~by Susi Pittman

.

Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for of such is the kingdom of God. Amen I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God as a little child will not enter into it.

~ Jesus (Mark 10: 14-15)

There are moments in life when you know that you are present to something most extraordinary. Recently, I had one of those moments. In front of me was a creation that spoke to the heart of the Catholic Church—the Gospel truths and the tenets of the Faith.

Without reserve, I tell you that this should be in every Catholic home and school:

THE TEACHING CRECHE

Anthony Coticelli of New Jersey, the inventor of the crèche, a religious teacher with an Ed. M from Boston University, and who for 35 years has both taught and consulted on leadership development and training, was inspired to create the TEACHING CRECHE as a way of honoring God the Father who has given him a life worth living.

It is a simple yet intricate presentation of Catholic theology. It is a way for parents and educators to share the Church’s teachings in an interactive and easily understood way.

Starting with our Judeo-Christian roots, it moves through God-and-Man, the Ten Commandments, the Holy Trinity, the Greek and Latin influences, the salvation of mankind through Christ and the ever eternal Flame of Love emanating from the Triune Godhead.

In addition, there is support as you move in your teaching mission. Mr. Coticelli’s website offers a PRECATOR MEMBERSHIP (from the Latin Precatorious, to pray or supplicate). This is an opportunity to expand on the teachings of the crèche.

I reiterate that this product is a marvelous addition to any home or school. Can you imagine the benefits of sharing this visual with your children as you the parent or educator have an immediate authority in Catholic theology?! The children will love the various visual accompanying figures, each making a simple, yet deeply spiritual statement in faith.

I invite you all to visit The Teaching Creche website where you are sure to be inspired to a “can do” mission of bringing our children to Christ!

Susi Pittman is founder of CatholicStewardsofCreation.com and Owner-President of Twin Oaks Publishing; she is author of Animals in Heaven? Catholics Want to Know!; an advocate for the Florida Catholic Conference; a member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Council of Women in Jacksonville, Florida; an Associate of the Sisters of St. Joseph, St. Augustine;a member of the Florida Publishers Association, Independent Book Publishers Association, the National Association of Professional Women, the ASPCA, the Humane Society of the United States and the National Audubon society.