The lucky Sunday kids got to meet last week, even though their Wednesday counterparts were iced out. This week was a very individualized one for both Level I and Level II. In Level I, some children did their own work utilizing materials they had seen before, while others received new or "refresher" presentations. "The Presentation in the Temple" is a favorite of mine, since the materials include a baby Jesus that is held by Mary, and then moved into the arms of Simeon. It is a beautiful passage and also striking in its forshadowing of the sufferings and great mission of that small child. This is no ordinary baby!
Level II saw some children who worked with the "Flight into Egypt" work that was presented the week before. This is one of the great beauties of atrium work, because no presentation is "over and done." As Father Harris quoted Vatican II on Sunday, the Scriptures are God's word to his people and when coupled with prayer, meditation on Scripture is a conversation with God! Using the materials, even very young children can enter into this conversation!
Two presentations in Level II were done with individual children. One 3rd grade child is very interested in the geography of the Holy Land, and had spent many weeks working with our Land of Israel pin map. We started working on the first geography packet for the Ministry of Jesus. This was quite a work, as it involved reading about different miracles of Jesus, looking up the location in the Bible, and plotting the city on the map. What surprised me was how well the child knew the locations of the cities. The child didn't even look at the control map when plotting the cities of Cana, Tiberius, or Bethany!
The other presentation was with a child who was a bit nervous about Reconciliation. She was very anxious to have me show her our Reconciliation card work, and reminded me of this at the beginning of class. She said, "When you finish showing me, I will ask my mom to take me to the priest." She even wrote a sweet prayer to Jesus asking him to make her unafraid to talk to the priest about her sins ("Because I love you so much, Jesus.") This is a great material for discussion about this Sacrament that can be so frightening for us all as it is a great reminder of the mercy and gift of God that comes to us in such a special way in this Sacrament.
That's all for this week! I hope that we get to meet with all of our children this week. God Bless you all!!
Mandie DeVries
CGS Catechist & Director of Faith Formation
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Level I Jan. 10th and 13th
Hello Everyone!
It is always great to start class again after a nice, long Christmas break! The children always seem to come back with a renewed excitement about the atrium. This week, we celebrated the changing of the prayer cloth with the children. We follow the Church year and have the appropriate color cloth for each season. We asked the children to recall what feast we just celebrated. They all eagerly answered "Christmas!". We processed into the atrium singing Joy to the World, and gathered at the prayer table to change the cloth from purple, for the time of preparation before Christmas, to white for the celebration of Christmas!
We also did a presentation for the 2nd and 3rd year kids called The Epiphany Celebration. This is a beautiful presentation which focuses on the coming of Christ and how the Light of Christ spread. All of the Infancy materials are laid out side by side, staring with the Annunciation to Mary and ending with the Presentation in the Temple. We invite the children to recognize who knew about Christ's coming in each of the stories. First only Mary knew, then she went to visit Elizabeth and so Elizabeth knew as well as John the Baptist who was still in her womb. When Christ was born the angel appeared to the shepherds who proceeded to spread the good news everywhere they went. One of the children in my class made the connection right away and stated that Christ's Light spread to all the world. At the end of the presentation we talked about the length of time since the coming of Christ and how the Light of Christ has spread to us more than 2000 years later.
This beautiful meditation caused me to consider what an amazingly rich heritage we have in the Catholic faith. The Church which Christ founded has suffered relentless persecutions and seemingly unbearable hardships. Yet, it has continued to grow and to spread the Light of Christ to all the nations. What greater proof could I ask for? It is here, in the Catholic Church that Christ gives Himself completely to us in the Eucharist. It is here that we receive His love and mercy in the sacrament of reconciliation. It is here that we receive His Light and the strength to go out and spread that Light to the world! What an incredible gift, thanks be to God!
It is always great to start class again after a nice, long Christmas break! The children always seem to come back with a renewed excitement about the atrium. This week, we celebrated the changing of the prayer cloth with the children. We follow the Church year and have the appropriate color cloth for each season. We asked the children to recall what feast we just celebrated. They all eagerly answered "Christmas!". We processed into the atrium singing Joy to the World, and gathered at the prayer table to change the cloth from purple, for the time of preparation before Christmas, to white for the celebration of Christmas!
