 with Lynne Worthington and Marty O’Bryan“May the favor of the Lord our God be ours, prosper the work of our hands! Prosper the work of our hands!” (Ps 90:17).   Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!  In today’s episode we dive into two of our 32 Characteristics of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, 21 and 25, which speak about the materials we use in this work.   Link to the 32 Characteristics of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd  Lynne Worthington worked for 30 years as a catechist for children and adults at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Durham, NC. She also served as th...
2023-08-0231 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child93. The Meaning, Importance, and Limitations of our Catechetical Materials by Gianna Gobbi“May the favor of the Lord our God be ours, prosper the work of our hands! Prosper the work of our hands!” (Ps 90:17).   Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!  In today’s episode we listen to the words of Gianna Gobbi from the 2001 journal about the materials we use in the atrium and their meaning, importance, and limitations.   Gianna Gobbi personally worked as an apprentice with Maria Montessori in Rome. In collaboration with Sofia Cavelletti, a biblical scholar, Gianna played a primary role in applying the principles of the a Montessori method to the religio...
2023-07-0532 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child87. The Paschal Mystery Throughout the Atrium with Jo Ann Padgett“Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our paschal lamb, has been sacrificed.” 1 Corinthians 5:7  Jo Ann Padgett speaks to us today about the beauty and depth of the paschal mystery and how it penetrates every corner of the atrium in all levels.   Jo Ann Padgett has been involved in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd since 1987. She is formed and holds the National Certificate for Levels 1, 2, and 3. She worked extensively with children aged three through twelve in various atria settings, also working as direct...
2023-04-1243 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child86. Following God’s Pedagogy with Sister Mary Michael Fox“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1   Sr Mary Michael come on the podcast today to share about her new book Following God’s Pedagogy and how it shows that the work of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd offers an approach to children's catechesis that forms the mind and the heart which is exactly what is being asked of catechesis in the newest 2020 Directory of Catechesis.   Sr. Mary Michael Fox, OP, has been a member of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia (Nashville) for over 30 years. During that time, she has been bles...
2023-03-2929 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child82. Merciful Parenting with Megan Wallenfang and Erin Miller“While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.” Luke 15:20  Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!  Megan and Erin join the podcast to discuss merciful parenting, how to live out the mercy sacraments in our homes with ourselves and our families.   Megan Wallenfang is a Secular Discalced Carmelite and a CGS Catechist and Formation Leader. She has worked in the field of music therapy and is a trained classical pianist, which first exposed her to t...
2023-02-0138 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child81. Mystery of God Meets the Mystery of the Child with Lynda Catalano“Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:4  Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!     Lynda Catalano returns to the podcast to help us understand what are the mysteries of God as well as the mysteries of the child and how they are compatible to each other. Also how we, the adults, can be better matchmakers for this relationship.  Lynda Catalano has been a catechist at Trinity Church in Fillmore, California for 30 years. She works weekly in the atrium with groups of 3 to 6-year-olds, 6 to 9-year-old...
2023-01-1827 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child80. Being a CGS/Montessori Parent with Nicole Kavanaugh“With firm purpose you maintain peace; in peace, because of our trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3   Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!   Nicole Kavanaugh joins us as we kick off season 3 of the podcast with the first episode in a series for parents!  Nicole helps us explore how we can take the philosophies of Montessori and CGS and apply them outside of the atrium, most especially in our homes. How we can prepare ourselves to interact with our children in a way that is respectful and fosters spiritual growth. How we can create...
2023-01-0551 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child79. Ch. 6 of The Religious Potential of the Child- The Historical Events in the Life of Jesus Christ“…good news of a great joy which will come to all the people.”  Luke 2:10   Merry Almost Christmas!  As an early Christmas gift to all our listeners we would like to gift you the audio version of Ch. 6 of The Religious Potential of the Child, 3rd Edition, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz. This is a perfect chapter for this season.  We hope it enriches your spiritual encounter with Christ during this celebration of His birth! The whole audio version of the book is available only through the Podbean App. We hope you enjoy! The Religious Potential...
