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After a child has completed copying words when making a booklet in the Atrium, it is always interesting to see how the cover of their booklet will be illustrated. I can't think of a better illustration for the Words of Consecration than the following.
After Psalm 23:1a, "The Lord is my shepherd," was re-introduced to a group of kindergarteners during this past Lent, several chose to draw during their time of work and prayer. One child drew a shepherd and sheep while another drew herself in a Church. A third drew the altar table while a fourth drew God and children. You might notice here the range of the very concrete L1 child (sheep) to the more abstract L1 child (us). I found the depictions of the church and the altar particularly interesting in relation to having offered just this one line from Psalm 23.
Prophecies: 5 yo Another early writing opportunity for the children is to copy a Prophecy. This paper can be used for Prophecy Writing.
Psalm 23: 5yo Some children also enjoying copying Psalm 23. This paper can be used for writing Psalm 23.
After reading the Parable of the Found Sheep to a 4yo, but before asking any questions, the child said:
While reviewing the Good Shepherd and the Found Sheep with a 5yo, the child said:
Catechist: "I wonder where He leads His sheep."
Catechist: "I wonder why the sheep follow His voice?"
Catechist: "What makes the Good Shepherd so good?"
Catechist: "I wonder what names the Good Shepherd calls when He calls His sheep."
While pondering Psalm 23 with 3-6yos, a catechist asked, "What do you think 'he restores my soul' means?"
Within the Atrium materials are often returned to in a variety of ways. One example of this "spiral method" is the sheepfold. As a 3yo this material is used alongside the Parable of the Good Shepherd, focusing on how the Good Shepherd (Jesus) knows His sheep by name, calls them, and they follow Him. He lays down His life for His sheep, giving them all of His love, His time, His care, and His attention. The following year, as a 4yo, the exact same material is used as the Parable of the Found Sheep is read. In this Scripture we are invited to ponder how much love the Good Shepherd (Jesus) has for each of HIs sheep, searching for one that is lost, lifting that sheep on His shoulders and carrying it home with His own strength, and, overflowing with joy, inviting others to celebrate with Him. There is so much love and rejoicing!!
At some point around the age of 5, the sheepfold is presented again to the child, with some additional materials. There is a second circle, also the sheepfold, which is called the church. The Good Shepherd calls His sheep to the church and they follow. Here He feeds them with the very best food and drink, giving them all of Himself to them. After enjoying the great gift of the Good Shepherd present under the signs of bread and wine on the altar at the church there is a question asked. This question is the same one that has ended every previous presentation. "Who is the Good Shepherd? Who said, 'I am the Good Shepherd?' Jesus, right?" "But who are these sheep that are known by name and are loved and cared for in such a beautiful way?" It is only when the child can answer this question that the second moment of this new way of using the sheepfold is shown. After coming to the realization that we are the sheep of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and having enjoyed the sheep around the altar table with the little Good Shepherd statue in between the signs of bread and wine, we introduce a box containing people with which we replace the sheep around the altar. The final sheep is held back as this sheep has a special role and if this sheep is not present then the Good Shepherd will not be with His sheep in this particular way, hidden under the signs of bread and wine. It is this sheep who has been given the gift and the role of saying the same words Jesus said at the Last Supper, "This is my Body. This is my Blood." It is the priest who is one of us, the sheep, and yet has such an important role within the sheepfold. What a gift that there are men who have said "yes" to bringing us such a great gift as the Good Shepherd, present under the signs of bread and wine in the midst of His sheep!
In the Atrium I was looking at a picture of the Good Shepherd with a sheep on His shoulders with a 4.5 year old girl:
This same child had a conversation with her mom, also a catechist, during the following week:
After sharing the L1 children's thoughts on Psalm 23 last week, I thought share the extended pondering of some 1st grade L2 children:
Psalm 23:1-3a
Psalm 23:1-3
Psalm 23:1-4
Pondering Psalm 23:1:
Pondering Psalm 23:1-3a:
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Carolyn Kohlhaas
CGS Catechist and Formation Leader (Levels I, II, and III) Categories
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July 2026
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