Ways to Nurture the Relationship with God - Softcover

Sofia Cavalletti; Patricia Coulter

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1568549202 ISBN 13: 9781568549200

Publisher: Liturgy Training Publications, 2010

Synopsis

There is an inner hunger and thirst in us, which is a sign of our longing for God. Often this longing is deeper than words. Sometimes it surfaces and we ask:
What can nourish the deep needs of our spirit?
What can feed the great capacities of our heart and mind?
What can enable us to enjoy God's presence in our lives?
What can activate our enormous potential to be God's image in our world?
The meditations in this book offer ways to feed this hunger and thirst--our soul's longing for "good news of great joy" (Luke 2: 10). They explore and illuminate the Christian message and are the fruit of Sophia Cavaletti's meditations with adults gathered together as listeners to the Word. Because this book arose from actual encounters, the writers invite you to enter into it as a fellow listener, meditating on scripture and liturgy alongside them.

About this title

About the Author

Sofia Cavalletti
Sofia Cavalletti received her degree in Hebrew and Comparative Semitic Languages from the Universita La Sapienza in Rome. She has contributed to several editions of the Bible (Old Testament), translating Isaiah, Leviticus, Ruth, Esther, Judith, and Proverbs, and to international publications on biblical studies. Dr. Cavalletti is also a specialist in the field of ecumenism, espcially the Jewish-Christian relationship. In 1954, Sofia Cavalletti founded, together with Gianna Gobbi, the Good Shepherd Centre of Catechesis for children and adults, with which she is still involved. This work has spread to five continents through lectures, seminars, courses and publications, which have been translated into many languages. In the course of more than 50 years' experience with children from the age of two years and upward, they have revealed unexpected capacities in their relationship with the Transcendent. Children from very diverse geographical, social and cultural environments have always responded to this relationship with a profound sense of joy, which puts them in a particular state of peace, such as to make us think that this relationship satisfies a vital need within children.

Patricia Coulter
Patricia Coulter received her Doctorate in Ministry from the University of St. Michael's College, University of Toronto. Throughout their long friendship, she has collaborated with Dr. Cavalletti in courses, various initiatives, translations, and as coauthor with her of The Good Shepherd and the Child: A Joyful Journey.
In 2004, Dr. Coulter was the recipient of the Pro Ecclesia et Poniface Cross for her ministry with children and adults. She is Senior Consultant for Spiritual Formation, Archdiocese of Toronto, and an adjunct Professor for the Faculty of Theology, University of St. Michael's College. Along with her writing, Patricia is also involved in the ministry of spiritual direction and retreats.

Review

Reading Ways to Nurture the Relationship with God is a bit like pulling up a chair to join Sofia and Patricia for a meditation that touches the heart and mind. It is an excellent resource not only for those of us involved as catechists and formation leaders in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd but for anyone looking for a helpful way to linger over and grow in understanding of the scriptures. The rich words and diagrams stayed with me long after I had put the book away. In the chapter on the Good Shepherd Sofia says of Psalm 23: This is a real jewel. Those same words aptly describe this splendid book. Indeed, it is a real jewel! --Donna Turner, Catechist of children and the coordinator for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, St. Philip Episcopal Church in Memphis

For decades now, catechists across North America have shared tidbits of Sofia Cavalletti s adult reflections in their formation courses. Now finally we have many of these reflections in written form to meditate upon at length. Cavalletti has been recognized internationally for her unparalleled understanding of the religious potential of children. These meditations betray her equally unparalleled devotion to life-long scripture study, rooted in the original biblical languages. --Ann M. Garrido, DMin, Associate Professor of Homiletics, Director of the DMin and MAPS-CGS Programs, Aquinas Institute of Theology

This book is an invitation to draw close and listen deeply to God s full and abundant love for us. The gift of these rich and deep meditations will nurture our hearts and minds and enable us to more deeply enjoy God s presence in our lives. Many thanks, Sofia and Patricia! --Mary Mirrione, National Director of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

About this edition

• Publisher: Liturgy Training Publications
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1568549202
• ISBN 13: 9781568549200
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 128
• Editor: Margaret Brennan