Theology becomes 'kidspeak'

Arlington, VA (Catholic Herald) - Two diocesan women will be honored later this month at the Catholic Press Association's meeting in Chicago with a second place award for their 2008 Living the 10 Commandments for Children. The recognition includes an all-expense paid trip and a one-hour book-signing promotion at the Catholic marketing exposition.

Writing partners Rosemarie Gortler of St. Jude Church in Spotsylvania and Donna Piscitelli of St. Louis Parish in Alexandria, are not resting on their laurels, however. The fifth in a series, The Beatitudes for Children debuted in the early spring.

Their publisher, Our Sunday Visitor, Inc., gets the credit, according to Gortler, for the idea of a book on the Beatitudes as outlined in Matthew 5:3-10. They noticed a dearth of material for children on the subject, which can be difficult for even adults to comprehend.

The Gortler-Piscitelli team has a knack for translating complex tenets of theology into "kidspeak." As they have done in their earlier works on grace, the Mass, the Blessed Mother, and the Commandments, they carefully tailor the comprehension and reading level to their young audiences. As in the previous books, artist Mimi Sternhagen's charming illustrations are also invaluable in helping youngsters understand difficult concepts.

The first beatitude from the Sermon on the Mount about being "poor in spirit" presents just the initial challenge that the authors meet head on throughout the book. They say:

"This teaching of Jesus might sound strange -- that God wants us to be poor in spirit. It sounds as though God wants us to have no money, and to be sad, if we want to be with Him in heaven someday."

They remind the young reader that the words Jesus spoke have different meanings today. In using the phrase "poor in spirit," they explain, Our Lord is telling us "we need to be humble and to place all our trust in God, knowing that God is always there for us."

The authors' vision is that the beatitudes are a living map that directs the individual's journey to God and eternal life. For family discussions of real life situations and solutions, parents and teachers can go to www.osv.com and click "BOOKS"; select "Book Resources and Downloads."

This Web site serves as a sneak-peak into the writers' talented kidspeak style and also highlights Sternhagen's sweet illustrations. All the books in the series are still available. Little Acts of Grace, the first book, is geared for pre-schoolers up to age 7. The current publication, The Beatitudes for Children, is geared for Grades 3-4 and sells. Already in the planning stages is a book on the virtues that will target the "tweens" group.

As has been their custom, this prolific writing team will donate much of their royalties to their favorite charities: St. Vincent de Paul; Birthright of Fredericksburg; Project Rachel; and the Poor Clare Monastery in Alexandria.

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