The Good Shepherd and the Child

Latest Episodes:

107. The Metaphysical Child with Dr. Donald Wallenfang Jan 17, 2024

Show notes

“I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will." Matthew 11: 24,25

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What is metaphysics and how does it relate to the child? How does Montessori’s idea of the triangular relationship which is the child, the adult, the environment manifest this idea of metaphysics. How can we as adults create environments that allow the child to be more metaphysical?

“There is no being more metaphysical than the child.” Sofia RPC1

Donald (Donny) Wallenfang, OCDS, PhD is a Level III catechist, Secular Discalced Carmelite, and Professor of Theology and Philosophy at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. He received his MTS from St Norbert College and his doctorate from Loyola University Chicago. He has published twelve books as well as numerous articles and book chapters on a variety of topics in Christian theology and philosophy. His areas of expertise merge at the intersection of Carmelite spirituality, phenomenology, metaphysics, liturgical theology, evangelization and catechesis. Wallenfang served in full-time youth and young adult ministry for nine years. He has been married to his wife, Megan, for twenty-four years and has six children.

Further Reading:

The Religious Potential of the Child 3rd Edition

The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 year old 2nd Edition

Way of Holy Joy by Sofia Cavalletti

Donald Wallenfang, Metaphysics: A Basic Introduction in a Christian Key (Cascade, 2019).

Donald Wallenfang, Human and Divine Being: A Study on the Theological Anthropology of Edith Stein (Cascade, 2017).

Thomas Aquinas, Aquinas’s Shorter Summa (Sophia Institute, 2001).

Other Episodes You Might Enjoy

Episode 2 –God and the Child

Episode 82 - Merciful Parenting

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

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

106. Rebroadcasted- Montessori’s Epiphany with Sherry Mock Jan 03, 2024

Show notes

"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

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Epiphany is 117 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.

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.

Further Reading:

2020 The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Journal

The Child in the Church by Maria Montessori

Other Episode with Sherry:

Episode 52: Practical Life with Sherry Mock

AUDIOBOOK:

Audiobook – Now Available on Audible

CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!

Find out more about CGS:

Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

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

105. Welcoming the Christ Child as a Sacred Act with Mary Mirrione Dec 20, 2023

Show notes

"And Mary kept all theses things, pondering them in her heart.” Luke 2:19

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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 what light this might give us about the mystery of the Incarnation.

Further Reading:

The Basic Needs of a Woman in Labour by Ruth Ehrhardt

The History of the Kingdom of God, Part 1: From Creation to Parousia

Other Podcast Episodes You Might Want to Listen To:

Episode 99- Oxytocin with Ruth Ehrhardt and Mary Mirrione

Episode 92- Adele Costa Gnocchi with Karin Slabaugh

Episode 27 – Mystery of the Incarnation with Karen Maxwell

Episode 53 – The Birth and Infancy of Jesus with Ann Garrido

Episode 79- Ch. 6 of The Religious Potential of the Child- The Historical Events in the Life of Jesus Christ

Episode 104. Incarnation and the Annunciation with Sofia Cavalletti

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!

Find out more about CGS:

Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

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

104. Incarnation and the Annunciation with Sofia Cavalletti Dec 06, 2023

Show notes

"Let it be with me according to you word.” Luke 1:38

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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 you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!

Learn more HERE

Find out more about CGS:

Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

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

103. Friendship of Catechists with Mary Heinrich Nov 22, 2023

Show notes

"Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other." —1 John 4:11

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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 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. Her husband, Kurt is a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Des Moines 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 the elementary faith formation coordinator at her Church, working in the Level One and Level Two atria. When not immersed in CGS, Mary enjoys reading, art and spending time with her family.

Types of CGSUSA Memberships

Information about Regional Groups

Other Episode with Mary:

Episode 31 - “Even Now” A Lenten Reflection with Mary Heinrich

Further Reading:

Read Tina Lillig’s article Life of the Catechist online

Facets of Joy

UPDATE- 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!

Learn more HERE

Find out more about CGS:

Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

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

102. Theological Reflection with Autumn Domingue Nov 08, 2023

Show notes

"And Mary kept all these things, pondering on them in her heart.” Luke 2:19

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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 health coach for Lyra Mental Health whose mission is to transform access to life-changing mental health care. Autumn enjoys yoga, painting, playing with her grandchildren, and taking long walks in the Texas Hill Country where she resides. Go to Autumn’s website HERE

Other Episodes with Autumn:

Episode 37 –CGS and Spiritual Direction

Episode 42 - The Mystery of Time

Further Reading:

2019 Journal of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd article Growing Collaboration through Theological Reflection

Supervising Ministry Students by Ann M. Garrido Chapter 3 (Theological Reflection: The Heart of Field Education)

The Art of Theological Reflection By Patricia O'Connell Killen and John DeBeer

UPDATE- 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!