2022-12-2151 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child78. A Glimpse at Gianna Gobbi with Claudia Margarita Schmitt“Live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4: 1b-3 Gianna Gobbi’s birthday is on Dec. 15 so we would like to get a glimpse at who she was by listening to some of her memories from one of her closest friends, Claudia Margarita Schmitt who lived with Gianna and Sofia in Italy for 8 years.  Claudia shares with us some of her memories about Gianna.  Claudia Margarita Schmitt lived in many differen...
2022-12-0730 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child77. Eucharist: God with Us with Ruth Ohm Sutherland“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him on the last day.” John 6:54   Ruth joins us on the podcast again to scratch the surface of the scriptural links of the Eucharist and the way God has worked throughout salvation history to bring His people back into communion with Him.  Ruth is a catechist in Levels 1-3 (currently involved in CGS Infant-Toddler Catechist Formation) and a Formation Leader for Level 1. She has started the CGS in several cities, most recently in Wausau, Wisconsin; she offers atrium sessions...
2022-11-2338 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child76. The CGS Heritage - Romano Guardini with Annette Witte“But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.” John 21:31   Annette Witte joins us on the podcast to dive into the theologian Romano Guardini and his influences on our faith as well as our work in The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.   Annette Witte has been a CGS Catechist for 25 years and a certified Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Formation Leader for the past 12 years. She received a Master’s of Pas...
2022-11-0938 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child75. FAQs: Beginning The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd with Karen Maxwell“We know that all things work for good for those who love God” Romans 8:28 Karen Maxwell joins us on the podcast again to answer many of the questions that people have as they are first beginning their journey in The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.  What is the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd? How do we begin CGS in my parish or school? What is CGS adult formation like? How do I get all the materials? What is an atrium? How many adults do I need to start CGS at my parish or school? Do I need to do...
2022-10-2641 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child74. The Spiritual Preparation of the Adult with Anita Vincent“Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, live soberly, and set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”  1 Peter 1:13   Anita Vincent joins us on the podcast to discuss her article that was in the most recent CGS Journal, The Spiritual Preparation of the Adult. She speaks about how adults need to be not only mentally ready but also spiritually ready to encounter God and the Child in the atrium and how this is spoken about by Maria Montessori as well as Sofia and Gianna. We sho...
2022-10-1237 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child71. A Glimpse at Sofia Cavalletti with Rebekah Rojcewicz“Well done, my good and faithful servant.”  Matthew 25:21   Rebekah joins us on the podcast to give us a glimpse at who Sofia Cavalletti was.  She shares stories about Sofia and what she remembered about her time living and learning from Sofia in Italy for two years.   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 v...
2022-08-3149 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child65. Education to Wonder with Claire Paglia – Chapter 8 of The Religious Potential of the Child“Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does wonderful deeds.  Blessed be his glorious name forever; may he fill all the earth with his glory.  Amen and amen.”  Psalm 73:18-19 NAB   Today we are continuing a series of episodes covering different chapters from The Religious Potential of the Child.  We have a new page on the website where you can find the podcast episodes that correspond with different chapters in this book to aid your own personal study or a book study with some friends or catechists! We hope you will make this...
2022-06-0833 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child63. Prayer with Katy Beedle Rice – Chapter 7 of The Religious Potential of the Child“By the mouths of children, babes in arms, you set a stronghold firm against your foes.” – Psalm 8:2   Today we are continuing a series of episodes covering different chapters from The Religious Potential of the Child.  We have a new page on the website where you can find the podcast episodes that correspond with different chapters in this book to aid your own personal study or a book study with some friends or catechists! We hope you will make this your summer book study! Ppurchase your copy of the third edition of The Religious Potential of the Chil...
2022-05-1144 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child62. Christ the Good Shepherd and the Eucharist with Ruth Ohm Sutherland – Chapter 4 of The Religious Potential of the Child“You prepare a table before me.” -Psalm 23:5   Today we will start a series of episodes covering different chapters from The Religious Potential of the Child.  We have a new page on the website where you can find the podcast episodes that correspond with different chapters in this book to aid your own personal study or a book study with some friends or catechists! We hope you will make this your summer book study! See below to purchase your copy of the third edition of The Religious Potential of the Child by Sofia Cavalletti.    Ru...
