Dear Friends,

The articles in this issue of Pastoral Liturgy® explore a way of passing on the faith and thus are an excellent prelude to the Year of Faith, which begins in October.

In the article "A Glimpse into an Atrium," Barbara Matera tells of discussing parables with a group of six- to nine-year-old children. When she asked what the hidden treasure might be, a first grader responded, "I think it is the Spirit of God." Such an insightful response might surprise many adults but not Matera, who has been a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) catechist for 14 years. She explains, "I am convinced that children respond as they do because the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd goes directly to the source, the living Word of God, and lets the children drink deeply from it."

We are the holders of a faith that is a hidden treasure from much of the world. The richness of this faith is even obscure for many Catholics. We must find ways to share our faith and help each other and our children ponder the Gospel. It is essential that we evaluate how well we are doing at passing on our faith and consider new ways. This issue of Pastoral Liturgy® opens up the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, allowing you to visit an atrium and become acquainted with the religious-education process that began more than 50 years ago in a scripture scholar's apartment. As Matera relates, CGS has spread across the globe because both children and adults have found it feeds their souls. Our lead feature "The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: A Way of Experiencing God" explains the spread of the Catechesis across the United States and then how it became the method of teaching that the Missionaries of Charity employ around the globe. CGS founder Sofia Cavalletti called it a "gift," as do catechists. You will want to read Matera's articles, along with Ann M. Garrido's review of Cavalletti's book Way of Holy Joy. Parish Picks provides reading material for you to become better acquainted with CGS.

In that same vein of passing on the faith, Mary Patricia Storms' article "Every Timothy Needs a Paul" encourages art and environment teams to mentor teens, explaining the considerations in preparing for a liturgical season and inviting the young people to work with them.

This magazine closes with a look at the Prefaces that are part of the supplement to Essential Presidential Prayers and Texts: A Roman Missal Study Edition and Workbook, by Rev. Daniel J. Merz and Abbot Marcel Rooney, OSB. Many priests and liturgy committees have made this book and The Order of Mass: A Roman Missal Study Edition and Workbook, by Revs. Michael S. Driscoll and J. Michael Joncas, part of their weekly preparation for Mass.

You will want to pass out the bulletin insert "Keeping the Vigil of Pentecost." Here, Kristopher W. Seaman, DMin, explains that the Vigil can be a powerful way to conclude Easter Time.

Finally, our thoughts are with the Congregation of St. Joseph and the family and friends of Eleanor Bernstein, CSJ. Sister Eleanor, a former director of the Center for Pastoral Liturgy at Notre Dame, died March 12. The article "A Lover of Prayer" provides remembrances of her life and work in the Church.

May the blessings of this time of year be with you as we transition from Easter to Ordinary Time.

Bishop Joseph N. Perry
Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago

Using the liturgy as its source, Pastoral Liturgy® has been intentionally designed to be of service to the whole parish with resources for leaders and parishioners, those who are just beginning to learn about liturgy, and those who are seasoned volunteers and professionals.

The six 32-page, full-color issues follow the course of the liturgical year to provide guidance for liturgy preparation, faith formation, liturgical art and architecture, and the many areas of parish ministry that flow from the liturgy to witness the Gospel and build the kingdom of God.

Pastors, parish staffs, liturgy committees, catechists, musicians, architects, and everyone seeking to learn more about how the liturgy forms and informs all of parish life will find this resource a valuable support to understanding the liturgy more fully and incorporating it as the source for all they do. That's why Pastoral Liturgy® magazine is the liturgy magazine for the whole parish!