On Saturday, April 5th, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Apostolate Center in Verona, PA, welcomed 80 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) catechists from the Dioceses of Cleveland, Greensburg, Pittsburgh, Steubenville, Wheeling-Charleston and Youngstown for a special evening of connection and formation. This gathering served three key purposes: to introduce catechists to CGSUSA national leadership, to strengthen community among those serving in the ministry, and to offer meaningful spiritual formation.

The catechists present were blessed with the opportunity to engage with CGSUSA’s national leadership—Mary Mirrione, National Director, and Karen Maxwell, National Director of Formation. The event also allowed participants to foster deeper relationships with fellow catechists who share their passion of and dedication to Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

Celine Mitchell, Directress of the Center, National Formation Leader, and mentor to so many, highlighted the heart of the evening, saying, “It is the friendship of the catechists that gives us energy for this ministry.”

The gathering featured a talk by Father Boniface Hicks, OSB, who reflected on the profound connections between the work of CGS catechists and the ministry of spiritual direction. Drawing from his roles as Director of Spiritual Formation at Saint Vincent Seminary, Director of the Institute for Ministry Formation, author, and spiritual director, he affirmed the catechists in their sacred role— essentially serving as spiritual directors for children. He then shared key qualities of effective spiritual direction, inviting catechists to reflect on these insights and carry them back into their work with children.

Hallmarks of the IMF include formation in the art of accompaniment, in personal prayer, in directing prayer, and in modeling and encouraging listening to movements of the heart. These areas of formation beautifully align with the mission of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, underscoring why the IMF strongly supports and recommends the faithful implementation of the CGS model.

Listen to Fr. Boniface’s Reflections to Catechists Below: