Every year as we approach Lent the children in the Atrium take time celebrate the beautiful gift of "Alleluia," our anthem of praise. All of the children have had time in the past week to enjoy and ponder this beautiful word as they decorated Alleluia cards which they then "buried" in anticipation of Lent, a season of quiet and listening. The bin of their "Alleluias" will remain under the prayer table until the great celebration of the Liturgy of the Light at Easter when we will again "Praise the Lord" with our "Alleluias!"
The Sacraments are introduced in the Atrium as the children are ready to ponder them. Thus, in Level I (3-6 year olds) Eucharist and Baptism have many materials which allow for sensorial experiences of the elements of these Sacraments. In Level II (6-9 year olds) Reconciliation is introduced as the children begin to prepare to receive this Sacrament. In Level III (9-12 year olds) a broader encounter with the Sacraments is provided through the material called "The Holy Bible and the Sacraments." The seven Sacraments are introduced as a whole, starting with the way in which they are placed on the Plan of God timeline around the star and cross that mark when Jesus lived on the earth. Since His death and resurrection, the Holy Bible and the Sacraments are the means through which we continue to encounter Him and experience His presence. After introducing the Sacraments in this way the Level III children take time to discuss each Sacrament and ask questions and conduct research to provide definitions for each. Sharing our findings provides a place for further questions and answers about each of these beautiful ways in through we continue to encounter the Risen Christ today. What does it mean to rejoice? What brings us joy? Take a moment and ponder. What would you say?
In speaking with the Level I, 3-6 year old child, there was a great variety in response, and a great depth of truth. What does 'Rejoice!' mean? - "Happiness." - "A hug from Jesus." - "Peace." - "Your heart is happy." - "The Shepherd takes care of the sheep." - "God loves you." What brings us joy? - "The world." - "Our houses." - "A soft bumblebee." - "Our families." - "Mom and Dad taking care of children." - "Loving God." And, in the words of a six-year-old, "Joy is when your heart is so full that your eyes have tears." In a recent post on the Liturgy it was stated that The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is founded on two pillars, Scripture and Liturgy. From the first weeks of the year the youngest children in the Atrium are introduced to the Holy Bible as the Word of God, the way in which He is present, speaking for all to hear. This introduction to God's Word is repeated every year, forming a foundation for the importance of this holy book. In addition, there are many, many materials in the Atrium which lift up particular aspects of God's Word which speak deeply to children at different ages. From the age of three through the age of twelve the children spend many hours pondering, enjoying, studying, and engaging in discussion around the truths revealed to man by God in the Holy Bible. |
Carolyn Kohlhaas
CGS Catechist and Formation Leader (Levels I, II, and III) Categories
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