Episode 147. Development of the Will with Sister Maria Teresita Rodkey

"For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 "We must remember that the phenomenon of internal discipline is something which. Must be achieved, not something pre-existent. Our function is that of guides upon the road of discipline.” - Maria Montessori, The Call of Education Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE! Podcasts by Series Level One Book Study Level Two Book Study Sister Maria Teresita joins us again on the podcast to explore the development of the will in children and how we can aid and hinder this development. She also speaks to us about what Montessori called the levels of Obedience. Sister Maria Teresita is a Dominican Sister of St. Cecilia. She currently serves as an upper-elementary guide at St. Philip Learning Center, a Catholic Montessori homeschool enrichment program in Franklin, TN, a catechist for Levels 2 and 3 in a parish setting, and a formation leader for CGS Levels 1 and 2. Sister holds an AMI diploma at the Elementary level, a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies (Aquinas College, Nashville), and a M.A. in Montessori Education (Loyola University, Maryland). She has enjoyed nearly 20 years serving children as a classroom teacher in both conventional and Montessori settings and 14 years as a catechist of the Good Shepherd in all three atria levels. Sister began her Montessori journey as a child in a Montessori school where she developed a deep love for learning. She is a convert to the Catholic faith and delights in every opportunity to “listen to God with children.” CGSUSA Store Spontaneous Activity in Education by Maria Montessori The Four Planes of Development Booklet Episodes to help you further explore Freedom and Discipline: Episode 30 – Freedom and Discipline with Claire Paglia Episode 133 – Freedom and Responsibility with Sr Mary Teresita Episode 134 – Freedom and Responsibility for the First Plane Child Episode 135 – Freedom and Responsibility for the Second Plane Child Episode 139 – What to Try When it Seems to be Failing? With Cathy Johanni Episode 141 – Normalization with Claire Paglia and Sr Maria Teresita Episode 142 – Adults as Potential Obstacles in Development with Pilar Bewley The Prepared Environment: Making Materials with Don Martin (The Catechist's Husband) and Lynda Catalano Tuesday, August 26, 2025 7:00 - 8:30 pm EDT Join Don Martin, CGSUSA Vendor, The Catechist's Husband, and Lynda Catalano, CGSUSA Formation Leader, who will share her wisdom and passion for making the materials by hand. Don and Lynda's sessions will be followed by time for questions. All those present will be registered for a drawing for an atrium material from the Catechist's Husband. Mark your calendars for this SPECIAL EVENT. Registration information will come in July. This is a free Zoom Session 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 ...