The Good Shepherd and the Child CGSUSA

“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 
 
Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE! 
 
CORRECTION- In our conversation we referred to LTP under the wrong name. LTP’s correct name is Liturgical Training Publications. 
 
CGSUSA is a wealth of knowledge and resources to support our work with the children. One of those resources is the annual journal that is given to all members and can be purchased through the CGSUSA store.  Carol and Betsy join us on the podcast to share with us the history of the CGSUSA annual journal. 
Carol Dittberner’s experiences with children and adults span over 40 years. In 1974, she completed the Level I Montessori Training Course in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. Just one year later, in July, 1975, Sofia Cavalletti made her first trip to the United States. In St. Paul, MN, Carol was a participant in this first course on the religious formation of the child. She completed the Assistants to Infancy Course at Opera Montessori Nationale in Rome, Italy, and has a M.A. from St. Mary’s University in Minneapolis, MN. Her work as a catechist has been with Toddlers, Levels I, II, and III. As a Formation Leader, she conducted courses around the U.S., and international trips to New Zealand and Australia. Mission trips for the Missionaries of Charity include Uganda. Kenya, Rwanda, Uzbekistan, Trinidad and Sri Lanka. Carol was the co-founder of the first Catechesis Journal, first published in 1984. 
Betsy Peterson lives in Chicago, Illinois. She is a wife, and the mother of two grown children. 
She fell in love with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in 1990, and 34 years later, the love just continues to grow. She works in the 9-12 atrium at Church of Our Saviour Episcopal church, and the 3-6 atrium at St Teresa of Avila Roman Catholic church. She is certified through CGSUSA as a formation leader in all three levels. She was a member of the CGS Journal team for twelve years. Learning, praying, singing - being with the children fills her with wonder and delight, as does the deep friendships with her fellow catechists. She thanks God for giving her this work. What a gift! 
 
 
Help us prepare for the 40th Celebration: 
We invite you to assist with our celebration:    
Please tell us where the atrium you serve is, the names of your catechists, and the first names of the children you serve in the atrium, so we may include all their names on our prayer table when we gather next August. We ask that you email this information to Susan Stuhlsatz‑Reese at susansr@cgsusa.org  
We are counting on you! We are also happy to share with you that our new and improved atrium locator is now up and running! As part of our “soft launch” to make sure all is working well we are inviting you to take a first look and add your atrium if it is not there yet: Find CGS Near Me – Atrium Locator. Please consider also listing your atrium in the atrium locator. Video for easy instructions HERE 
We know many catechists have gone before us to share in the heavenly banquet. We want to remember each of them. If you know a catechist who has died, please send us their name, a small bio or obituary, the gifts they shared with our CGS community and if possible, a photo. Please share with Mary Heinrich at maryheinrich@cgsusa.org.  
We have opportunities for sponsors to contribute to our event fund. Please let us know of any individuals, groups, businesses, or organizations you know who may be willing to contribute. We will have some wonderful opportunities for our sponsors, more information will be coming soon.   
 
AUDIOBOOK: 
 
Audiobo

“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 
 
FAQs about the 40th 
 
Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE! 
 
Patricia Coulter met Sofia Cavalletti in 1975, and their friendship and close collaboration lasted until Sofia’s death in 2011. Patricia collaborated with Sofia in formation courses, in translations of her writings, and in coauthoring various books. Patricia’s most recent words are a collection of Sofia’s writings, All if Gift: Enjoying the Presence of God and letters, Look at the Light, Words of Loss and Love from Sofia Cavalletti. Dr. Coulter received her certification in the Franciscan Internship Program in Spiritual Direction and Directed Retreats and her doctorate in ministry from the University of St Michael’s College, University of Toronto. She is the recipient of the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice cross for her pastoral ministry with adults and children. 
 