2022-04-2744 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child61. The Roots of the Eucharist and the Easter Mystery with Marty O’Bryan – Chapter 3 of Ways to Nurture the Relationship with God“This is my blood of the covenant which will be shed for many.” Mark 14:24   Marty joins us on the podcast again today to dive into Chapter 3 of Ways to Nurture the Relationship with God as a way for us to enter the Paschal Mystery during Holy Week and the Easter season.  We explore the connections between the Passover Meal, Last Supper, the Paschal Mystery, and the Eucharist.   Marty O’Bryan began her formation in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd with Sofia Cavalletti in 1983 and has been a catechists since 1985. She conducts...
2022-04-1333 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child60. Pioneers of CGS with Betty Hissong"I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land." Ezekiel 36:24   Betty Hissong has been a Montessori teacher, having started the second Montessori school in the United States in the mid-1960s, a Montessori teacher-trainer, a Good Shepherd catechist, and a formation leader for more than 40 years. She is in Cleveland, Ohio. Now, at almost 95 years old she may be the oldest CGS catechist and formation leader. She shares some of her stories about her early years in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
2022-03-3026 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child59. Preaching with Children with Ann Garrido“O Lord, our Lord, how awesome is your name through all the earth! I will sing of your majesty above the heavens with the mouths of babes and infants. – Psalm 8:2-3a   “If we let ourselves become involved in the Word of God with children, we, too, can discover some fundamental values of the religious life.” – Sofia Cavalletti (Journals, Winter 1985)   “We do not lose childhood as that which recedes ever further into our past, that which remains behind as we advance forward in time, but rather we go toward it as that which has...
2022-03-1625 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child58. Examination of Conscience with Claudia Margarita Schmitt“God is love.”  1 John 4:8   Claudia Margarita Schmitt joins us on the podcast today to discuss the depth of the Examination of Conscience. She speaks about how moral formation should be a response to the child’s already established relationship with God.  A foundation rooted in them knowing how loved they are by God and their response to that love.    Claudia Margarita Schmitt lived in many different countries throughout her life. She has discovered over time that her roots are first in her Roman Catholic faith and also in the Catechesis of the Good Sh...
2022-03-0233 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child57. Celebrating the Life of Tina Lillig“I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing.  I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.” John 15:15 NAB   Tina Lillig has been described as a visionary religious educator, a wife, a mother, and a grandmother.  She was instrumental both in bringing the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to her community in Oak Park, IL and also in the growth of the United States Association of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.  She was a dear friend to so many in...
2022-02-161h 00The Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child56. Montessori Series”Wrap Up” with Claire PagliaMontessori Series “Wrap-Up” with Claire Paglia   “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17   “Freedom is understood, in a very elementary fashion, as the immediate release from oppressive bonds; as a cessation of corrections and of submission to authority.  This conception is plainly negative, that is to say, it means only the elimination of coercion.  From this comes, often enough, a very simple reaction: a disorderly pouring out of impulses previously controlled by the adult’s will. To let the child do as he likes w...
2022-02-0240 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child55. Cosmic Education - Ch 9 Life in the Vine - with Carolyn Kohlhaas“So that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.” John 17:21   Today we are continuing our season 2 journey of exploring all things Montessori as a way to understand the underpinnings and influence Maria Montessori’s discoveries of the child had on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd by diving into her philosophy of Cosmic Education   Carolyn Kohlhaas is a catechist and formation leader for CGS at all three levels of...
2022-01-1942 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child54. Human Needs and Tendencies with Cathy Johanni“For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them.”  Ephesians 2:10   Today we are continuing our season 2 journey of exploring all things Montessori as a way to understand the underpinnings and influence Maria Montessori’s discoveries of the child had on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd by diving into her philosophy of Human Needs and Tendencies.    Cathy Johanni lives in Columbus, Ohio where she has enjoyed accompanying children on their spiritual journeys for more than two decades...
