Way of Holy Joy
by Sofia Cavalletti

Way of Holy Joy: Selected Writings of Sofia Cavalletti, a compilation of writings by the co-founder of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, focuses on the spiritual life of the child. With the exception of one, these have not previously been published in English. As the title suggests, these essays shine a light on an often overlooked spiritual reality: the joy that is found in the relationship between God and the Child.

The essays included in this volume, which is being published shortly after her death in August 2011, also reflect her involvement with the wider church community, including her work on the relationship between the Catholic and Jewish faiths. Those interested in children's spirituality will find these essays a source of inspiration and insight. Perhaps more importantly, all who seek to live out their baptismal calling as Christians will benefit from meditating on these reflections. One of the most important, though perhaps unintended, effects of Cavalletti's work has been its impact on adults. By focusing on what is most essential, what is at the heart of faith-a relationship with a Person-many have discovered for themselves this "way of holy joy."

Paperback, 6 x 9, 96 pages $15.00

The History of the Kingdom of God, Part 1: From Creation to Parousia
by Sofia Cavalletti, translated from the Italian by Rebekah Rojcewicz

The History of the Kingdom of God, Part I: Creation to Parousia is a revision by Sofia Cavalletti of her earlier work, History's Golden Thread, a core text in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Another core text, Living Liturgy, has also been revised and will be the second volume, The History of the Kingdom of God, Part II: Liturgy and the Building of the Kingdom. Together, these two volumes offer the reader insight into Scripture and Liturgy as the means to understand God's plan of salvation history, from the creation of the world, through redemption by the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus, to its culmination in the Parousia, when God will be all in all. While this first volume is essential reading for all catechists of the Good Shepherd, all who study the Bible and who seek to understand God's revelation through sacred history will be enlightened and inspired by Cavalletti's insights and scholarship.

Paperback, 6 x 9, 208 pages $19.00

A New Resource Produced by CCTheo:

Hands On Buddhism: A Product of the Children's Interfaith Center

Several years ago, CCTheo began a project called the Children's Interfaith Center. CIC has as it's goal to help children deeply rooted in their own faith to deepen understanding and respect for other traditions.

Children deeply rooted in their own faith are open and interested in world religions at ages 9-12. This corresponds with the years the older child is curious about all aspects of culture—their own and others. Our materials invite children into an experience of the heart of a religion, focusing on each one’s sacred signs.

Hands on Buddhism is available now. Several stations allows a group to experience eleven key aspects of Nichiren Buddhism. These may be explored in various settings – retreats, workshops, interfaith days, or religious education programs.

The Hands On Buddhism packet includes a set of 11 envelopes, each containing carefully selected aspects of Nichiren Buddhism from it's sacred writings, meditation questions, a tented instruction card to describe each activity to users, a list of easy to collect materials to aid the start the activity, and simple instructions for use with either children or adults.

Hands On Buddhism packet $40 For more information, about Hands On Buddhism and the Children's Interfaith Center, click here.

Parenting: A Sacred Path

by Patience Leiden Robbins

Now in its second printing

Three years ago, the Center for Children and Theology published Parenting: A Sacred Path by Patience Robbins. Many of you have ordered the book, to lead reflection groups, to give as gifts, or to reflect on the joys and challenges of your own parenting journeys. We are pleased that the booklet is now in it's second printing.

Parenting is a challenging call. Many resources for parents focus on the child, but Parenting: A Sacred Path is for parents to reflect on their experience, with all of its joys and struggles, as an invitation to grow in faith, love, trust and compassion. Each of six chapters provides an opening reflection for personal or group use, followed by a week of quotes for reflection and prayer. The gift of this simple book is in the self-understanding, acceptance and growth as parents nurtured week by week. It's perfect as a Christmas present to parents, or as an Advent reflection.

Here's a note we received from one grateful reader:
        I wanted you to know that not only did I enjoy spending the six weeks of Lent with you on the sacred path of parenting, but also that that time has brought fresh air and energy and joy to my relationship with my 14-year-old son.
        Three weeks into (your booklet), my son and I had a breakthrough.  I'll spare you the details - what he wanted, what I didn't - except to say that in the end we actually listened to each other and negotiated a compromise that helped us both see the other's point of view.  Each of us was pleased we could - and did! - do something other than insist on our own way.
       So, we are celebrating new fruit that will multiply 100 fold, I'm sure. --Gayle

Paperback, 5 x 7, 44 pages. $6
To Order 10 or more at the discounted price of $4 per book, visit our quantity discounts catalog by clicking here.

Occasional Papers

Occasional Papers is a collection of papers exploring the theology and spirituality of children.  These papers delve into subjects related to the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, such as moral formation, theological, Biblical and liturgical background, Montessori and Cosmic Education, and child development.  

"Children and Eucharist" written by Genelda Woggon and Ann Garrido is the newest addition to our collection of Occasional Papers. It's the first issue that you can download instantly to your computer after purchase. Slowly, we'll be adding this option for each of the Occasional Papers.

