”Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” - Matthew 19:14 NAB
How can a young child deeply encounter the love of God and respond to it? What does this look like? How can we as adults foster and facilitate children’s authentic and loving awareness of God? What are the needs and capacities for a healthy religious life that children show us for such relationship?
The method of Christian Faith Formation called The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd has been exploring these questions for over 65 years guided by the Bible, Liturgy, Montessori principles, and the careful observation of what resonates most deeply with children.
Journey with us, every other Wednesday as we explore the spirituality of the child through The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
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”Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” - Matthew 19:14 NAB
How can a young child deeply encounter the love of God and respond to it? What does this look like? How can we as adults foster and facilitate children’s authentic and loving awareness of God? What are the needs and capacities for a healthy religious life that children show us for such relationship?
The method of Christian Faith Formation called The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd has been exploring these questions for over 65 years guided by the Bible, Liturgy, Montessori principles, and the careful observation of what resonates most deeply with children.
Journey with us, every other Wednesday as we explore the spirituality of the child through The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
Episode 154. Holy Simplicity by Sofia Cavalletti, Discussion with Anna Hurdle
The Good Shepherd and the Child
36 minutes
2 weeks ago
Episode 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
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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 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.
Read the article “Holy Simplicity” HERE
Thank you to all our members and our donors who have given to the 2025-26 Annual Appeal and Tina Lillig Memorial Fund. Your donations make it possible for CGSUSA to expand formation opportunities, give mission courses, invest in technology, create catechist and parent resources and publications, and offer many wonderful events that build our catechist community. All of these initiatives help us serve children with love and generosity. The revenue generated from membership fees covers about 55 percent of the cost of the benefits of membership, so philanthropy is essential to delivering excellent support to catechists, ministry leaders, families, and children. To find out more or make a gift, please visit www.cgsusa.org/donate. Thank you!
The Religious Potential of the Child
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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.
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The Good Shepherd and the Child
”Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” - Matthew 19:14 NAB
How can a young child deeply encounter the love of God and respond to it? What does this look like? How can we as adults foster and facilitate children’s authentic and loving awareness of God? What are the needs and capacities for a healthy religious life that children show us for such relationship?
The method of Christian Faith Formation called The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd has been exploring these questions for over 65 years guided by the Bible, Liturgy, Montessori principles, and the careful observation of what resonates most deeply with children.
Journey with us, every other Wednesday as we explore the spirituality of the child through The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