2022-01-0543 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child53. The Birth and Infancy of Jesus with Ann Garrido“Where is the newborn King of the Jews? We saw his star and have come to do him homage.” Matthew 2:2   Ann Garrido joins us on the podcast again today to discuss the deeper meanings that can be found in the Infancy Narratives that help us answer the question “Who are you Jesus?”   Ann Garrido is associate professor of homiletics at Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, MO and founding director of the school’s Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies program with an emphasis on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (MA...
2021-12-2238 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child52. Practical Life with Sherry Mock“I praise you, because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works! My very self you know.” Psalm 139:14   Today we are continuing our season 2 journey of exploring all things Montessori  as a way to understand the underpinnings and influence Maria Montessori’s discoveries of the child had on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd by diving into her philosophy of Practical Life.   Sherry Mock joins us again on the podcast to dive into Practical Life in which she has worked with extensively.  She lives in Texas with her husband.  She has been traine...
2021-12-081h 11The Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child51. Rebroadcasted - Prayer of Thanksgiving with Diane Olsen“Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp.” -Psalm 147:7   “Prayer is first of all, listening to God. It is the particular key which opens up the mystery of God’s relationship with God’s creature; it is a key which belongs to God but which God gives to all God’s creatures regardless of denomination, class, or race; it is a key which is indeed, all people pray in differing forms, according to the culture and religious expressions of their own countries. As Christians we pray through the mediation of Jesus Chri...
2021-11-2438 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child50. Sensitive Periods with Celine Mitchell“There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.”  Ecclesiastes 3:1   Today we are continuing our season 2 journey of exploring all things Montessori  as a way to understand the underpinnings and influence Maria Montessori’s discoveries of the child had on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd by diving into her philosophy of Sensitive Periods.   Celine Mitchell joins us again today to dive into this subject. Although Celine recently retired as Director of CGS at her parish, she continues to be involved as catechist at St. Ambros...
2021-11-1048 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child49. Four Planes of Development with Claire Paglia“He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, ‘Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 18:4   Today we are continuing our season 2 journey of exploring all things Montessori by diving into her philosophy on the four planes of development.  What are they? Why are they important for us to understand as we work with the Good Shepherd and the child?   Claire Paglia joins us again today to dive into this subject. Claire Paglia is a child of...
2021-10-2740 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child47. Rebroadcasted - Freedom and Discipline with Claire PagliaSeason 2, with new episodes of the podcast, will begin in October of 2021. Freedom and Discipline with Claire Paglia originally aired on February 3, 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’s believed that true discipline comes from within and that freedom is the ability to accept rules without bei...
2021-09-2939 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child46. Rebroadcasted- CGS and All Abilities with Trinka HamelSeason 2 with new episodes of the podcast will begin in October of 2021. CGS and Children of All Abilities with Trinka Hamel originally aired Sept. 30, 2020   “You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb.  I praise you, because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works! My very self you know.” Psalm 140 13-14   Maria Montessori began her journey with children of “different ability” so it is fitting that our work in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, which follows her educational model, would be inclusive of children of a...
2021-09-1541 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child45. Rebroadcasted- Typology with Ann GarridoSeason 2 with new episodes of the podcast will begin in October of 2021. Typology with Ann Garrido originally aired on September 2, 2020.   “I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you.” – Job 42:5   “Open your eyes; the mysteries hidden in the visible are revealed to you.” – Gregory of Nyssa   Sofia Cavalletti in History of the Kingdom of God: From Creation to Parousia states that “the typological method searches for the ‘imprint’ of one phase of sacred history upon another, keeping in mind the unity of...
2021-09-0146 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child44. Rebroadcasted- Infant Toddler Atrium with Elizabeth CalanchiniSeason 2 with new episodes of the podcast will begin in October of 2021. The Infant-Toddler with Elizabeth Calanchini originally aired on June 10, 2020   “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.” Jeremiah 1:5 NAB   The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd exists to serve the religious potential of the child, even the youngest child.  In our episode today we explore who is the Infant-Toddler?  How can we serve them through The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd? How is t...