View a list of available papers

Atrium Song Sheets
for the Music Maker Lap Harp

A collection of 48 songs from
Sing with Joy and Songs of Love
prepared by Beverly Sanders

Using a Music Maker Lap Harp, these simple sheets allow children to play favorite songs from the atrium without musical training or instruction. Add this to your atrium as an additional way to reflect on the themes of CGS. This packet includes a collection of 48 songs from the Songbooks,
Sing with Joy and Songs of Love.

Atrium Song Sheets
for the Music Maker Lap Harp $15

Use Still Waters: Beloved
to create a Lenten Retreat
or a Day of Prayer

Still Waters offers a way to create an atrium-like prayer space for adults. Using these materials, an environment is easily prepared with ten meditation spaces. For example, the packet titled Beloved leads participants to read a scripture verse, work with art materials, contemplate meaningful questions, or simply pray in response to scripture exploring who we are in Christ. Perfect for course prayer, parent education, parish retreat, or a day of prayer.

Beloved is a lovely tool to use with teens or adults for a Lenten Retreat or Day of Prayer. Other packets including A Season to Grow and Emmanuel are also available.

Each packet includes a set of 10 envelopes, each containing carefully selected Bible verses, meditation questions, a possible enrichment activity, and a tented instruction card. $25

Packet

Beloved Emmanuel A Season to Grow

Life of Jesus Art Postcard

Set of 61 beautiful postcard reproductions of paintings
representing the life of Jesus, as dramatized by African Christians. Includes historical narratives and parables. $25

This set of three original paintings, Christ has Died, Christ is Risen, and Christ Will Come Again, has been painted to assist the meditation on the Mystery of Faith with 6-12 year old children. Tracy is an artist and catechist in Washington, DC, who prepared to paint by considering Cavalletti's materials, children's art work on these themes, and the words of the prayer itself.
Set of 3 color print $25

Icon of Christ the Good Shepherd
an original icon by iconographer John Snogron

Place this icon in a space at prayer space in the home or in the atrium to invite meditation on the central image of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. A great gift for catechists and children. (8 1/2 x 11 print) $10

The Mysteries of the Rosary for Children

by Cy Speltz

The Mysteries of the Rosary provide a walk through the life of Christ from the Annunciation to Parousia. Divided into four groups of five, they are used as points of focus for the five decades of the Catholic Rosary.

For children, even without using a Rosary, this book provides 20 scenes from the life of Christ, with sentences to connnect it to our own lives.

Praying the Rosary with this book gives children and adults a tactile, focused way to meditate on the life of Christ. It serves as a beautiful presentation of the life of Christ and a helpful guide to this rich prayer tradition. Written and illustrated by Cy Speltz. For children ages six and up.

Paperback, 5 x 6, 21 pages $8

Blue Earth Marble With Natural Earth Continents

This small globe fits perfectly into the palm of the hand of a 9-12 year old. It reminds us to hold the earth and all its people in our hands and heart as we pass it around for our intercessory prayers.
This Earth Marble is made from recycled glass, and is geographically accurate with amazing detail. More than 50 rivers, forests, icecaps, deserts, and shadow relief mountain ranges are visible.
Globe is 1.4 inch in diameter and includes a gift box, drawstring pouch, and a stainless steel stand. $12

When I Make Silence

by Jennifer Howard

When I Make Silence was written to help children nurture their need for a silent time of reflection. Includes lovely illustration by Alicia Jewell.
5 1/2 x 5 1/2 Card Stock * 21 pages * Spiral-bound
  $6

My Shining Light

by Nidhi Misra

My Shining Light is a book for children which celebrates and nurtures the light within every person. Includes illustrations by Joe Servello.
5 1/2 x 5 1/2 Card Stock * 21 pages * Spiral-bound
  $6

The Religious Potential of the Child: Experiencing Scripture and Liturgy with Young Children

by Sofia Cavalletti

This classic book describes the profoundly biblical and sacramental way of religious formation for children ages 3 to 6 known as the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. This experience of adults and children dwelling together in the mystery of God is Montessori-based and is deeply respectful of the nature and spirituality of young children who make their way to God in freedom and joy.

Paperback, 6 x 9, 251 pages. $26

Orders of 10 or more can receive a discounted price of 10% off.
Orders of 20 or more can receive a discount of 20% off.

The Religious Potential of the Child, 6 to 12 Years Old

by Sofia Cavalletti

This is the continuation of The Religious Potential of the Child (from 3 to 6 years old). The author, Sofia Cavalletti, the founder of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, describes an approach to the religious education of children according to the methods of Maria Montessori.

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for children age 6 to 12 builds on the foundation in scripture and liturgy offered to the 3- to 6-year-old child. The theme of the covenant between God and humankind, first revealed to the people of Israel, is expanded to include all of history, from Creation to the Parousia, the second coming of Christ. For the older child, awareness of participation in this covenant relationship leads spontaneously to a sense of moral responsibility and of engagement with the cosmos in all its manifestations.

