Episode 137. The Challenge of Lent as Gift- A Catechist Journey with Jo Thornley Cox

“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” John 12:24 Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE! Jo joins us on the podcast to ponder Lent as gift which is a different way of looking at Lent for most of us. Through the lens of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd she helps us look at Lent with new eyes. Jo Thornley Cox has been in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd since 2001. She is certified in all three levels and is a formation leader recognized by the U.S. Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in Levels I and II. She is grateful to have worked on formation teams in Missouri, Kansas, North Dakota, Texas, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Ottawa, Canada. A graduate of St. Mary-of-the-Woods College near Terre Haute, Ind., she also earned a primary certificate from the American Montessori Society. Among other positions, she worked as a Montessori directress in a Catholic school in Duluth, Minn., and a parish director of traditional religious education in Kansas City, Mo., before discovering CGS. As a charter member of the SonFlower Region of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, she served on its board many years. She is co-director of CGS at St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish/School in Kansas City, offering CGS in all three levels. This is the sixth iteration of her atria and hopefully the last! Jo and her husband, Jody, have three children and a granddaughter. CGS Lent Resources for Families San Damiano Crucifix Parent Page Items from the Store You May be Interested In: To Dance with God Paschal Candle Set Podcast Episodes About Lent: Episode 31- Even Now- a Lenten Reflection Episode 58- Examination of Conscience Episode 83- Merciful Parenting Episode 83- The Family in Lent Episode 110- Learning to Love Episode 136- CGS Lent in the Home BECOME AN ORGANIZATION MEMBER! Organization Members are any entity (church/parish, school, regional group, diocese, etc.) that either offers CGS and/or supports those who serve the children as catechists, aides, or formation leaders) Organization Members also receive the following each month: Bulletin Items - 4 bulletin articles for each month. We have a library of 4 years of bulletin items available on the CGSUSA Website. Catechist In-Services to download TODAY and offer your catechists. We have six in-services available on the website. Assistant Formation - prayer service, agenda, talking points, and handouts. Seed Planting Workshop - prayer service, agenda, and talking points. Family Events: downloadable, 1/2 day events for Advent, Christmas/Epiphany, and Lent. Catechist Prayers and prayer services and so much more! Click Here to create your Organizational Membership! AUDIOBOOK: Audiobook – Now Available on Audible CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz! The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child’s spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook. Find out more about CGS: Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Follow us on Social Media- Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” Instagram- cgsusa Twitter- @cgsusa Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd