The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is open to all Christians of various denominations and of different commitments within the church.
#29 The Characteristics of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, 32 Points of Reflection
Every year, Christian communities and churches join together to pray for the visible unity of the Church, accepting the will of Christ, who prayed “that all may be one” (John 17:21) during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. In much of the world, this Week of Prayer is commemorated from January 18-25. Linda Kaiel and I were often in Kolkata, India and prayed this week with the Missionaries of Charity.
As we gather throughout our world to pray for the unity of Christians in 2021, we celebrate the theme gifted this year to the Church from the ecumenical monastic community of Grandchamp in Switzerland, “Abide in my love… you shall bear much fruit.” (John 15:1-17) We know how important this parable is to the children. The True Vine and His branches, the sap that nourishes the vine and the Vinedresser who is taking care of all. Each branch can produce abundant good fruit to nourish in turn the whole world. But Christ himself is the vine who holds us all together. Together then, especially after the upheavals and anguish of 2020, let us all abide in Christ’s love to bear the good fruit that can make 2021 a blessing for all. Pray that they all may be one.
Gracious Lord, we pray for all the member of your holy Church, that all may abide in you and you in them, that they may be one in your love and bear much fruit. We also pray for the world, that all may come to believe in your love for them by the fruit of our witness. We know that our divisions are a source of scandal to your world, and we know that in love we are called to unite as one in the vine and branches. The vine is our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son. We are meant to be his branches. Help us we pray, to love, to forgive, to seek justice and to be your prophetic voice in the world. May your grace effect growth of good fruit among us, that our world may realize peace. We ask all this in the name of Jesus, your Son and in the power of the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Join us in prayer online on Friday, January 22, 2021 at 11:AM ET. You can register for this event here.
For further resources please go to:
Welcome: Invitation – Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute (geii.org)
What can this document mean for those of us in CGS? Join us for this forum and let’s discuss it!
Please register here.
From Inspiration to Illumination, an Introduction to The Saint John’s Bible
March 10, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. Eastern time
“When I was a nine-year-old, desire led me to copying ancient scripts and decorated letters. I loved the feel of the pen as it touched the page and the breathtaking effect of the flow of colored ink as its wetness caught the light.” Donald Jackson
Those of us who work with six- to twelve-year-old children in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd have seen in the children this same delight in calligraphy and deep love of the Bible. In 1998, Saint John’s Abbey and University commissioned renowned calligrapher Donald Jackson to produce a hand-written, hand-illuminated Bible. The Saint John’s Bible is a work of art and a work of theology. A team of artists and scholars have brought together the ancient techniques of calligraphy and illumination with an ecumenical Christian approach to the Bible rooted in Benedictine spirituality. The result is a living document and a monumental achievement.
Members of CGSUSA are invited to join us on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 from 11:30 to 1 PM Eastern Time for this online presentation that will explore this work of art that unites an ancient Benedictine tradition with the technology and vision of today, illuminating the Word of God for a new millennium.
Tim Ternes, who is the Director of The Saint John’s Bible at the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library in Collegeville, Minnesota will be our guide. Tim worked closely with the artistic team in the creation of the original works and facilitated planning and communication between artists and commissioner. This gives him extensive behind-the-scenes knowledge and great stories about all aspects of the project. Tim will introduce guests to the story behind the making of The Saint John’s Bible, and explore the tools, methods, and materials used in the creating the Bible’s original folios. You will be encouraged to stretch your own spiritual imagination as you and Tim explore several illuminations from the project.
More information, including registration, will be coming soon.
