The gifts of the Holy Spirit are derived from Isaiah 11:2-3. An explanation of each gift is given below.

• Awe and Wonder (Fear of the Lord) - We are amazed by God. God is perfection: perfect love, perfect goodness, perfect power. Our God, who inspires awe and wonder within us, can fully satisfy - like no human being truly can - a child's need and desire to be in deep, loving relationship.
• Reverence (Piety) - The gift of Reverence instills in us a deep sense of respect for God. We rely on God and come before God with love, trust, and humility.
• Knowledge - The gift of Knowledge enables us to know the will of God, especially as expressed in the life and words of Jesus. A desire for knowledge drives us to always learn more about the Word of God and the traditions of our faith.
• Fortitude (Courage) - The gift of Fortitude strengthens us to act according to the will of God, as followers of Jesus, even in the face of rejection, temptation, fear, or harm.
• Counsel (Right Judgment) - The gift of Counsel enables us to distinguish right from wrong and to choose to do what is right. When we are receptive to God's counsel, we make loving choices.
• Understanding - Understanding enables a person to gain certitude about the mysteries and truths of our faith, penetrating deeply to develop insight and intuition far beyond knowledge.
• Wisdom - The gift of Wisdom instills in us the desire to direct our whole life and all our actions toward seeking and building the Kingdom of God.

The above-listed, expanding order of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is as presented by Pope St. Gregory the Great (Homiliae in Hiezechihelem Prophetam, II 7,7) and connects beautifully with the expanding order of a child's development through Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

In Level I, CGS provides the time, environment, and experiences for the child to fall in love with our awesome God. In Level II, through the parable-allegory of the True Vine, the child is entreated to "remain" in relationship with Jesus. The directive to "remain" is closely tied with the child's building knowledge of the Word of God and the Sacraments, particularly as the child prepares for and experiences the first celebrations of Reconciliation and Eucharist. These sacraments, as well as continued learning, strengthen the maturing child who makes personal decisions based on the central messages of Level III:

• A plan has always existed in the mind of God to bring all people, all things, all of creation into the full enjoyment of God in a cosmic communion of love.
• The history of the Kingdom of God has been, and continues to be, written by people all over the world, of all types and all ages. We are each called to contribute to this history.

The children will listen to and meditate on the Kingdom Parables many times over all their years in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, and in fact, throughout their lives, since these parables are read at Mass from time to time. They will hear different messages as the gifts of the Holy Spirit unfold and grow within them.

As we journey through the last half of the Easter season toward Pentecost, you may choose to read and pray with these scripture passages, holding a particular gift or gifts of the Holy Spirit especially in your heart as you read.

The Leaven, Matthew 13:33

The Mustard Seed, Matthew 13:31

It's time to plan ahead for 2013/14. St. Teresa of Avila offers lots of faith formation programs. Because our programs are thriving, we need new adults to help. Talk to catechists you know about their personal experiences: how and why they got started? the challenges they've overcome? the joys they've experienced?

Even without knowing exact numbers, it's safe to say we'll have need for new catechists. And you can also help by spreading the word about these great programs. We want new children to participate, as well as new adults to help. Even if it's not right for you, you may know just the right person. Personal encouragement and invitation makes all the difference in this type of "recruiting!" The faith formation ministries to consider are:

• Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level I (age 3-6), Level II (age 6-9), and Level III (age 9-12)
• EDGE Middle School Program (7th and 8th grade) - need new catechists; young adults particularly desirable
• High School Program (hopefully starting new in 2013/14!) - have leaders; looking to add kids to existing group
• Children's Liturgy of the Word at 9AM Mass - want new leaders so we can split into two groups, roughly (a) below 2nd grade and (b) 2nd grade and up
• First Reconciliation and Communion Prep - welcome new helpers
• Parents' Preparation for Infant Baptism - need about two new ministers
• RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) - need new catechists/parishioner supporters