We also did a presentation for the 2nd and 3rd year kids called The Epiphany Celebration. This is a beautiful presentation which focuses on the coming of Christ and how the Light of Christ spread. All of the Infancy materials are laid out side by side, staring with the Annunciation to Mary and ending with the Presentation in the Temple. We invite the children to recognize who knew about Christ's coming in each of the stories. First only Mary knew, then she went to visit Elizabeth and so Elizabeth knew as well as John the Baptist who was still in her womb. When Christ was born the angel appeared to the shepherds who proceeded to spread the good news everywhere they went. One of the children in my class made the connection right away and stated that Christ's Light spread to all the world. At the end of the presentation we talked about the length of time since the coming of Christ and how the Light of Christ has spread to us more than 2000 years later.
This beautiful meditation caused me to consider what an amazingly rich heritage we have in the Catholic faith. The Church which Christ founded has suffered relentless persecutions and seemingly unbearable hardships. Yet, it has continued to grow and to spread the Light of Christ to all the nations. What greater proof could I ask for? It is here, in the Catholic Church that Christ gives Himself completely to us in the Eucharist. It is here that we receive His love and mercy in the sacrament of reconciliation. It is here that we receive His Light and the strength to go out and spread that Light to the world! What an incredible gift, thanks be to God!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Level II, January 10th and 13th
It was a great week in the atrium, though for the Wednesday evening classes it was a little shorter than usual! The Sunday and Wednesday 7pm classes will be leading the singing on January 24th at 10:30 mass (mark your calendars if you haven't already), and the 7pm class began rehearsing this week. The Wednesday evening classes also celebrated Vocations Awareness Week by watching the film Fishers of Men (click on the title if you would like to watch it. It's about 20 minutes long, but very good). One 3rd grade boy was struck by the testimony of one of the priests in the movie, because he had given up everything for the "precious pearl" (Matt 13:45-46--This is one of the parables we present in the atrium). The child ran up to his catechist afterward and with great joy announced: "That movie reminded me why I gave up everything for the Precious Pearl: Jesus!"
We began classes with our Christmas procession, since we have not had class since the Christmas season started. The season of Christmas actually ended on the 10th, the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord, but everyone got to sing "Joy to the World" and process in with the white cloth that signifies a celebration. We also presented the "Flight into Egypt" which is the final infancy narrative material we have in the atrium.
This presentation, based on the scriptures from Matthew 2: 13-18, was met with a combination of sadness and wonder by the children. Of course, fearing for the child's life, the parents of Jesus had to travel very far (some children wanted to check out some reference materials to see how far Jerusalem and King Herod were from Bethlehem--less than 10 miles!--and we could see that Egypt was a very long trip indeed). The child was always well guarded and protected, though, and the angels seem to still have a very important place in Jesus' life: we saw the angel come to Mary, the angel appear to Joseph in a dream to tell him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife, the angels appeared to the shepherds to announce Jesus' birth, and now an angel warning Joseph of the danger caused by Herod's jealousy. Of course, we did have some children who thought that the Holy Family walked to Egypt, so they were a little surprised that "they took a flight?!" :) The children also continued to grow in their understanding of who's who in scripture as they discovered to their surprise that the King Herod in this story died, and so it was a different Herod that we hear about when Jesus is older.
Next week, we will return to the green cloth that we haven't seen since November! We are all looking forward to the special "growing time" in the atrium before the solemn season of Lent is upon us.
God bless! ~ Mandie
We began classes with our Christmas procession, since we have not had class since the Christmas season started. The season of Christmas actually ended on the 10th, the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord, but everyone got to sing "Joy to the World" and process in with the white cloth that signifies a celebration. We also presented the "Flight into Egypt" which is the final infancy narrative material we have in the atrium.
This presentation, based on the scriptures from Matthew 2: 13-18, was met with a combination of sadness and wonder by the children. Of course, fearing for the child's life, the parents of Jesus had to travel very far (some children wanted to check out some reference materials to see how far Jerusalem and King Herod were from Bethlehem--less than 10 miles!--and we could see that Egypt was a very long trip indeed). The child was always well guarded and protected, though, and the angels seem to still have a very important place in Jesus' life: we saw the angel come to Mary, the angel appear to Joseph in a dream to tell him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife, the angels appeared to the shepherds to announce Jesus' birth, and now an angel warning Joseph of the danger caused by Herod's jealousy. Of course, we did have some children who thought that the Holy Family walked to Egypt, so they were a little surprised that "they took a flight?!" :) The children also continued to grow in their understanding of who's who in scripture as they discovered to their surprise that the King Herod in this story died, and so it was a different Herod that we hear about when Jesus is older.
