- The Anointing with the Oil of Catechumens which speaks about light overcoming darkness.
- The Conferring of the Sacrament where the most essential elements of matter (water) and form ("__Name__, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.") are highlighted.
- The Conferring of the White Garment which speaks of being clothed in Christ.
- The Our Father because it shows that the child who has been baptized is now part of the family of God.
As we continue to celebrate the many gifts we have received through the Paschal Mystery during this Easter Season, the Atrium children have been spending time pondering the great gift of Baptism as the sacrament by which we, too, have been invited into the Paschal Mystery, dying with Christ and rising with Him. The Easter Season began with a celebration modeled after the Liturgy of the Light from the Easter Vigil. The sign of the Paschal Candle and the light being shared with each child through individual candles provided a striking image of the Risen Light of Jesus and His strength in overcoming darkness. The Baptism area in the Atrium highlights the Light as well, although it is the crucifix which stands in the center of the area because just as Jesus died and rose, we die and rise with Him in our Baptism. Throughout their three years in L1 the children experience more and more signs (articles and gestures) which are experienced in the Order of Baptism. As the children move into L2 (6-9) they continue to be invited each year into a pondering of the great gift of Baptism. Early in their L2 experience they are offered the nomenclature cards for Baptism which contain images of the articles and gestures seen during the Order of Baptism as well as titles and definitions for them to match, copy, and enjoy. Later in their L2 time they are offered a work which places these articles and gestures in the order in which they experienced them during their own Baptism. This material contains a brief description of the action of each most essential moment as well as a small portion of the verbal prayer which was prayed. In the L3 Atrium we return to the L2 Order of Baptism with its essential moments but then expand the work into all eighteen moments of the sacrament along with the full text of the prayers prayed. Some children choose to copy a single prayer or all of the prayers of Baptism. Others enjoy looking closely at one or two prayers. This year when a L3 group of four girls was asked about their favorite prayers they chose:
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Carolyn Kohlhaas
CGS Catechist and Formation Leader (Levels I, II, and III) Categories
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May 2024
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