As we near the end of the Lenten season, we know that this year many aspects of Lent will continue because of the current challenges our world is facing. However, as with the children, whenever we proclaim, "Christ has died," we continue with, "And He is risen!" Several weeks ago, during Parent Child Night at WOS, two young siblings were talking as they looked at the articles displayed in the Baptism area. The boy (4) said, "Jesus died." Immediately his older sister (6) said, "And He is risen." The boy said, again, "Jesus died," and his sister responded, again, "And He is risen." This happened five times in immediate succession. As we ponder the struggles and challenges of this moment in history, let us never forget that the Light is ALWAYS stronger than the darkness.
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. Having pondered the great gift given by Jesus at the Last Supper from the age of three, the gift by which He remains with His sheep, the 6th graders (Level III) took time to look again at this moment of history, in a new way, by pondering the Eucharist as Memorial. This word, "Memorial," has a deep meaning with its roots in the Old Testament. In Exodus 12, the Passover meal is set up as a Memorial, a ritual by which the Jewish people enter back into the moment in which they were freed from the slavery of Egypt, even if they live hundreds or thousands of years after the event. In the "Memorial" presentation, the question is asked, "Were we born too late?" We were not present at the Last Supper or at the death and resurrection of Jesus or at the moment of Pentecost. So, "Were we born too late?"
After receiving the presentation, the 6th graders took some time to write out their thoughts: - "At the Passover, Jesus said, 'This is my Body, which will be given up for you and for many. Do this in memory of me,' and at Mass the priest does the same thing. Then the same thing happens with the Blood. It becomes a perpetual memorial." - "Jesus passed the words He said down to the apostles and then they passed it down to the bishops and priests who preach it to us." - "After Jesus has ascended to heaven, the apostles pray to the Father to send His Spirit, and they repeat Jesus' words and they still do." - "I wonder why they said those words. I wonder how they all said similar things. I wonder if I go back in time if people would behave like we do. I wonder how I would feel if I were in those moments." - "Parousia: We don't know our fate on this day but we do know this. God promised it will happen and God always keeps His promises." This past school year has been one of many gifts and many challenges. As we approach the summer with the knowledge that we have hired a new Head of School and as we look forward to introducing her to our school and parent communities, it seems like the perfect moment to look back at this past year. In the Level I (3-6 year old) Atrium we speak often about the many gifts that God has given to us. We "open and enjoy" them, lifting them up and marveling at God's goodness. His plan for fullness of life was foretold by the prophets, witnessed to by angels and shepherds, Jews and Gentiles, learned men and even an unborn baby. As Jesus grew, He spoke about the Kingdom of God, revealing that it is like a Mustard Seed, a Precious Pearl, a Hidden Treasure and Leaven. He knows us by name and lays down His life only to take it up again and share with each of us a life stronger than death, a light stronger than darkness. What great love! The Level II (6-9 year old) children, while still encountering and recognizing His many gifts, also begin to ask how they might respond to the one who has filled the earth so that it resembles a banquet table lavishly heaped with all that we need. His great love demands a response in kind! As we ponder the Parable of the True Vine we realize that we don't want to just bear fruit; we want to bear the most beautiful fruit that will bring the greatest glory to God! The Level III (9-12 year old) children were recently pondering the four Cardinal Virtues of Justice, Fortitude, Prudence, and Temperance. In our conversation on Fortitude they began speaking about the many saints who had been martyred for their faith: Blessed Miguel Pro, St. Joan of Arc, St. Sebastian, St. Lawrence, and others. One child said that St. Mother Teresa had also lived with fortitude because she was willing to die when she worked with those who had sicknesses that could kill her. This led to a dialogue about living with fortitude and, eventually, to a discussion about white martyrdom or pouring oneself out in the way one lives daily life. What other option is there? How else can we live if we follow the one who has given all for us in laying down His life for His sheep? During every Mass we remember and experience again this essential interaction between God and man of gift and response. God gives all to us through sending the Holy Spirit in the Epiclesis who transforms our gifts of bread and wine (representative of the little work we do in elevating His gifts of wheat and grapes) into the very Body and Blood of Jesus. Having received such an incomprehensible gift, how can we respond? The only "gift" we can give in response is the gift we have just received...Jesus, Himself. When the priest lifts up Jesus and offers Him back to God in the Doxology we, too, offer our thoughts, words, and actions, all of the ways we have imitated the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, pouring ourselves out for the one who has given all for us.
This year I have witnessed on a regular basis several individuals pouring themselves out for the children, families, and staff of our school. Thank you to those who have truly given all that they have. Your gift of self is seen and it is so appreciated. The beautiful, amazing fruit on your branch of the True Vine is bringing great, great glory to Our Heavenly Father, the Vinegrower. Thank you for opening and enjoying His gifts and for your whole-hearted "yes," like Mary, in response. May God reward you as only He can! The Level III (4th - 6th grade) children took time out of their school day last Friday to prepare for and lead a beautiful celebration of the Liturgy of the Light. Complete with flashlights and processions, Scripture and prayers from the Roman Missal, singing and many, many candles, this yearly event is memorable for all involved. Truly, the light is stronger than the darkness!!
The Cenacle or Upper Room is the traditional way of referring to the location in which the Last Supper took place in the City of Jerusalem. In the Atrium, children as young as three are introduced to the feast of Passover as a special celebration in which the Jewish people eat the same foods and pray the same prayers every year. The Last Supper follows this tradition, but during it Jesus prays new prayers that had never been prayed before. While the apostles had never heard these new words of Jesus, "This is my Body...This is my Blood," we have! And we know what they mean! He is really with us when His Body and Blood are with us. What a gift!
In working with the Cenacle, children ages three to six have shared the following...
During the season of Lent, one of the most popular materials in the Children's House (Level I) and Lower Elementary (Level II) Atria is the City of Jerusalem. With this material the children are introduced to and continue to ponder the events of Holy Week. Beginning during Lent in their second year in the Level I Atrium, the "story" of Jesus' journey from the Last Supper at the Cenacle to His death and resurrection, is told and retold through this work. In Level II, the children expand their work with this material, moving from Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday through His Ascension and the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.
The children, in their work with the City of Jerusalem, have revealed the following...
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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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