Dear Friends,

As we move further into this season of Ordinary Time, we find ourselves in what practitioners of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) call our “growing time.” Indeed, this season of the Church year is one of growth and vitality—of watering seeds of faith and of marveling as God brings about spiritual fruit in abundance.

In this issue, we join with catechists, formators, and participants of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in celebrating a milestone anniversary of their founding. In “Celebrating Seventy Years: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd,” Mary Mirrione reflects on the many graces experienced during CGS’s history and bears witness to its enduring contribution to the renewal of catechesis in our time.

In “Preaching at School Masses: Six Tips for Sharing the Word of God with Children,” author Ann M. Garrido draws from her work in CGS to propose practical guidance aimed at assisting preachers in crafting homilies that will communicate the Gospel message effectively to children of varying ages. Through her reflection on Psalm 23, “Seeking the Peace of the Good Shepherd,” Sr. Mary Michael Fox invites us to contemplate what it means to trust and follow our Good Shepherd, even as we face struggles and challenges in life.

Next, Susan Jett invites us into the atrium, the retreat-like environment where CGS formation takes place. In “The CGS Atrium: A Place That Fosters Liturgical Participation,” we are invited to contemplate the ways that this space is designed to enhance the liturgical formation of young and old alike.

Just as the atrium provides a space specifically tailored to children’s spiritual needs and sensitivities so that they can encounter God, Jayne Porcelli invites us to consider the specific needs of newcomers and inquirers in her piece, “Preparing a Welcoming Environment during the Precatechumenate.” Her work provides practical ideas for parish ministers seeking to welcome others as they begin the journey of faith.

Continuing this focus on welcome and hospitality, Kathy Kuczka’s article “Welcoming Children’s Participation at Mass” invites the whole parish community to consider their role in helping children feel wanted and included in the worshipping assembly at Mass. In “Christ’s Gift of Healing in the Anointing of the Sick,” Kathryn BallBoruff offers ideas for helping children to understand and appreciate the gift of this beautiful sacrament.

This issue closes with Mary Beth Jambor’s look at the life and catechetical ministry of Nicholas Black Elk, reminding us of the many and varied graces God gives to his people to build up his Church on earth. May this season be a particularly fruitful time for you and your ministry.

Bishop Joseph N. Perry
Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago

Using the liturgy as its source, Pastoral Liturgy^® has been intentionally designed to be of service to the whole parish with resources for leaders and parishioners, those who are just beginning to learn about liturgy, and those who are seasoned volunteers and professionals.

The six 32-page, full-color issues follow the course of the liturgical year to provide guidance for liturgy preparation, faith formation, liturgical art and architecture, and the many areas of parish ministry that flow from the liturgy to witness the Gospel and build the kingdom of God.

Pastors, parish staffs, liturgy committees, catechists, musicians, architects, and everyone seeking to learn more about how the liturgy forms and informs all of parish life will find this resource a valuable support to understanding the liturgy more fully and incorporating it as the source for all they do. That's why Pastoral Liturgy^® magazine is the liturgy magazine for the whole parish!