Annual Appeal

2025-2026 CGSUSA Annual Appeal

After pondering the parable of the Mustard Seed in Matthew 13, Jocelyn (age 8), through her art, announces “Even a tiny seed will become glorious.”  

Point 27 of the 32 Points of Reflection says: 

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is also concerned with helping adults open their eyes to the hidden riches of the child, especially to the child’s spiritual wealth so that adults will be drawn to learn from the child and to serve him/her. The guiding principles in this endeavor are: 

• The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd does not seek success. 

• It does not set about to be important or to impress others. (Isaiah 10:33-11:10) 

• It is faithful to the spirit of the mustard seed. (Matthew 13: 31) 

• It stands in solidarity with the least in the church. 

The work of the US Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is to help open the eyes of adults “to the hidden riches of the child, especially the child’s spiritual wealth…” Through CGSUSA’s catechist formation courses, resources for individual and organizational members, missionary outreach, scholarships, and partnership with faith leaders and ministry professionals, we tend this mustard seed work of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. 

Though we are an association of friends as a membership organization, the revenue from member dues only covers 55 percent of the cost of membership benefits, including access to the materials manual on our website, and, of course, the 2026 Journal you hold right now. Our work is, indeed, tiny, but because we remain with one another as witnesses to the spiritual riches of childhood, it is glorious work. Our association is strongly rooted in our CGS foundations and growing toward a glorious future. 

I give to CGS beyond my membership because I have watched the mustard seed growth of my own children’s relationship with the Good Shepherd.  It’s my pleasure to invite you to join me in supporting CGSUSA through a contribution to our 2025-2026 Annual Appeal. Your thoughtful contributions are vital to the meaningful work being done by CGS in your region as well as nationally and worldwide.  Thank you for your friendship in Jesus and for your ongoing generosity toward CGSUSA’s work.  

In the friendship of the Good Shepherd, 

Matthew Irwin,  

Philanthropy Committee Chair and Member, CGSUSA Board of

Trustees