The celebration of Pentecost always marks the end of the year in the Atrium. This year (for the first time ever for me) we were behind the liturgical calendar! Even though Pentecost Sunday was over a week ago, we have waited until this week to celebrate in the Atrium. It is so appropriate to head into summer having asked the Holy Spirit to stir up His gifts within us and to pray in a special way for the gift we feel will most help us to write well and live well. The youngest children recalled the many gifts of Baptism and then focused on the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. After hearing a brief definition of each gift, each child was invited to the prayer table to choose the one gift they most wanted "stirred up" in their heart. A candle with their name on it was then lit from that gift's candle. The 1st - 3rd and 4th - 6th years experienced these same moments, preceded, however, by a time of reading the Scriptural account of Pentecost and participating in a Synthesis Celebration. The children were asked where, throughout the History of the Kingdom of God, the Holy Spirit has been present and active, sharing his Gifts. Each group brought items from the Atrium to place in front of the prayer table which show the working of the Holy Spirit. The children ended their celebration with song, suggesting and requesting many of their favorites! The last material added to the mat was a sheep from the Good Shepherd parable. The child who suggested the sheep said that we, the sheep of the Good Shepherd, have received the Holy Spirit and listen to him. But it was challenging to decide if the sheep should be placed with those items from the time of Jesus or those of today. The decision? Both. Another sheep was added, one placed on each mat. What a beautiful way to end another year in the Atrium of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
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Carolyn Kohlhaas
CGS Catechist and Formation Leader (Levels I, II, and III) Categories
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May 2024
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