2021-08-1841 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child43. Rebroadcasted - God and the Child with Rebekah RojcewiczSeason 2 with new episodes of the podcast will begin in October of 2021. God and the Child with Rebekah Rojcewicz originally aired on January 6, 2020 “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children,* you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3 NAB Does the child already have a connection with God? How can we, as adults, foster it? Why does an encounter with God create a peace and joy in the child and what does this look like? What about the children who have a hard time finding that peace and j...
2021-08-0453 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child42. Mystery of Time with Autumn Domingue“But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Mark 13:32   What is the mystery of Time?  How does God speak to us through this mystery of time? How do we ponder the mystery of time in our work with the children in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?   Autumn Domingue joins us on the podcast again today to ponder these questions. Autumn Domingue is a spiritual director, formation leader and Life Coach, whose greatest joy is journeying with those searching for gre...
2021-07-2138 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child41. The Elementary Aged Child - Ch. 3 Life in the Vine: The Joyful Journey Continues with Anna Hurdle“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” John 15:11   “It is possible to see a clear analogy between the mission of the Shepherd in the Church and that of the prudent and generous educator in the Montessori method, who with tenderness, with love and with a wise evaluation of gifts, knows how to discover and bring to light the most hidden virtues and capacities of the child.” Pope John XXIII   Anna Hurdle join us today to dive into the mystery of the sec...
2021-07-0749 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child40. Ch.1 and 2 of Life in the Vine: The Joyful Journey Continues with Rebekah Rojcewicz“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   Today we begin our two part book study on Life in the Vine: The Joyful Journey Continues by Rebekah Rojcewicz.  Today we dive into the short first two chapters of the book with Rebekah herself.  Next episode we will dive into Chapter 3 with Anna Hurdle.  We will not be doing all the chapters on the podcast because we would like this to be a...
2021-06-2349 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child39. CGS in Haiti with Meagan Hofman“He said to them, ‘Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15   Meagan Hofman joins the podcast today to help me share our story of how God helped us build an atrium in Haiti.    Meagan Hofman is president and founder of The Reveye Initiative, a non profit school in rural Haiti. The mission of Reveye is to awaken joy and wonder in education in Haiti. Meagan is trained in level 1 of CGS and has worked in atriums both in Haiti and in St. Louis. She is a former...
2021-06-0933 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child38. The Child of Many Languages with Lourdes Santiago VazquezThen how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?  Acts 2:8 ¿Cómo es que cada uno de nosotros los escuchamos en nuestra propia lengua? Hechos  2:8   Our experiences with children in the atrium show us a place where we can live a contemplative life with greater intention, permeated with an awareness of how to live as Sofia writes, "the whole of one's life," contemplatively. We, as catechists in the atrium, have the responsibility to help the child live their relationship with God with “the whole of one’s life.” In the Cate...
2021-05-2635 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child37. CGS and Spiritual Direction with Autumn Domingue“The unfolding of your words gives light.” Psalm 119:130A Spiritual direction is, “help given by one believer to another that enables the latter to pay attention to God’s personal communication to him or her, to respond to this personally communicating God, to grow in intimacy with this God, and to live out the consequences of the relationship.” (The Practice of Spiritual Direction by William A. Barry and William J. Connolly) In Catechesis of the Good Shepherd we say that the catechist is not the teacher but Christ is.  In both Spiritual Direction and Catechesis of the Good...
2021-05-1233 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child36. The True Vine with Tim Bell“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   For True Vine Sunday, we hear the beautiful parable of the True Vine. In this parable, we find that Jesus has invited us to a relationship that is even closer that the relationship between the Shepherd and his sheep. He is the Vine, we are the branches, so close, sharing the same risen life.  And it is His Father, the Vinedresser who is...
2021-04-2836 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child35. Baptism with Donna Turner“When we were baptized, we went into the tomb with him and joined him in death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the Father’s glory, we too might live a new life. If in union with Christ we have imitated his death, we shall also imitate him in his resurrection.” Romans 6:4-5 Baptism is a beautifully dense sacrament with layers of signs and meaning. There are ample connections and “golden threads” that we can find throughout scripture. Like many themes we reflect on in Catechesis of the Good S...
