CATECHESI DEL BUON PAST ORE Consiglio Internazionale Foglietto N. 19, Spring 2010 Translator s Note: I have incorporated into this translation the most recent addition Francesca sent (February 12, 2010). I am grateful to Patricia Coulter for her assistance. Also, I wanted to point out that I have used brackets [ ] where I have added text for clarity. Rebekah Rojcewicz Dear Ones, The Foglietto we are now sending is a bit particular. It is being written by Nora Bonilla, Francesca Cocchini, Tere Loyo, and Rebekah Rojcewicz. Allow us to explain why. As at least some of you already know, this year the International Consiglio [or Council] will not be convening, as was due to occur in 2010. There are various reasons for this, including the current need of the Italian Association to readjust its own financial situation [after a large investment in new editions of Sofia s books], the recent major events in Chicago, and in [Bogotá] Colombia both of which were international, involving the participation of many catechists from other countries and a similar event that is being planned for the fall of 2010 in Mexico. In view of all this, Sofia felt it was important to at least convene a meeting of the Executive Committee, constituted by the four persons named above. Hence, we four met in Rome, February 3-6, 2010. Some of the time we were at Sofia s house, to work close to her and with her as much as possible. For a small part of the time, we were at the new center at Francesca s house [where children come for the weekly atrium, and adults come for the course sessions]. Also present was Silvana Montanaro, who, along with Sofia, is part of the Honorary Board of the International Consiglio. With them and several other Roman catechists, we celebrated the Eucharist [on Thursday afternoon, February 4, around Sofia s dining room table]. Father Innocenzo Gargano, a Camaldolese monk, who is a great friend of Sofia s and a strong supporter of the catechesis, was our celebrant. On the first day of our meetings, Professor Luigi Capogrossi, the president of the Italian Association for the Religious Formation of the Child, was also present and offered his insights and assistance with organizational matters regarding our universal catechesis, which is always becoming more widespread and always fuller of life and love. In fact, the first task we undertook was a revision of the Statutes of The International Council that had been [first established at the 1996 Consiglio gathering] and then revised at the 2002 Consiglio gathering. However, given the growth of our work, certain clarifications and further revisions were required. Thus, on the next two pages, we are sharing with you the new edition of the Statues which awaits formal approval at the next Consiglio gathering. Page 1 of 5
Statutes of the International Council of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Revised February, 2010) 1) As of October 25, 1996, the International Council of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is established, with its base in Rome, at Via degli Orsini 34. 2) The International Council of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a sign of the unity of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd which is present in various countries through formally established associations. 3) The International Council of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an instrument for maintaining unity among the catechists and the identity of the Catechesis as described in The Characteristics of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (the 32 points). 4) The International Council of the Good Shepherd meets every four years and is made up of the two catechists/representatives from each association, the Executive Committee, and the honorary members that include: Sofia Cavalletti, Silvana Montanaro, Adelaide Balmas, and Luigi Capogrossi. 5) The representatives of the associations to the International Council of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd are two catechists from each country where the following requirements have been met: The existence of a formally established association for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Engagement in the work with the children in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for at least seven years. A complete vision of the catechesis, meaning knowledge of all three atrium levels and the means to insure formation of catechists at all three levels. 6) The representatives from the associations to the International Council must be chosen according to the following requirements: They must be catechists who have a solid, lengthy experience working with children in the atrium (in all three levels) and a complete vision of the catechesis. They must be in cooperation and communication with their association s board or equivalent governing body so as to have as complete a vision as is possible of the development and needs of the catechesis in their country, and they must be willing and able to communicate to their association what transpires at the Consiglio gathering. At least one of the two representatives must be currently working in an atrium. In countries where there are catechists of different Christian confessions, the association s choice of Consiglio representatives must reflect the ecumenical situation of that country. 7) The tasks of the International Council are as follows: Communication: to facilitate communication and the exchange of experiences at the international level. Formation: to reflect on proposed programs in the formation of children and adults. Research: to call forth research and a deepening of understanding regarding both aspects of the Christian message (the doctrinal content) and the methodology pertaining to the themes of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Page 2 of 5