Next week, we will return to the green cloth that we haven't seen since November! We are all looking forward to the special "growing time" in the atrium before the solemn season of Lent is upon us.
God bless! ~ Mandie
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Level I
…and a little child will lead them Isaiah 11:6
The first half of the year in any Level I atrium is a wonderful, although sometimes challenging time. I think it can be described in two words: Growing Time, because so much growth takes place both in the children and the catechists. The new children are introduced to the atrium and the returning children take some time to readjust. The first couple weeks are spent on the basics of the atrium. We remind them that this space has been specially prepared for them and go over how we act in the atrium. We talk about the Bible and the prayer corner where they can go to be silent and talk to Jesus.
The few weeks before we enter into the Advent season are filled with presentations that help the children to understand, and therefore participate more fully in the Mass. The altar work is a favorite. The children set a model altar as it would be set for Mass and in doing so learn the names of the various articles as well as awareness and a respect for what takes place on the altar. For example the square cloth laid on the altar is called a corporal. They learn the name and also the meaning, which is even more important. It is called the corporal because corporal means body and it is on this cloth that the Body and Blood of Christ are laid.
In the season of Advent (and also in this first week after break) the children reflect on the Infancy Narratives: the Annunciation to Mary, The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth, The Birth of Jesus and the Adoration of the Shepherds, The Adoration of the Magi and the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. As we reflect on these scripture passages with the children, we talk about waiting for the light of Christ. How did the people feel who were waiting in darkness? What does it feel like when we are in darkness and then when the light comes? How did the people feel when the Light came, when Jesus came into the world?
In the Level one atrium, the Good Shepherd is one of the central works. It is something the children return to again and again. It really speaks to the child about the love of the Good Shepherd for His sheep, the love of Jesus for us. As I was presenting the Good Shepherd material this year I had a mixture of first, second and third year children. One of the children was particularly eager to answer the meditative questions, I found this surprising since I knew they had seen the presentation before. Rather than being bored, this child was excited to see the presentation again and seemed so joyful as I read the scripture and we meditated on it. I was in awe. These children, who are so young, understand, better than I do, the love of the Good Shepherd and they are full of joy! How often do we as adults (or young adults) meditate on this love which is total and unconditional and eternal? I am the Good Shepherd…I will lay down my life for the sheep. Jn. 10:14-15 What would life be like if we trusted in the mercy and love of our Lord, and casting all our cares upon him (Ps. 55:23) let him fill our hearts with joy. Joy that even in times of sorrow and difficulty, does not fade because it is founded in Christ. I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete. Jn 15:11
It amazes me how much the children have to teach us!
…and a little child will lead them Isaiah 11:6
May the JOY of the Good Shepherd fill your hearts!
~Liz
The first half of the year in any Level I atrium is a wonderful, although sometimes challenging time. I think it can be described in two words: Growing Time, because so much growth takes place both in the children and the catechists. The new children are introduced to the atrium and the returning children take some time to readjust. The first couple weeks are spent on the basics of the atrium. We remind them that this space has been specially prepared for them and go over how we act in the atrium. We talk about the Bible and the prayer corner where they can go to be silent and talk to Jesus.
The few weeks before we enter into the Advent season are filled with presentations that help the children to understand, and therefore participate more fully in the Mass. The altar work is a favorite. The children set a model altar as it would be set for Mass and in doing so learn the names of the various articles as well as awareness and a respect for what takes place on the altar. For example the square cloth laid on the altar is called a corporal. They learn the name and also the meaning, which is even more important. It is called the corporal because corporal means body and it is on this cloth that the Body and Blood of Christ are laid.
In the season of Advent (and also in this first week after break) the children reflect on the Infancy Narratives: the Annunciation to Mary, The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth, The Birth of Jesus and the Adoration of the Shepherds, The Adoration of the Magi and the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. As we reflect on these scripture passages with the children, we talk about waiting for the light of Christ. How did the people feel who were waiting in darkness? What does it feel like when we are in darkness and then when the light comes? How did the people feel when the Light came, when Jesus came into the world?
