This morning, on our final day of school this Holy Week, 2016, the children came to the Atrium in small groups to walk, together, the final steps of Jesus. The fourth through sixth graders led the reading of Scripture and proposed some wondering questions related to each station. The Atrium was quiet, dark, and peaceful. It was beautiful to see the leadership of the older children as they made sure that the younger ones could see each station, knew how and when to genuflect, and were well cared for throughout.
Instead of spending time in the Atrium this week, our children, grades kindergarten through sixth, took part in an age-appropriate Seder Meal. I had the privilege of guiding our fourth through sixth graders in the preparation and celebration of this event in their classroom. The children prepared the food, the table, and the readings, and then we came together and recalled the Scriptural account of Passover and God's call to the People of God to "remember" this event. We also read the Scriptural account of Jesus' Last Supper, likely set within a traditional Passover meal, and reflected on our own participation in the "memorial" of his death and resurrection which we recall at Eucharist. We then proceeded to celebrate our Seder Meal.
The Parable of the Good Shepherd forms the core of the Atrium for the youngest children, ages three to six. It continues to be a significant reference point for all children in the Atrium, through the age of twelve, and is often returned to by them. There are many presentations connected to this parable and many extensions that help to link this work to the essential nature of our covenantal relationship with God, to the Paschal Mystery, and to liturgy, particularly Baptism (when we are welcomed into the sheepfold of the Church), Eucharist (where we are fed by the best food and best drink), and Reconciliation (when the Good Shepherd searches for us when we are lost and carries us home, rejoicing). In the Atrium, the understanding that Jesus is the Good Shepherd is emphasized from the very first presentation at age three. However, we do not reveal to the children that we are the sheep and, instead, continually wonder with them about who these sheep could be that the Good Shepherd loves so much. The moment they realize that they are one of the Good Shepherd's sheep is a beautiful, priceless moment when the Good Shepherd, through the Holy Spirit, reveals to their listening heart the depth of his love for him/her. Truly, this moment of revelation is one of wonder and awe, never to be forgotten. In connection with the Parable of the Good Shepherd we also lift up Psalm 23 which introduces David (the shepherd-king) and psalms as prayer. The younger children enjoy tracing the first line of the psalm, drawing what they think of when hearing "The Lord is my Shepherd." Older children often write their own copy of Psalm 23.
Responses from the Children: - In response to the Found Sheep presentation, "The sheep missed him because they are like brothers and sisters." (5 year old) - In response to Psalm 23:1-3a, "David is saying, Thank you for helping me. Thank you for doing things for me." (4 year old) - In response to Psalm 23:3a, "He restores my soul," "It's like he takes a vacuum cleaner inside us." (5 year old) - In response to Psalm 23:4, "He's not afraid in the dark valley because he's with God and God is the light." (1st grader, with a similar response repeated by a second 1st grader in a separate group of children.) - Three girls, ages 4 and 5, received the presentation of how the Good Shepherd calls his sheep to the Church and then were asked, "Do you know what names the Good Shepherd calls when he calls his sheep?" The first replied, so quietly it was hard to hear, and yet filled with wonder, "Us!" The second said, "He calls them 'Joy'!" The third child just stared silently at the sheep and then asked to stay and work with the material, remaining with it for more then ten minutes, bringing the sheep to the Church, gathering them around the altar table holding the paten, chalice, and small figure of the Good Shepherd. Throughout Lent we have been focusing on different aspects of the Paschal Mystery in the Atrium. Whenever we speak about the death of Jesus, we also speak about His resurrection because, as St. Paul says, "If Christ has not been raised, then empty, too, is our preaching; empty, too, your faith" (1 Corinthians 15:14). The Children's House presentations on the Paschal Mystery include the Cenacle or Last Supper work for the three year olds, an introduction to the journey of Jesus between the Last Supper and His resurrection through the City of Jerusalem material for the four year olds, and a reflection on John 12:24 and on the Empty Tomb for the five year olds. However, there are many other materials that also speak to the death and resurrection of Jesus. During this Lenten season, it has been a gift to watch the children return to materials that speak to this great mystery of our faith!
Introducing young children to the Mystery of the Kingdom of God seems to puzzle most adults. I have to admit that when I first began to ponder the five Parables of the Kingdom that we present to the 3-6 year old children, I felt at a loss. I didn't understand what these parables told us about the Kingdom of God myself! However, looking back over the past ten years of pondering this mystery with Level I children I am astounded at their insights. I have learned much from them about what Jesus is telling us about His Kingdom...and I know I still have much to learn as we listen again and again to these parables together.
One of the children's favorite works related to the Kingdom is that of the Precious Pearl or the Pearl of Great Price. When we adults hear this parable we are often struck by the fact that the man sells EVERYTHING for this one pearl. The children, in contrast, are most captivated by the joy of the merchant as he looks at that one most precious pearl. If only we approached sacrifice in the same way, emphasizing the joy of the gift rather than the loss to ourselves. I have so much to learn from these children! I wonder what was so special about that Pearl? - "He knew God was in the Pearl!" (4 year old child) - "The Pearl is Jesus." (4 year old child) What do you think he did when he arrived home with that most precious Pearl? - "He looked at the Pearl and said a prayer." (3 year old child) We have had the joy of welcoming parents into the Atrium the past two Monday evenings! Last week Children's House children (3 year olds through kindergarten) brought their parents to school to show them some of their favorite work in their learning environments. It was a gift to see them choosing and showing materials to their families and to see their parents enjoying their love of Scripture and liturgy in the Atrium. This week the elementary children invited their families into the Atrium. Again, it was a gift to enjoy the diversity of their favorite work!
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Carolyn Kohlhaas
CGS Catechist and Formation Leader (Levels I, II, and III) Categories
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April 2024
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