The New, Older Child

Because Catechesis of the Good Shepherd begins at such a young age, (which is 3 years old for the majority of our parish children and even younger for our volunteers' children), it is not uncommon for new children to join in 3 or more years after their atrium-mates have been in formation. Many times, the new children look around and see the others hard at work and prayer and simply follow suit. Sometimes, though, especially for older children, there is more of a struggle. So how can we help to prepare the older child for this method of formation? I'll give three ideas for parents and catechists that I hope will help make this a beautiful experience for all!

Parents:

1. Learn all you can about this new program that your children are joining. The Missionaries of Charity and the Nashville Dominicans both use CGS in their schools and the formation of their sisters(!) Your child's catechist has been preparing for years to work with your older child. www.cgsusa.org is a great resource and so is our parish CGS blog: allsaintscgs.blogspot.com.
2. Encourage your child to be an active participant. This work is very individualized, and your child will receive short presentations each week, but the majority of his or her time will be self-directed work in a prepared environment. After receiving presentations, some children choose to dive in to biblical geography. Others spend time making their own missal. Others take on the big work of memorizing all of the books of the Bible. Others do a little bit of everything. The atrium is full of things to do. Your child may need encouragement to "get active" in their formation.
3. Talk to your child's catechist or your parish director of religious education early and often. You are always welcome to come and observe in your child's atrium. We like to give the children a heads up that we are having a visitor, so a week's notice is great. You may decide you want to jump in and get involved. Our community of catechists is growing each year because of parents who fall in love.

Catechists:

1. Get to know each child in your atrium and make sure to meet the parents, too! The more you know about each child (especially the older, new child), the better you will be able to follow that child and determine what he or she needs.
2. Don't forget the Good Shepherd! The older child may need the Good Shepherd and other primary works presented to them in a different way (less moving of the 2D figures), but they still need to have the proclamation (kerygma) which is the foundation and hallmark of our work in order before moving into moral formation (parenesis) or synthesis work. You must be sure that the child has had time to enjoy the covenant relationship with Jesus first!
3. Observe carefully! A quiet child is not necessarily a happy child. Think carefully about who you might "match" this older child up with as a work partner. The second plane (6-12 year old) child is a social child who is learning how to live his faith and his life in community. You know that there is so much you want to pass on to this child, but take it slow and always follow the child!

Catechists and Parents: Take heart! We have had so many beautiful experiences with the older child who comes in new to CGS. Two of these children had work that was published in the same CGS Journal 6 years ago (back when we were rookies). The Holy Spirit moves, even when we are unsure. Trust that!

God's Blessing on you and your families, this week and always!