Connect

Level I Book Study

The Religious Potential of the Child, Third Edition Book Study
Purchase your copy of The Religious Potential of the Child, Third Edition
The Good Shepherd and the Child, A Joyful Journey Book Study
Purchase your copy of The Good Shepherd and the Child, A Joyful Journey
Why offer a Book Study? It is beneficial for us, whether we have been in this work for many years, or we are just beginning on this journey, to spend time with The Religious Potential of the Child, third edition, so that we may connect with one another and discuss and grow in our knowledge of the spiritual life of the child. The discussion questions found in this study offer a starting point for our conversation with one another about what has struck our heart and allows us to go deeper into the mystery of God and the child.

Why a third edition? This book describes an experience with children from ages three to six, an experience of adults and children dwelling together in the mystery of God. In the preface of this third edition, we read, “Our defining document: “The Characteristics of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: 32 Points for Reflection,” states that ours is a “mustard seed work.” Among other things, this means it is a living work, and a central feature of all living things is that they grow and change. The content of CGS offered to the young child has remained the same especially because of the young child’s essentiality. “ This third edition, however, includes additions that refine how catechists can best present the content to children. This classic text has been updated to reflect Sofia Cavalletti’s edits to the Spanish edition and includes a new Preface and Afterword by editor Rebekah Rojcewicz. As we read the preface, will discover the updates to this third edition.

You can purchase the NEW third edition of The Religious Potential of the Child today!

This book is an in-depth description of the greatest mysteries of our faith to which children three to six years of age led them through their deep engagement and joy. It was first published in Italy in 1979, then translated into English and published in the U.S. in 1983. A new edition of the book was published by Liturgy Training Publications in 1992. Now in its third edition, this volume largely remains the same but includes Dr. Cavalletti’s substantial additions.

Our defining document: “The Characteristics of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: 32 Points for Reflection,” states that ours is a “mustard seed work”. Among other things, this means it is a living work, and a central feature of all living things is that they grow and change. Because of the essentiality of the young child, the content offered to them has largely remained the same over these many years. What has changed has more to do with us adults and how we best present that content.
Why a third edition? This book describes an experience with children from ages three to six, an experience of adults and children dwelling together in the mystery of God. In the preface of this third edition, we read, “Our defining document: “The Characteristics of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: 32 Points for Reflection,” states that ours is a “mustard seed work.” Among other things, this means it is a living work, and a central feature of all living things is that they grow and change. The content of CGS offered to the young child has remained the same especially because of the young child’s essentiality. “ This third edition, however, includes additions that refine how catechists can best present the content to children. This classic text has been updated to reflect Sofia Cavalletti’s edits to the Spanish edition and includes a new Preface and Afterword by editor Rebekah Rojcewicz. As we read the preface, will discover the updates to this third edition.

In the introduction to the first edition, Sofia Cavalletti acknowledges that in addition to offering rich insights on who the child is spiritually—including the child before 3 years of age–, in Part II the book seeks to answer the question: “But how do I do it (the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd) with children?”

This second edition is a fuller answer to the above question, and it reflects the growth and transformation of the catechesis and, thus, seeks to offer clarifications in some previous practices (such as the matter of no longer narrating a Scripture text before doing the solemn reading of the text directly from the Bible).

Joyful Journey was first conceived in response to a specific request from Bishop Marcel Gervais in Canada who was had been very moved by The Religious Potential of the Child but wanted another rendering of the catechesis which would be even more accessible to parents and educators of young children.

Joyful Journey is meant to be a compliment to and not a substitution for the in-depth exploration of the child’s relationship with God and how we can best foster that relationship which is offered in catechist formation courses. Every catechist will want this book on his or her shelf, to read and re-read again and again.

You can purchase The Good Shepherd and the Child, A Joyful Journey today!

