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“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me .”
John 10:14
2023-2024 CGSUSA Annual Appeal
Avery is five, and having heard the parable of the Good Shepherd found in John Chapter 10, she peacefully chooses her art materials and spends time reflecting on the parable with her artwork. Regarding her work, she joyfully proclaims to her catechist:
“This is Jesus and me.
The Good Shepherd is leading His sheep.
Jesus is the Light of the world.”
For all to see, Avery has tenderly placed the heart of the Shepherd and the heart of the sheep colored red within their bodies. These hearts match in size and color, they are really one heart! Avery also offers that Jesus’ body is yellow, the color of light for He is, as she proclaims, the Light of the world. She invites us all into the heart of our work, the meeting of God and the child.
For nearly 40 years, we have seen the mustard seed of catechesis for children become rooted, watered, and growing throughout the country. We have listened to children and their spiritual questions, discovering what resonates in their relationship with God.
Through the generosity of our members, donors and community partners the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is able to serve approximately 135,000 children and their families in over 6,750 atria found in churches, schools, and homes throughout the United States.
The impact of your 2023 contributions include:
- $80,000 supported multiple National Events around the country for CGSUSA catechists and formation leaders.
- $25,000 increased accessibility of resources, classes, education and other support to catechists’ formation leaders, parents, dioceses and regions by advancing technology platforms.
- $25,000 expanded the availability of bilingual materials to regions, dioceses, families, and formation leaders.
- $25,000 expanded our outreach to others at conferences and conventions around the country.
- $25,000 made it possible for each member to receive the CGSUSA Annual Journal.
Membership, registration fees and CGS store purchases enable CGSUSA to provide its principal services and programs. But private support expands our margin of excellence by enabling the “extras” that shape transformative and meaningful services for children and adults a common religious experience where contemplation and enjoyment of God, are predominant.
Today’s economic and societal uncertainty has created unexpected challenges in meeting the needs of our families. We recognize that despite the heart’s desire, contribution levels may be impacted, however, every dollar matters, and we invite those that can, to give more to ensure resources are there for those who can’t afford them at this time by providing scholarship for membership, formation classes, and so much more.
We hope and pray for your continued health and well-being and thank you in advance for your generosity in making your 2023-2024 CGSUSA Annual Appeal gift as we encounter Jesus our Good Shepherd with Avery and with all the children of the atrium.
Consider making a monthly recurring gift, as it enables you to stretch your dollars further while providing CGS with a reliable source of donor income. Simply check the box beside the words, “Show my support by making this a recurring donation,” and choose the frequency of your gift.
Join others across the nation in your support of CGSUSA by donating today.
In Our Good Shepherd’s Love,
Claudia Pétursson
CGSUSA Board of Trustees, 2023-2024 Annual Appeal Chair