2021-04-1432 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child34. The Paschal Mystery with Carolyn Kohlhaas“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 We have entered into Holy Week and are about to encounter the culmination of our faith and the Good Shepherd’s total gift of self within the Paschal Mystery. Carolyn Kohlhaas joins us to ponder this great mystery and how it is celebrated in all three levels of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Carolyn Kohlhaas is a catechist and formation leader...
2021-03-3139 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child33. Moral Formation with Rebekah Rojcewicz“You shall love the lord, your God, with all your hear and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Matthew 22:37 “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  Matthew 22:39   The lovely Rebekah Rojcewicz joins us again on the podcast to dive into the rich topic of the Moral Life as we present it in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.  She lifts up the importance of our “doing” being in response to God’s love.  She speaks about the need for falling in love and receiving the gifts from God as a necessary foundation to mora...
2021-03-1749 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child32. A Priest in the AtriumA Priest in the Atrium   “He said to them, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you" Luke 22:15   In 2014, 600 catechists from 22 countries came together in the desert of Arizona to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.  Many talks and stories were shared throughout the week together.  Today we share with you a talk from Fr Giancarlo Pani, S.J, on what he remembers about being a priest in the atrium with Sofia, Gianna, and the children at the original atrium in Rome.   Fr Giancarl...
2021-03-0335 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child31. “Even Now” a Lenten Reflection with Mary Heinrich“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...
2021-02-1726 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child30. Freedom and Discipline with Claire Paglia“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 subs...
2021-02-0339 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child29. CGS and Christian Unity with Bishop TalleyAbide 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) duri...
2021-01-2026 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child28. Montessori’s Epiphany with Sherry Mock"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 dis...
2021-01-0639 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child27. The Mystery of the Incarnation with Karen Maxwell“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...
2020-12-2345 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child26. Life in the Vine: The Joyful Journey Continues with Rebekah Rojcewicz“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 co...
2020-12-0942 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child25. Prayer of Thanksgiving with Diane OlsenLearn 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   
2020-11-2540 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child24. THeART of the Child with Mary Mirrione“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 Kingdo...
2020-11-1143 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child23. Missionary Moments with Celine Mitchell“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 involve...
2020-10-2837 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child22. Look at the Light with Micaela Tudela“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 co...
2020-10-1431 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child21. CGS and Children of All Abilities with Trinka Hamel“You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb.  I praise you, because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works! My very self you know.” Psalm 140 13-14   Maria Montessori began her journey with children of “different ability” so it is fitting that our work in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, which follows her educational model, would be inclusive of children of all abilities as well.  If we truly believe, as our work in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd tells us, that we are “led by the child” then we will meet each...
2020-09-3041 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child20. Living the Domestic Church with Jaclyn Ruli“Take to heart these words which I command you today. Keep repeating them to your children. Recite them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7   “If we want to assist the child in his or her religious experience, an important area which we must attend is that of prayer. Prayer is, first of all, listening to God. It is the particular key which opens up the mystery of God’s relationship with God’s creature; it is a key which belongs to God, but...
2020-09-1652 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child18. Chapter 4 – Sources of Nourishment with Claudia Margarita Schmitt“You, yes you, O Lord, my God, have done many wondrous deeds!  And in your plans for us there is none to equal you. Should I wish to declare or tell them, too may are they to recount.” Psalm 40: 6   Claudia Margarita Schmitt joins us today to dive into Chapter 4 of The Good Shepherd and the Child: A Joyful Journey.  We discuss the child’s capacity for wonder and the parable method that Jesus’ uses and that we reflect to teach about the Kingdom of God.  This episode completes our four-part series on the first four chapters of T...
2020-08-1935 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child17. Chapter 3 – Practical Suggestions with Lynne Worthington“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news.”  Isaiah 52:7   This episode continues our book study on The Good Shepherd and the Child: A Joyful Journey.  Lynne Worthington discusses with us some practical ways that adults and families can sit beside the child in their religious development. She lifts up the role of the environment, especially the home, as an aid to that spiritual growth.    Lynne Worthington worked for 30 years as a catechist for children and adults at Immaculate Conception Catholic...
