This summer, communities around the world have grappled with how to continue to do those things which are most essential to our lives while providing accommodations for safely living in this particular moment in history. Many Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Training courses across the US and the world were canceled this summer, but in Minnesota and Wisconsin we have had the gift of continuing the formation of adults who desire to provide this beautiful work to our children. Since May, I have participated in eleven weeks of CGS Training in the upper Midwest. Some courses were limited by number, some were conducted in cafeterias or gyms, with the Atrium spread out in large spaces, and, as the summer continued, more and more masks were seen. This summer I have observed that our current moment in history has brought about an even deeper longing for time with Jesus, for communion and unity with one another, and for hearing again and again that the Light is truly stronger than the darkness.
 An adult's response to the Level 2 reflection on the Parable of the Sower. |  An adult's response to the Level 2 Eucharistic Presence of the Good Shepherd. |
The formation of the adult in this beautiful work of CGS includes hearing the presentations as they are given to children and receiving background reflections which provide the pedagogical and theological foundations of this work. In addition, there is time to write up presentations (lessons), make materials, and work with Atrium materials ourselves because it is important that we, as adults, receive this work as a gift in order to hand it over, as gift, to the children. Taking time to work in the Atrium with the materials, listening more deeply for the voice of the Good Shepherd, and responding to Him through the work of the hand, including art, is essential to the formation of the child and of the adult. This summer there were many moments of quiet and stillness while adults worked in the Atrium. Truly, this work is such a gift, not just to children but also to us as adults.
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