In the Level one atrium, the Good Shepherd is one of the central works. It is something the children return to again and again. It really speaks to the child about the love of the Good Shepherd for His sheep, the love of Jesus for us. As I was presenting the Good Shepherd material this year I had a mixture of first, second and third year children. One of the children was particularly eager to answer the meditative questions, I found this surprising since I knew they had seen the presentation before. Rather than being bored, this child was excited to see the presentation again and seemed so joyful as I read the scripture and we meditated on it. I was in awe. These children, who are so young, understand, better than I do, the love of the Good Shepherd and they are full of joy! How often do we as adults (or young adults) meditate on this love which is total and unconditional and eternal? I am the Good Shepherd…I will lay down my life for the sheep. Jn. 10:14-15 What would life be like if we trusted in the mercy and love of our Lord, and casting all our cares upon him (Ps. 55:23) let him fill our hearts with joy. Joy that even in times of sorrow and difficulty, does not fade because it is founded in Christ. I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete. Jn 15:11
It amazes me how much the children have to teach us!
…and a little child will lead them Isaiah 11:6
May the JOY of the Good Shepherd fill your hearts!
~Liz
Monday, January 4, 2010
CGS Level II--It's a New Year!
In the 2008-2009 Faith Formation year, we made it a practice to email parents each week to give a little "behind the scenes" insight at the work we are doing with your children in the CGS atrium. We had a lot going on this year, but no time is better than the present to get started again! Here, in a nutshell, are some of the highlights of work we have done and fruit we have seen in our Level II atria so far this 2009-2010 school year:
- We began with the BIG work, the La Fettuccia (Italian for ribbon). This work is a guided meditation on the creation of the world, and we think about all of the rocks, living things, trees, animals, creatures of the sea, etc. that God made, and the time which he took to make it. God spent a long time preparing creation for his final and most important creation: US! When God made man, he made him in his own image. It is pretty incredible to see that the powerful God wished to share his image with his creation, and even more incredible when he gives us the gift of his Son. The whole work is a meditation on the plan of God which includes all time, from before the creation, to the end of time and beyond--a time in which God will be "all in all"--a time called the Parousia.
- Many children have appreciated our new Altar work (thank you to the Mr. B, the parent who made this for us!). The work is actually a Level I material, but as we have many new children it is a wonderful material to have in our atrium. The children will use this work as a way to think about the articles of the mass, and have the opportunity to set up a miniature altar the way they would for Mass. We have a card material with the names and definitions for each article including the paten and chalice, the corporal and purificator, the tabernacle and ciborium, and the Lectionary and Sacramentary.
- Another special work that many children have loved is the pin map. The pin map is in our geography corner in the Level II atrium. I was especially impressed when a child who worked on this map all year last year was introduced to the "Life of Jesus" geography card packet. He saw the names of the cities where Jesus performed miracles or preached in his early ministry and could point to where they were on a mute map! I could not have done this! The geography work is very important for the children to help them conceptualize Jesus in time and space--the wedding feast at Cana has a whole new meaning to you when you know where Cana is!
- We have just finished our Advent work and it was a very special time for us in the atrium. My favorite part was the "Synthesis of the Infancy Narratives." Around the age of 7, children begin to make comparisons and actually "synthesize" the information they have been gathering for the first 6-8 years of their lives. The infancy narratives of Jesus are stories that they are all more or less familiar with: the Annunciation of the Angel to Mary, the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth, the Nativity and Adoration of the Shepherds, The Adoration of the Wise Men, and the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. The synthesis involves the reading these stories one after another, with the "nativity scene" type materials in front of them and we think about the similarities of the emotions of the people in the stories as well as the themes that are growing. In some sessions, the catechist invited the children to further synthesize what they have been working on in the atrium with the scriptures we just read. One child brought a priestly stole over to the work for the Adoration of the Wise Men because she felt that the priest was a wise man who was seeking Jesus. Another child brought the key to our miniature replica of a tabernacle over to the Visitation, because as more people understood that Jesus was coming, the mystery of God was being "unlocked" and opened for all to see. Another child brought the green cloth representing "Ordinary Time" or "the growing time" from the liturgical colors work over to the Presentation in the Temple work because he felt that Jesus was "growing" and it must have been spring because everyone was outside! Then the last child brought a small pool of water from our map of the city of Jerusalem to the Visitation because John the Baptist was in Elizabeth's tummy!
I can't tell you how excited we are to resume classes next week. I hope you continue to check out this blog as much as I hope we will find the time and inspiration to update it! God Bless!
~Mandie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)