FROM THE EDITORS
'Our experience as catechists tells us that the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, in all its expressions, can only be brought about by working together. An atrium, a formation course, a national event, an association, a journal - all need the talents, generosity, energy, desire, and inspiration of many people in order to exist. And yet, as the articles arrived for this issue on 'collaboration', we were so moved to read about the depth of this subject and how foundational it is to our catechesis. Sofia's article open's our ears to the 'gentle, soft voices' of the children, which we must 'hear' by observing their 'demeanor… the way they work with the materials… their drawings.' From Father Mongillo, we receive a view of the covenant relationship of collaboration within the call to God's kingdom. We are then led to the holy intimacy of the atrium by a new excerpt from Maria Christlieb's published journal. The next three articles open the door for us to the Formation Leaders' Conference, held in July 2006 in New Hampshire. As readers, we become present for three of the principal talks by Ann Garrido, Linda Kaiel, and Anna Hurdle. They all address so beautifully the theme of collaboration. The two pieces that follow show us the 'green shoots' of our catechesis in distant countries. Catherine Maresca takes us to a month-long course in Uganda and Anna-Maria Shepperson to a single atrium session in South Africa. The final essay, by Anna Hurdle, tells us about an extraordinary atrium parnership, grounded in love. Alll the lovely writings of this journal are only the 'frame' for the art and prayers and 'pearls' of the children - drawings of shepherds and altar tables, simple words of praise. We hope you enjoy each page.' - Tina Lillig for the Journal Team: Suzanne Haraburd, Suzanne M Lewis, Tina Lillig, Betsy Peterson, and Polly Tangora