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

by Sofia Cavalletti

This book describes the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Montessori-based style of catechesis that focuses on the child's independent journey to God by working with materials in a specially prepared place called an atrium. Written by Sofia Cavaletti, the Italian scripture scholar who developed the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, this classic work demonstrates the profound spiritual capabilities of children as brought forth through their engagement in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. This book is important for anyone desiring to learn about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd or the spiritual life of children ages 3-6.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Childrens, Theology

256 pages, Paperback

Published December 12, 2019

Reviews

[Michal Anne Gillig]

Everyone talks about developmental and physical development milestones and all those needs for a young child. There is little on the spiritual needs of the young child. If we truly believe that faith and Christ is essential for living why isn't there more on the spiritual and religious needs of a child. Children are capable of beginning to understand the love of God way sooner than we think. This is a really beautiful book, and I am grateful for CGS training making me read it.

[Stephen Sumrall]

Children responded with unusual stillness and calm — a quality of absorption that Cavaletti distinguished from ordinary contentment. They seemed to connect deeply and personally with the image of being known by name, expressing what she interpreted as a felt sense of being individually loved.

Children frequently broke into unprompted prayer — not recited formulas, but direct, conversational address to God. The prayer was not on an adult’s time (often long, repetitive, frequent silence.. as if contemplative).

Children showed an unprompted awareness of their own failures or unkindnesses, and a genuine desire for repair — not out of fear of punishment, but out of something closer to sorrow at having disrupted a relationship they valued.

[Veronica]

Hard to get through but in conjunction with the Level 1 Catechist Formation, it became more and more engaging and clear as I read. Overall, a beautiful book that I plan to return to often.

[Bridget]

Beautiful

[Anna]

Second time around was better, but a lot still went over my head. Perhaps I should treat it like a parable…

[Judy McCullough]

Excellent understanding of a child's relationship with God who loves them!