2020-08-0538 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child16. Chapter 2 – Helping the Child with Maggie RadzikChapter 2 – Helping the Child with Maggie Radzik   “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.” Jeremiah 1:5   This episode continues our book study on The Good Shepherd and the Child: A Joyful Journey. In this episode Maggie Radzik shares with us the beauty and wisdom found in Chapter 2: Helping the Child.  We discuss the child from conception through 3 years old. We lifted up the spiritual capacities of this age child and the adult’s role in nurturin...
2020-07-2240 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child15. Chapter 1: God and the Child Together with Marty O’BryanChapter 1: God and the Child Together– The Good Shepherd and the Child: A Joyful Journey with Marty O’Bryan   “God is love” 1 John 4:7   This episode begins our book study on The Good Shepherd and the Child: A Joyful Journey. In this episode Marty O’Bryan helps us dive into chapter 1: God and the Child Together.  We discuss the two vital needs of the child, protection and relationship, and how the Good Shepherd parable meets those needs perfectly for the young child. We also discuss how the youngest child has a deep capacity to live...
2020-07-0834 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child13. The Infant-Toddler with Elizabeth Calanchini“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.” Jeremiah 1:5 NAB   The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd exists to serve the religious potential of the child, even the youngest child.  In our episode today we explore who is the Infant-Toddler?  How can we serve them through The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd? How is the environment and the adult different for this aged child?  What content are we able to address to this aged child?  What mysteries about the Kingdom o...
2020-06-1048 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child12. Pentecost with Mary Mirrione“And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.” ACTS 2:4   Fifty days after the feast of Easter, we celebrate Pentecost. This feast celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit, the promise of the Father, the birth of our Church and the gifts that God gives us to transform our lives. As we prepare our hearts to celebrate the Feast of Pentecost in this unique time let us ponder together the loving gifts presented to each of us during this feast and each...
2020-05-2730 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child10. A Reflection on the Good Shepherd Parable with Rebekah RojcewiczJoin us in a reflection on the Parable of the Good Shepherd led by Rebekah Rojcewicz.   Rebekah Rojcewicz  has been a catechist serving all ages of children for thirty-eight years,  having received her formation from Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi in Rome,  Italy. Rebekah also serves Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in several capacities.  In addition to being a catechist in her parish, St. Patrick's Catholic Church, and at  the Missionaries of Charity atrium in Memphis, Rebekah is formation leader, a consultant to CGSUSA, and serves on the Giunta (Board) for the International Consiglio.   ...
2020-04-2923 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child9. The Story of a Community with Angela Miller“For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them.” Ephesians 2:10   This week Angela Miller shares the story of her community in Ohio who have come together in response to the Holy Spirit to build atria, be formed, and fall more deeply in love with God together. From the first day, it was clear to Angela that CGS was unlike anything she had ever experienced. The presence of the Good Shepherd in her own life grew and she fell...
2020-04-1532 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child7. Praying with our Children with Mary Mirrione"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken                                                       nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.  All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace." Isaiah 54: 10,13    Our lives are in a very unique place with the Coronavirus pandemic flooding the world. As Christians how do we respond to such a time?  We have an opportunity to respond with hope and prayer. May the child lead us to a response of...
2020-03-1839 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child6. Geography and the Holy Land with Julie Baltuska  “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”  Revelation 21:1-2 NAB Why is exploring the geography of Jesus’ life important for the child’s spiritual journey? Can pondering biblical geography help us understand that Jesus was a real man in time and place? Julie Baltuska shares with us her pilgrimage to the Holy L...
2020-03-0431 minThe Good Shepherd and the Child
The Good Shepherd and the Child2. God and the Child with Rebekah Rojcewicz“Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children,* you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 18:3 NAB   Does the child already have a connection with God?  How can we, as adults, foster it?  Why does an encounter with God create a peace and joy in the child and what does this look like?  What about the children who have a hard time finding that peace and joy?  What is a Metaphysical child?   Rebekah Rojcewicz explores with us the spiritual depth of the child that is discussed in the first...
2020-01-0857 min