Planning Communal Prayer is a process which builds many skills. The Level 3 children have experienced communal prayer for many years. In Level 1 they gathered to ponder a single word ("Alleluia!") or single verse of Scripture. They sang and offered thanks to God. In Level 2 the children began a more formal structure of prayer as they helped to lead different elements of our communal gatherings and even moved into assisting in writing petitions or choosing the songs that fit the Gospel being proclaimed. In Level 3 the children begin to take on a leadership role in planning communal prayer. After selecting a Gospel they work together to decide what message Jesus is communicating in that passage. Then, articulating this as the theme of their prayer, they use a concordance to find a psalm and a passage from the Old Testament which speak to this theme. Prayers of petition and songs as well as opening and closing prayers come next. Finally, the children assign roles and practice leading each portion of their planned prayer before inviting the community to join them in the communal celebration. This past week, working in small groups, the Level 3 children reviewed this process as each group chose a Gospel and theme then moved into the additional components of their prayer.
While we have not yet moved into our Atrium space, we couldn't wait to begin the year! Last week the Level 3 (3rd - 6th graders) began by looking at the Liturgical Calendar material. In our discussion we realized that we were away from the Atrium for almost exactly half of the liturgical year! While it is unusual for children in the Atrium to all be doing the same work at the same time, this year we are simply grateful to be back together again. The children began to make their own liturgical calendar for the upcoming 2021 year.
"Come and Worship" - "We come and talk to God and worship and tell Him we love Him because He loves us so much. We come so He can tell us how to love Him." (4 year old) "Taste and see that the Lord is good." - "God gives us good food." (4 year old) - "Like at the Last Supper." (5 year old) - "Like the blessed wine and bread." (5 year old) - "Thank you for the Good Shepherd." (4 year old) As a new Atrium year begins, there are the usual material making, cleaning, scheduling and organizing responsibilities that all those who work with children over the school year tackle. This year, however, there are many additional considerations being made by all educators to ensure that the children will experience a familiar, peaceful, safe environment. Here in the Midwest, many Atria will be opening this fall with modifications based on state, diocesan, and school district guidelines. Handwashing, material cleaning, social distancing, and masking will be a part of many environments this year. However, even with these considerations, the importance of providing a space in which children will be able to take time away to listen and speak with God is essential. The efforts being made by parents, CGSUSA, and numerous regional catechist groups and organizations to provide this for our children has been beautiful to see. CGSUSA is providing guidelines for reopening on their website and many conversations are being had in the area to share ideas and insights. It is good to be part of a community that places such priority on the vital religious needs and capacities of children!
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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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