Most weeks each Atrium session ends with Communal Prayer. We gather at the Prayer Table to respond, collectively, to the many gifts God has given to us in our lives and, in particular, during our time in the Atrium. This celebration changes based on the liturgical season, the age of the children,and the needs of the group who are gathered. In the Level I Atrium (ages 3-6), this time is lead by the catechist and is composed of music, a prayer word (ex: "Amen") or short verse of Scripture from the Gospels or the Psalms, and time for individual responses of thanks and praise. In the Level II and III Atria sessions (1st-3rd and 4th-6th grade), this time of prayer is led by either the catechist or by the children themselves. For the elementary children, communal prayer is often based on a Liturgy of the Word format. The Gospel is chosen first and then music, intercessions, and additional Scripture readings may be added to support the Gospel message. The planning of this prayer is done by the children with more or less assistance from an adult, based on the age of the children. By 6th grade, the children are planning and leading prayer completely on their own with facility, confidence, and joy. Here is an example of Communal Prayer planned and led by a group of three 3rd grade children. They chose, instead of a Gospel, a passage from the Acts of the Apostles. After proclaiming the Scripture during prayer, one of the children explained that they chose this passage because the man who had been crippled was "raised" just as Jesus was "raised" from the dead. A 2nd grade child added that this passage reminded them of the Parable of the Good Samaritan because while many people walked past the crippled man, Peter stopped and helped him just as the priest and Levite walked past them man who had been robbed but the Good Samaritan stopped to care for him. Another child commented on how Peter used the name of Jesus as a gift and the children pondered collectively on gifts they could share with others: friendship, kindness, love, help, etc.
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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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