Help us prepare for the 40th Celebration: 
We invite you to assist with our celebration:    
Please tell us where the atrium you serve is, the names of your catechists, and the first names of the children you serve in the atrium, so we may include all their names on our prayer table when we gather next August. We ask that you email this information to Susan Stuhlsatz‑Reese at susansr@cgsusa.org  
We are counting on you! We are also happy to share with you that our new and improved atrium locator is now up and running! As part of our “soft launch” to make sure all is working well we are inviting you to take a first look and add your atrium if it is not there yet: Find CGS Near Me – Atrium Locator. Please consider also listing your atrium in the atrium locator. Video for easy instructions HERE 
We know many catechists have gone before us to share in the heavenly banquet. We want to remember each of them. If you know a catechist who has died, please send us their name, a small bio or obituary, the gifts they shared with our CGS community and if possible, a photo. Please share with Mary Heinrich at maryheinrich@cgsusa.org.  
We have opportunities for sponsors to contribute to our event fund. Please let us know of any individuals, groups, businesses, or organizations you know who may be willing to contribute. We will have some wonderful opportunities for our sponsors, more information will be coming soon.   
Patricia’s Books:  
Ways to Nurture the Relationship with God 
Drinking from the Sources  
Like Leaven: Accompanying Children on their Spiritual Journey  
The Infinite Mercy of God  
Look at the Light: Words on Loss and Love from Sofia Cavalletti 
 
Podcast Episodes with Patricia- 
 
Episode 89 – Background of Ways to Nurture the Relationship with God 
Episode 90- Ch. 4 The Parable of the True Vine from Ways to Nurture the Relationship with God with Patricia Coulter 
Episode 91- The Infinite Mercy of God with Patricia Coulter 
 
Episode 110: Learning to Love 
 
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 de

“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 the Good Shepherd. From August 22-25, 2024, we will gather in person in Phoenix, Arizona, and we will broadcast via livestream for those who cannot attend in person. We look forward to you joining us for this celebration.  In these days, we will remember our legacy, celebrate our present work with the children, and pray for our future in the coming of the Kingdom as we join this friendship of catechists upon which our association is founded. 
Mary Mirrione began working with CGS 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 works with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity throughout the United States and around the world. Mary served on the Board for CGSUSA and is a graduate of the first cohort at Aquinas Institute of Theology to receive a Masters in Pastoral Studies with an emphasis in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She is a faculty member of Kino Catechetical Institute in the Diocese of Phoenix. Since 2010, she serves as the National Director for the United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. 
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.  For further questions about CGS you can email Karen at karenmaxwell@cgsusa.org 
We invite you to assist with our celebration:    
Please tell us where the atrium you serve is, the names of your catechists, and the first names of the children you serve in the atrium, so we may include all their names on our prayer table when we gather next August. We ask that you email this information to Susan Stuhlsatz‑Reese at susansr@cgsusa.org  
We are counting on you! We are also happy to share with you that our new and improved atrium locator is now up and running! As part of our “soft launch” to make sure all is working well we are inviting you to take a first look and add your atrium if it is not there yet: Find CGS Near Me – Atrium Locator. Please consider also listing your atrium in the atrium locator. Video for easy instructions HERE 
We know many catechists have gone before us to share in the heavenly banquet. We want to remember each of them. If you know a catechist who has died, please send us their name, a small bio or obituary, the gifts they shared with our CGS

"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 level three child have to teach us about who God is and to encourage all of us to continue our formation all the way through level three no matter how we choose to serve the child.  
Julie Baltuska lives in Kansas with her retired husband and Maine Coon cat. She and David raised 6 sons and 1 daughter and now enjoy 9 grandchildren all close to home. 
Julie has been a recognized Formation Leader in Level 3 of CGS since 2018 and has been team leading L3 courses since 2008. The highlight of every week for her is spending time in the Atrium with 9-12 year olds which she has been doing for 24 years.  
Julie has a BA degree in Theology from Rockhurst College and has served on the Board of Directors of the SonFlower Region of CGS. Her favorite down-time activities after adoration, include reading, improving her Spanish skills and dabbling in sculpture and piano. 
A catechist since 1994, Donna has experience working with children in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in Level I, Level II, and Level III. She has been a Level III catechist and volunteer CGS coordinator for 24 years at St. Philip Episcopal Church in Memphis, TN. Donna has been a Formation Leader since 2001. She is the Co-Director of the Good Shepherd Center in Memphis, TN. Donna serves CGSUSA as a member of the Formation Committee and Episcopal Committee and assists with the Level III Materials Manual. She and her husband, Bob, live in Germantown, TN. 
 