This book will be a great help to educators and catechists seeking to understand the characteristics of the older child, particularly the child’s relationship with the mystery of God. Even those not familiar with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd will find in these pages wisdom and insight into the religious life and needs of older children.

Paperback, 6 x 9, 192 pages. $20

Living Liturgy: Elementary Reflections

by Sofia Cavalletti

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a method of catechizing young children with respect for their natural awe, wonder and hunger for spirituality. Its founder, Sofia Cavalletti, wrote this book to provide background at an adult level for catechists who work with children. In this book, she focuses on the elementary—the most basic—aspects of Christian liturgy: its history, symbols, meaning and centeredness in Christ. Much attention is given to the universal language of liturgy, signs and symbols, which children (and adults) can grasp with ease, depth and joy. A wonderful resource for those who work with children, those involved with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, and all of us who want to reflect on the liturgy as integral to who and what we are.

Paperback, 6 x 9, 96 pages. $16

Orders of 10 or more can receive a discounted price of 10% off.
Orders of 20 or more can receive a discount of 20% off.

The Good Shepherd and the Child:
A Joyful Journey

by Sofia Cavalletti, Patricia Coulter, Gianna Gobbi and Silvana Q. Montanaro, MD

The Good Shepherd and the Child: A Joyful Journey describes how CGS fosters the child's spirituality through respect for the child’s awe and wonder. It is a lovely accessible book for parents, catechists, and anyone interested in the spirituality of the child.

8 1/2 x 11, 100 pages. $16

Listening To God With Children

by Gianna Gobbi

Gianna Gobbi draws on a lifetime of experience with children, having worked personally at the side of Maria Montessori and in collaboration with Sofia Cavalletti in the development of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Here Gobbi presents a rare balance of the theory and the application of Montessori principles. "The result," writes Sofia Cavalletti in her introduction, "is a rich, living work." Listening To God With Children is a basic reference book for catechists and parents of the young child, particularly those involved in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

Paperback, 6 x 9, 131 pages. $15

Zenergy Meditation Chime

A chime can be struck at the beginning and end of a few moments of silence in the atrium or at home to help draw a group into the stillness that opens the heart to the peace and joy of the season.

For tips on using the Chime with children click here for a free article.

A gentle tap of the mallet and the Zenergy Chime emits a powerful tone of singular beauty that lasts and lasts. Made of Cherry-finished hardwood and a silver aluminum rod, the chime is 7.25 in. Long x 2 in. Wide x 1.5 in. Tall. $12

The Seed of God
by Genelda Woggon
illustrations by Alicia Jewell

A beautiful set of five bilingual books presents the essence of the Gospel message to young children in a simple, but powerful way. Written in simple, clear language by Genelda Woggon, translated into Spanish by Maria Ludlow, and artfully illustrated by Alicia Jewell, the series presents the Gospel message in five thematic books that fit a small child's hand. (For children ages 3-7.)
Catechists! Send Catechesis home and help support the work of CCT by making The Seed of God/La Semilla de Dios available to parents and others. You can download a copy of our flyer from our website to let people know about this rich resource. Información en español.
Set includes 5 spiral-bound paperback books of 24 pages and 12 illustrations (black and white with one color)

Gift Box Set $30 Includes a custom designed keepsake box (Will include a free copy of The Seed of God • La Semilla de Dios until March 11)

Set of 5 books $25

Order Individual Book Titles

Your BaptismThe SeedThe Good ShepherdJesus is Risen!Living in the Light

ECHOES
At the root of the word "catechesis" is "echo". God's love is echoed throughout creation and throughout history, recorded in the Bible, and celebrated in Liturgy. In catechesis this love is echoed not only to the children but from the children. With this publication we hope to bring you echoes from the children to deepen our understanding of both the child and God, and to share the wealth of children's spirituality with the whole church.
Echoes publishes 2 issues per year for $16.

Click here to view a list of past Echoes, read excerts,
subscribe or renew your subscription online.

The Peace Rose

by Alicia Jewell

This charmingly illustrated and told story features three simple vignettes to model the use of a Peace Rose to express feelings and help children navigate their daily interpersonal conflicts. The Peace Rose is a concrete and valuable tool for children to understand that we can get along with one another through communication and cooperation. Includes an afterward for adults with helpful, concrete ideas for supporting children as they create a peaceful community.
(For children ages 3-6. 36 pages. 16 full color illustrations.) $16

DoubleClose: The Young Child's Knowledge of God

by Catherine Maresca

DoubleClose is an immersion into the rich mystery of the child's relationship with God--a relationship one small child describes as "double close". Part One explores characteristics of young children, their potential for a rich relationship with God, and how young children know God and communicate that knowledge to observant adults. Part Two features responses of young children to the Bible or the liturgy, followed by a reflection that nurtures the reader's own relationship with God. Soft Cover. 128 pages. $15