our story
About CCTheo
In September of 1995 a group of dedicated and brilliant catechists the DC area founded CCTheo in order to study and support the spiritual formation of children. Today we continue this work by building the community of catechists though education, collaboration, and research.
The Center for Children
and Theology is...
…a community which fosters the spirit life of children,
enfolding many denominations, theological lenses,
and world views into one organization.
Our Values are
COLLABORATIVE
We recognize that God values diversity, community, and conversation as foundational to the creative process.
Genesis 1:26, Acts 4:32, I Peter 3:8-12, Hebrews 10:24-25, Psalm 133:1
CURIOUS
Holding ourselves open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance allows us to rejoice in the beautiful grace of God exhibited in those around us.
Psalm 111:2, Matthew 7:7, Colossians 2:3, Proverbs 25:2
COMMITTED
Being inspired by the work of the apostles, we recognize the process of collaboration is forever transforming.
Acts 2:42, Galatians 6:9, John 15:1-5, II Peter 1:5-7
Theological Lens
• Jesus is our Good Shepherd, who knows each of us by name and lovingly guides us through each stage of life, inviting us into a deeper relationship with God.
• Every person is uniquely created and called to be part of God’s beautiful and ongoing work in the world. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we are invited to live transformed lives, shaped by spiritual practices like prayer, worship, and service.
• Families, in all their beautiful diversity, are often the first communities where the seeds of faith are planted. Here, the bonds of love, trust, and wonder connect us to one another and to God so faith can take root and grow.
• Children already know and respond to the voice of the Good Shepherd. They possess a unique capacity for deep theological reflection, often expressing their understanding through art, play, and quiet contemplation.
Our Goals and Means Are
- careful observation and recordkeeping
- contributing responses to the CCT database
- soliciting observations from parents and other adults who listen to children
- offer formation courses for adults in the Catechesis of the Good shepherd
- evaluate and support Catechesis programs
- supplement parish preparation of catechists with workshops, retreats, lectures, and album page work
- workshops for parents about the curriculum, and access to the courses as auditors or participants
- retreats
- articles
- bulletin inserts
- adult education
- parent orientation to the spirituality of children, how it can be observed and nurtured
- publish a report and papers based on the insights, artwork and prayer of children, experiences with children and study of children’s spirituality
- submit articles for publication in other periodicals
- stock literature and other resources for sale
- provide access to the atria at Christian Family Montessori School for observation
- maintain information about atria, catechists, resources and formation programs for adults
- maintain bibliographies about the spirituality of children and the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
- build database of responses and art of children
- offer more information on CCTheo and its work
- host and participate in conferences designed to attune catechists to other theological voices in the church (feminist, Black, pacifist…) or other faith traditions, experiences serving a variety of populations, incorporation of the arts into the atrium
- publish reports and papers as appropriate from these conferences
- follow research in related fields (ethics, Montessori, child development) and consider its implications for our work
- establish and maintain library of resources related to areas of research
Theology of Hospitality
The welcoming of people is a core value of God. The mustard seed is not something to be desired within the first century Jewish context. Yet, Jesus compares it to the Kingdom of God.
We Embrace Hospitality:
In Peter’s first letter, he goes out of his way to remind us that hospitality is to be given freely (without complaint). This is an encouragement to pause and look closely at a person and seek to do kindness, irrespective of their social, faith, or ethnic backgrounds.
We Eschew Judgment and Preference:
Jesus is scandalous in part by being in places where “good folk” wouldn’t go and being in conversation with people who were contemptible. In the Maxims, we help children explore Matthew 7:7 and Luke 6:37. We are called to be peacemakers – forgiving and seeking the good for our neighbors.
Other passages in the New Testament to ponder:
- I Timothy 5:21
- Romans 14:3
- Romans 2:11
- Acts 10:34
CCTheo creates spaces that are accessible for church leaders and families. Our thoughtful research, courses, conversations, and products are designed to foster deep wonder, joy, and hope.
We celebrate the expansive image of God in everyone, through open and inclusive language and diverse imagery and theology.
Over ten denominations and 100s of catechists from around the world and across the theological spectrum, enjoy and participate in this community. Aware of our diverse community, we have found folks value our work for a variety of reasons:
- Child-centered focus
- Inquisitive theological views
- Diversity in content and images
- Inclusive language
- Accessibility for adult learning and formation.
Learn About Us
Our History
2022 – PRESENT
Awarded a grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc., as part of a new Christian Parenting and Caregiving Initiative.
Began work on Grace Space Families, with an aim to reach parents beyond the church.
Continued development of programs with a focus on Anti-Bias, Anti-Racist (ABAR) work, Faith & Science, and Creation Care as part of the spiritual formation of children.
2021
Continuing conversations on Building the Beloved Atrium Community with Jodi-beth McCain and Anita Vincent October 28-31, Weaving Our Gifts gathers online due to the pandemic with keynote speaker Dr. Judy Fentress-Williams
2020
March, atriums and courses close due to Covid – 19 Pandemic. CCTheo shifts to online sessions to complete Level I and Level II courses.