Podcast Episodes- 
Episode 6- Geography and the Holy Land with Julie Baltuska 
Episode 19- Typology with Ann Garrido 
Episode 35 – Baptism with Donna Turner 
Episode 115- CGS in the Episcopal Church with Anna Hurdle and Donna Turner 
 
AUDIOBOOK: 
 
Audiobook – Now Available on Audible 
CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz! 
The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child’s spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook. 
 
Find out more about CGS: 
   
Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org 
  
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 

"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 work.  
Matthew Irwin is the Director of Faith Formation at St. Elizabeth Seton in Naples, FL and also serves as the Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of CGSUSA. 
Joel Musser is the Director of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at Immaculate Conception Church and Immaculata Catholic School in Durham, NC. He also started and ran for four years the atria at Emmaus Way, an emergent church in Durham. Joel is a Level 1 Formation Leader certified in Levels 1-3, and is currently in Infant-Toddler formation. He has a Master of Theological Studies degree from Duke Divinity School and is in the Mathis Liturgical Leadership Program at the Notre Dame Center for Liturgy. 
 
AUDIOBOOK: 
 
Audiobook – Now Available on Audible 
CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz! 
The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child’s spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook. 
 
Find out more about CGS: 
   
Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org 
  
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 

“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 Association through the Episcopal Committee and the Formation Advisory Council. 
Donna Turner has been a catechist since 1994. Donna has experience working with children in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in Level I, Level II, and Level III. She has been a Level III catechist and volunteer CGS coordinator for 24 years at St. Philip Episcopal Church in Memphis, TN. Donna has been a Formation Leader since 2001. She is the Co-Director of the Good Shepherd Center in Memphis, TN. Donna serves CGSUSA as a member of the Formation Committee and Episcopal Committee and assists with the Level III Materials Manual. She and her husband, Bob, live in Germantown, TN. 
NAMTA Quote: 
The following is a quote from the Spring 1999 NAMTA conference entitled The Spiritual Development of the Child in which Sofia spoke via videoconference: 
“…Of course, there are other traditions, which stress different richness and propose different ways of relationship with the transcendent. 
To be faithful to my tradition-is it a limitation? In some sense it is, but I have to remember here that there is another basic human need: to belong. We want to belong to a family, to a country, to a culture, and so on. To be a citizen of the world is a very noble ideal and aspiration, but there is a risk in it: the risk of becoming somebody without roots, somebody who has no soil under his or her feet. 
In this regard, we have to learn a lesson from nature; in nature there are many trees, small ones and big ones, and in order to be alive they have to strictly observe a rule: the breadth of the foliage has to correspond to the size of the roots. If there is not a balance between the foliage and the roots, the tree will fall down and die. 
In human beings, the roots are our traditions and the foliage is the capacity of being open to wider and wider horizons. We have to take care of both. Only if we are firmly bound to our soil-our tradition-will we be able to have a vital interchange with other cultures and traditions. Only if we are firmly rooted in our tradition will be able to offer others our richness, be open to receive others’ richness, and be capable of taking advantage of it.”
Cavalletti, Sofia. "The Spiritual Development of the Child," NAMTA Conference, 11-13 March 1999, Dallas, Texas.
 
 
Further Reading: 
 
Purchase Nurturing the Whole Child HERE 
 
Other Episodes with Donna or Anna: 
 
Episode 35- Baptism with Donna Turner 
 
Episode 41- The Elementary Aged Child with Anna Hurdle 
 
 
Other Episodes About Ecumenism- 
 
Episode 29- CGS and Christian Unity with Bishop Talley 
 
 
Learn more about the 40th Anniversary Celebration of CGSUSA HERE 
 
 
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 h