Annual Report 2009

 In 2009 the Center for Children and Theology:

• Published three issues of ECHOES: on use of time in the atrium, serving the 9-12 year-old-community, and receiving and offering gifts of faith with children.
• Hosted three Round Tables for regional catechists: “Work of the Adult/Work of the Child” and “Work of the Older Child” featured segments of the Regional Deepening of the Association for CGS, and “Welcoming New Families to the Atrium”.
• Presented a workshop on “Moral Formation of Children Ages 0-12” at the American Montessori Society Conference in October.
• Completed the Level I course in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in the Spring, and initiated Level I and Level II courses in the Fall, led by Davette Himes and Catherine Maresca.
• Posted weekly updates to our blog—Listening to the Child with the Center for Children and Theology—featuring children’s reflections on faith.
• Continued to provide resources for catechists, parents, and children

In 2010 the Center’s work includes:

• Publishing ECHOES, Volume 13,  beginning with Planning for the Long Term to help catechists securely establish CGS in their parishes.
• Planning the fifth Weaving Our Gifts: A Conference of Catechists for October 22-24, 2010.
• Offering courses in Level I, II, and III of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
• Developing materials for the Children’s Interfaith Center with the help of our team of Interfaith Montessori Teachers, and publishing papers that articulate the vision of the CIC.
• Serving on the staff of CGSusa’s course for Formation Leaders in July.
• Posting weekly updates to our blog—Listening to the Child with the Center for Children and Theology—featuring children’s reflections on faith, and linking a larger community to the blog using Facebook.
• Publishing additional Occasional Papers, including “Children and the Language of Sacred Signs” by Catherine Maresca.
• Hosting regional Round Tables on “Practical Life” and “Serving Children with Autism”.
• Offering regional or local days of reflection on themes of the Catechesis, and assisting with ongoing courses as a guest presenter.

Please join us for Weaving Our Gifts in October, and visit our website and blog throughout the year.

Support for this work comes from sales, program and course fees, and your contributions. Thank you for every purchase and gift you have made to help us nurture and communicate the rich spirituality and theology of children. Your ongoing gifts will be crucial this year during these times of economic hardship. Please use the Donate button on the left to contribute today.

Gratefully,

Catherine Maresca

Director of theCenter for Children and Theology