Learn more HERE

Find out more about CGS:

Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

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

101. The Transitioning Child with Diane Olsen Oct 25, 2023

Show notes

"Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” Genesis 1:26

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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 that which will make him capable of understanding. It is not merely words, it is a labor of education. This will be a be a preparation for peace, for peace cannot exist without justice and without men endowed with a strong conscience and personality.” Montessori, Maria. The Four Planes of Education (pg 10)

Diane Olsen has been involved in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd since 1990. She has received all formation levels and was recognized as a formation leader in 2002. She is actively involved leading catechist formation around the country. Diane has a philosophy and math degree from St. John’s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies-Catechesis of the Good Shepherd from the Aquinas Institute of Theology, St. Louis, Missouri. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother.

Other Episodes that relate to this topic:

The Four Planes of Development with Claire Paglia

Other Episodes with Diane:

Episode 3 – The Environment and the Adult with Diane Olsen

Episode 25 - Prayer of Thanksgiving with Diane Olsen

Episode 94-CGS Characteristics #17, 18, 19, and 20 with Lynda Catalano and Diane Olsen

The Four Planes of Education by Maria Montessori

UPDATE- 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!

Learn more HERE

Find out more about CGS:

Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

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

100. Art as Prayer Response with Marty O’Bryan Oct 11, 2023

Show notes

"Bless the Lord, my soul; all my being, bless his holy name!” Psalm 103:1

Episode 100!!

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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 United States. A retired speech and language pathologist, Marty holds a Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Studies with an emphasis on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd from Aquinas Institute of Theology. Currently, she works with children in Level I, II, and III atria in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix.

Art Submissions for the CGSUSA Annual Journal

The Journal committee invites reflections by children you work with on the mysteries they encounter in the atrium, whether these are voiced or written prayer or theological expression through art. We especially seek syntheses of the various themes they have received.

Please follow these guidelines for submitting children’s work or photographs for possible publication in 2024 Journal:

For the best possible image of children’s art, please send the original. Otherwise, a photograph taken by a smartphone can have sufficient resolution if it is attached as file in its original size.

Every submission must have the child’s name, age, and if pertinent, something the child said about his or her drawing. It can include an explanation of the circumstances that led to the child’s work.

The child’s art should be free from all adult writing. Comments or explanations may be written on the permission form that accompanies the artwork.

The permission form needs to include the child’s home address and signature of one of the child’s parents. The permission form can be found on the website of The United States Association of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at www.cgsusa.org

Please send materials to:

Journal Editors / Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

7655 East Main Street

Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Email: journal@cgsusa.org

Or submit online

Art Supplies for the Atrium sold by CGSUSA

The HeART of the Child Art Book

Other Episodes with Marty:

Episode 61- The Roots of the Eucharist and the Easter Mystery

Episode 95- CGS Characteristics #21 and #25

Find out more about CGS:

Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

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

99. Oxytocin with Ruth Ehrhardt and Mary Mirrione Sep 27, 2023

Show notes

“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

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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 the US, and the author of a book called The Basic Needs of a Woman in Labour (which has been translated into 15 different languages), and a birth and midwifery teacher. You can find the book here.

She is the daughter, granddaughter, and niece of midwives, so it seems this work was in many ways predestined from birth.

Ruth has an innate love and trust for birth, women’s bodies, and babies’ intelligence. In her teaching and work, she mainly focuses on guarding and protecting the environment for pregnancy and birth, as opposed to guiding or facilitating the actual birthing process.

For more information on Ruth see her website: TrueMidwifery.com

The Basic Needs of Babies course is an adult prepared environment, offering a chance to explore what everyone’s Basic Needs are and how it feels when they are met.

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.

UPDATE- 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!

Learn more HERE

Find out more about CGS:

Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

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

98. Welcoming the Children with Gianna Gobbi and Mary Mirrione Sep 13, 2023

Show notes

“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

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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 joins us for a short discussion on this reading lifting up some important pieces from this beautiful work.

UPDATE- The updated version of the reading in this episode can be found in Nurturing the Whole Child by Gianna Gobbi pages 42- 50

This precious book of Gianna's has unfortunately been out of print for 2 years. We have been actively working on a new book which will contain Gianna's legacy with updated information and new content. We hope to have this published by next Spring. We will be keeping everyone informed though our Member Memos and In the Meadow emails which come monthly to our members.

UPDATE- 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!

Learn more HERE

Find out more about CGS:

Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

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