Materials: to respond to observations and questions regarding the materials in use. To approve the requests of new associations to become part of the International Consiglio. To make all decisions regarding the assurance of the correct application of the method of the catechesis. To elect from among the associations representatives (the members of the Consiglio) those who will constitute the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee will consist of up to 7 members, at least one of whom must be Montessori trained. 8) The Executive Committee: Elects its own coordinator. Has the task of executing the decisions made at the Consiglio meeting and dealing with other concerns [that arise between Consiglio meetings and] that will then be ratified at the next Consiglio meeting. Is responsible for communicating directly with the boards of the associations [or the equivalent governing bodies] in preparation for the next meeting of the International Council. Can invite one or two guests to the Consiglio meeting, according to the needs/interests that arise pertaining to the themes to be addressed at a particular Consiglio meeting. 9) It is the responsibility of each association to implement the decisions of the International Council in its own country. Without following any particular order in the points that follow, we want to share with you, in a somewhat schematic form, the other subjects we have examined and other decisions that were made. 1) Regarding the Executive Committee, Sofia requested that we four [Francesca, Nora, Tere, and Rebekah] remain on the Executive Committee, since she considers it very important that there would be continuity in its functioning. After discussing this request among us, we accepted [her invitation] but asked that the number of members on the Executive Committee might eventually be increased to a maximum number of seven members. 2) It was decided that the next meeting of the International Council will be in Rome, during the summer of 2011. In speaking with Sofia, Silvana and Luigi, there was a confirmation of the necessity that the International Council/Consiglio really be representative of the associations and that it might thereby truly realize what is indicated in the Statutes. Thus, given the ever-growing number of associations, as well as the desire [on the part of Sofia and the Executive Committee] that the Missionaries of Charity also be represented [by sending one or two sisters] on the Consiglio, we believe that, in order to work effectively in the assembly of the Consiglio, it will become increasingly difficult to invite persons other than the two representatives of each association. On the other hand, we see clearly that there is a growing desire in all of us to be able to participate in conferences, retreats, or other gatherings which offer the opportunity to meet, communicate, Page 3 of 5
and share together with other catechists in a way that is as international as possible. To this end we hold that: When an association decides to hold a conference, congress, or gathering, whether national or international, in which themes are to be addressed that focus on our common interests, it is important that it be as widely publicized as possible, in such a way that all catechists [national or international] who want to would be able to participate. Once the themes have been selected for the upcoming International Council meeting, it would be very helpful for the individual associations to plan a gathering that would allow for as many catechists as possible to weigh in on the themes, in such a way that the two Consiglio representatives would be better able to truly represent the thinking of their respective associations. 3) We have again reflected on The Characteristics of the Good Shepherd (the 32 points). Nora shared with us the work that was done in preparation for the First Latin America Conference to facilitate catechists study of the 32 points. The work consisted in a search for the articles, letters and publications of Sofia s and Gianna s or of other catechists that serve to clarify, deepen, or expand on the individual points. [Nora has offered a detailed report of this project in Spanish as part of this Foglietto*.] [With this aim in mind that of continuing to reflect on and further illuminate the 32 points ]Sofia has underlined the importance of what is being indicated in point #4. It means the exclusion, in the work of the catechesis, of every attitude or use of language or anything else that resembles a scholastic [or schoolish] kind of work. The announcement of the [Christian] message and the meditation and personal work that follow all have a celebrative character in that they involve the person of God in God s relationship with God s creature. The atrium is the environment in which all this is experienced and enjoyed. 4) Regarding the Materials: We discussed a problem with the Abraham typology materials which a group of catechists from the U.S.A. had brought to our attention, and, in collaboration with Sofia, we have changed the text on the explanation card that is placed under the design card for the sacrifice of Isaac. The new text for that card should read: In Abraham s time of history, it was not uncommon for ancient peoples to sacrifice humans to their gods. To offer the best they had, they would even sacrifice their firstborn sons. It should not surprise us that Abraham would have had an intuition of this kind, making him ready to sacrifice his son, Isaac. But, differing from other people of his time, did he perhaps believe in God as the Lord of life? Let s read Genesis 22:1-19. How does God react to this idea of Abraham s? Re-read verse 12. This change makes the text less emphatic and more respectful of the research and personal meditation of the child. Page 4 of 5
Another materials change has to do with the green card material on the Parousia. Two prophecy cards have been added: 1) On that day the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11:9 2) The days are coming says the Lord when no longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, Know the Lord, for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. Jeremiah 31:34 The two corresponding title cards are: The Knowledge of the Lord 1 and The Knowledge of the Lord 2 Finally, we find ourselves amazed at having become so technologically up-to-date with the established websites: cgsusa.org (U.S.A.) and acoforec.org (Colombia), which are very useful for us all. *What follows [in the original form of Foglietto 19 sent from Rome] is a portion of the written report of the Latin American formation leader gathering that was recently held in Bogotá, Colombia and was enjoyed by all who participated. These pages [in Spanish] are a reflection on the Characteristics (the 32 points) which continue to be a gift to us all. *Special Note: The document referred to above from Nora Bonilla is currently in the process of being translated into English and will be shared with all members in the next mailing, June 2010. It will also be found on our website in the Members Only section. [Francesca has shared in the most recent update to the Foglietto:] I want to let you know that I have been invited to speak about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at the upcoming (April 27, 2010) III International Catholic Education Congress in Valencia, Spain [I m unable to accurately translate the Spanish title]. May we give thanks together for this opportunity. Page 5 of 5