In the introduction to the first edition, Sofia Cavalletti acknowledges that in addition to offering rich insights on who the child is spiritual—including the child before 3 years of age–, in Part II the book seeks to answer the question: “But how do I do it (the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd) with children?” This second edition is a fuller answer to the above question, and it reflects the growth and transformation of the catechesis and, thus, seeks to “correct” some previous practices (such as the matter of no longer narrating a Scripture text before doing the solemn reading of the text directly from the Bible). Joyful Journey was first conceived in response to a specific request from Bishop Marcel Gervais who had been very moved by The Religious Potential of the Child but wanted another rendering of the catechesis which would be even more accessible to parents and educators of young children. Joyful Journey is meant to be a compliment to and not a substitution for the in-depth exploration of the child’s relationship with God and how we can best foster that relationship which is offered in catechist formation courses. Every catechist, every parent, will want this book on his or her shelf, to read and re-read again and again.
Why a third edition? This book describes an experience with children from ages three to six, an experience of adults and children dwelling together in the mystery of God. In the preface of this third edition, we read, “Our defining document: “The Characteristics of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: 32 Points for Reflection,” states that ours is a “mustard seed work.” Among other things, this means it is a living work, and a central feature of all living things is that they grow and change. The content of CGS offered to the young child has remained the same especially because of the young child’s essentiality. “ This third edition, however, includes additions that refine how catechists can best present the content to children. This classic text has been updated to reflect Sofia Cavalletti’s edits to the Spanish edition and includes a new Preface and Afterword by editor Rebekah Rojcewicz. As we read the preface, will discover the updates to this third edition.

Ways to Nurture the Relationship with God Book Study

The meditations in the book explore and illuminate the Christian message and are the fruits of Sofia Cavalletti’s meditations with adults gathered together as listeners to the Word.  Because this book arose from actual encounters, the writers invite you to enter into it as a fellow listener, meditating on Scripture and Liturgy alongside them.

 

 

 

Download a copy of the Book Study Here

 

Podcast episodes to correspond with each chapter

 

Purchase a copy of Ways to Nurture the Relationship with God from our CGSUSA Store. 

Ways to Give
Membership
Adult Courses
Shop

Welcome to CGSUSA

We believe God and the child have a unique relationship with one another. Children need their own place to foster the growth of that relationship. The growth of this relationship is assisted by the adult, but is directed by the Spirit of God within the child.

The CGS Approach

Find an Atrium

CGSUSA
CGS in the Home
CGS in the Parish
CGS in the School

Discover CGS

What is the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd? The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd was born from the joy of the children’s encounter with God. It has been observed that children of the same developmental stage, even those from widely varying cultural backgrounds, respond to elements of the Christian message in the same way.

CGS in the World
CGS and Ecumenism

Roman Catholic Tradition

Episcopal Tradition

Orthodox Tradition

History
32 Points of Reflection
CBP en Espanol
Children with Disabilities
Justice and Solidarity

Learn with CGS

In Catechesis of the Good Shepherd adults are given the opportunity to embrace a method of catechesis (or religious education) that will deepen one’s relationship with God. Catechist formation in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is both instructive as well as experiential. It captivates both the head as well as the heart.

Courses for Adults
Host a Course
Register a Course
Scholarships & Grants

Good Shepherd and the Child Podcast

The Journal
Document Library
Resources

Connect to CGSUSA

We read in the Gospel of Mark that Jesus sent his disciples out in pairs, two by two; the journey was not meant to be a solitary one. It is essential for us as catechists to support one another as we prepare materials, work in the atrium, and observe the child. We come together in unity, as members of CGSUSA, to share the joy of this work.

Become a Member
Member Benefits
Individual Membership
Organization Membership
Regions & Regional Groups
CGSUSA Leadership: Staff & Board

40th Anniversary Celebration Event

CGSUSA Vendor Members - Digital Source List

Support CGSUSA

Through their joy, their wonder and awe, their capacity for love and prayer, and their radical simplicity, children offer us adults a glimpse of what it means to fall in love with God. This has been the work of CGSUSA for over 30 years: to advocate for the child’s joy.

CGSUSA
Leadership: Staff and Board of Trustees
Advocacy
Contact Us
Ways to Give
TLM Memorial Fund
Tribute Gifts
Sustainable Giving