CCTheo Conversations begins with “Let’s Talk About Truth” with Ann Garrido in June, 3 sessions in July discussing serving children online during the pandemic, and Building the Beloved Atrium Community, with Anita Vincent and Kristi Medley in August.
August – Happy 25th Anniversary CCTheo!
2019
October 3-6, Weaving Our Gifts gathers in Washington, DC. Keynote speaker: Jennifer Morgan.
July, Published Violence and Nonviolence in Scripture: Helping Children Understand Challenging Stories by Catherine Maresca (LTP), tracing a foundation of nonviolence for children through key Gospel and Torah passages.
September, Published When You Were Baptized by Catherine Maresca (LTP), a picture book for children introducing the signs of baptism and their roots in daily life.
2018
First cohort of CARA (Catechist Action Research Alliance) meets with Dr. John Chattin-McNichols for an introduction to qualitative and quantitative research and to plan and initiate research projects.
2017
Translated and published Silence in the Shadow of Speech by Helene Lubienska de Lenval, a contemporary of Maria Montessori who explored developing religious materials with children in France. Translated by Elizabeth MacArthur.
2016
Collaborative on Sacramental Preparation, a small group of catechists gathered for three days to study and plan Sacramental Preparation within the local constraints of their programs. Deb Pelletier, Catherine Maresca.
2015
Publication of a set of 3-part language cards to introduce World Religions Upper Elementary children. Includes, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism and Taoism.
Collaborative on Parent Education: small group of catechists gathered for three days to study and plan CGS Parent Education for their programs. Deb Pelletier, Catherine Maresca, Becky Rochford.
2012
Developed and published materials for Hands on Faith for ages 9+ to experience a taste of other religions. Includes Hands on Buddhism (Martha Lange), Hands on Islam (Catherine Maresca with Nia Seele), and Hands on Judaism (Nora Howell with Rabbi Marcia Prager).
Published three sets of with materials for prayer with groups of adults, creating an experience of the freedom of choice and work the atrium provides. Still Waters by Pam Leskowyak, (A Season to Grow, Emmanuel and Beloved).
Life in the Sheepfold, a video of Catherine Maresca with four parents presenting the Parable of the Good Shepherd, followed by a discussion of the method and theological content of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
Catherine Maresca introduced networking sessions with Anna Hurdle at the American Montessori Society annual conferences for Faith Based Montessori Environments.
2008
Parenting: a Sacred Path by Patience Robbins published: a book for personal or group reflection on the spiritual journey of parenting.
Publication of The Mysteries of the Rosary for Children written and illustrated by Cy Speltz, presenting a visual and prayerful walk through the life of Christ following the twenty mysteries of the Catholic rosary.
2006
Double Close: the Young Child’s Knowledge of God, by Catherine Maresca, published by Treehaus Communications.
2005
The Seed of God by Genelda Woggon Published: a set of five small books in English/Spanish that can bring the good news of the Mustard Seed, the Good Shepherd, the Resurrection, Baptism, and Growing in the Light to children at home, and in churches throughout Central America. It was also translated into Haitian Creole/French for use in Haiti.
2004
Beginning of the biannual gathering Weaving Our Gifts, a Conference of Catechists. This national gathering brings a keynote speaker from areas of study connected to CGS to deepen our knowledge and practice of Montessori pedagogy, Biblical studies, Liturgical studies, scientific studies of both the universe and the human person and more. Breakout sessions are offered by catechists to their peers, sharing various areas of expertise they have developed. Initiated by Deb Pelletier, Susan Piescik, Catherine Maresca, Kristi Medley
Edited and recorded Sing with Joy (2002) and Songs of Love (2004), collections of songs for the Level I and II/III atria. Written by Catherine Maresca, recorded by the children of Christ Church Cathedral in Nashville, TN. Published by Treehaus Communications.
The first Round Table met for local catechists, 2-3 annually, to explore themes to support the practice of CGS in our atria.
2000
The first materials are developed to support work or presentations in the atrium, including guidesheets to learn simple calligraphy, art prints of original paintings by Tracy Councill for the Mystery of Faith, set of four Prophecies introduced in Level I for use in the atrium or at home by Judy Main, MusicMaker guide sheets for songs of the atrium prepared by Beverly Sanders, an icon of the Good Shepherd by John Snogren.
Additionally, the publication of Occasional Papers starts, presenting the research of catechists and experts whose work intersects with our own.
1995
CCTheo is founded!
CGS courses in Level I, Level II, and Level III, led by Catherine Maresca, Jill Hall, and Davette Himes as well as the Parent Toddler Course, developed and led by Davette Himes.
Starting in 1995 and finishing in 2015, 2-3 issues/year of ECHOES are published. Each issue focuses on a topic of interest to catechists and parents of young children.
The first publication of the Scripture booklets that correspond to the materials in the atrium of Level I and Level II are made. Calligraphy and art by Joan Bennett and Anna Gilbert.