Stumbled Upon a Goldmine

A guest reflection by parishioner Melissa Hill

“What are they doing?”

This was one of the first thoughts I had when I was led into the atrium, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd classroom, for the first time. The room was unlike anything I had seen before, and I have to admit that this style of Religious Education seemed a bit odd.

Having just registered at All Saints, I was determined to get my kids involved. So I decided to stay around and watch what they were doing. By the end of the session, I was very interested in what was happening there. I thought I needed to learn more about it, and honestly, it would have been hard for me to leave my children in an environment I didn’t understand. When invited to become an assistant in the room, I agreed without hesitation.

Within only a few weeks, I knew I had stumbled upon a goldmine. This "weird" form of education was producing a profound result with the children. Not only did they know terminology I didn’t know as an adult, they had a reverence for the liturgy and scripture that I hadn’t seen before.

Later that year, I enthusiastically entered into the formation course for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, but I had no idea the impact my formation would have on my personal relationship with God and Church. I thought this would be a class on how to be a catechist in this new style of classroom. Sure, that was part of my journey, but equally as significant was my own formation, my own experience.

During the extensive training sessions, I became like the child myself and learned about liturgy, scripture and relationship in a way I never had. I came out of the educational experience with a certificate of completion and ready to lead an atrium. I also came out with a new excitement for Catholicism and a readiness to make changes in my own life. I am convinced that the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program has made me a better mother and wife, and has been the catalyst for so many other growth opportunities for me.

I am so grateful that instead of turning around and going the other way, I was willing to go inside that strange looking classroom and find out for myself what was going on in there!

May God bless your families and your week! ~Mandie DeVries, Director of Religious Education

Sacred History Becomes Prayer

A catechist shared with me the story of a 2nd grade boy in her atrium.  This little boy is very sweet, but sometimes (as with all 2nd grade boys), you might wonder if he's really "getting" it. Then there is a day like last week:

This child loves to prepare prayer for the class.  Last week, his prayer was especially involved.  He brought over two small tables (chowkis) and put them in front of the prayer table.  He took a trip over to the blue (unity) strip which is the long timeline that maps out sacred history from the Creation to the Redemption (Jesus) to the time when God will be All in All (the Parousia--we say it Pair-uh-see-uh).  Then he took some adding machine paper and made a quick timeline of his own, making sure to have the Redemption and Parousia marked out.

Once he was finished, he brought his rudimentary timeline back to the chowkis and taped it on (for good measure).  Then he went to the shelf and found the Nativity material which he placed over the timeline where it said "Redemption."  Next he went to the other side of the room and got the Leaven work.  If you remember, the leaven work reflects on Jesus' words:

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman took 

and mixed in with 3 measures of flour till it was leavened through."

This work he brought and placed on his timeline where it was marked "Parousia."  

It was about now when the catechist couldn't hold herself back a moment longer and had to ask, "Will you tell me about your work?"

The child explained that the Redemption was the time that Jesus came, and the Parousia is when the Kingdom comes, and the Leaven is about the Kingdom.  Another assistant (who happened to be his mother), then asked: "Oh, is it like the present and then the future?"

"No," the child responded. "Because I think that the Kingdom is happening right now, too.  I really think it is both the future AND the present."

"The Kingdom of Heaven and the Leaven" is a presentation that the child first receives in Level I, when they are 3 or 4 years old. This is truly synthesis at its best: unlooked for and unasked for by the adult, but diligently and fruitfully sought by the child. 

Little Theologians

The early weeks of Level II are finished now, and it has already been a great year!  Over the first few weeks the catechists and assistants are using the opening presentations (lessons) to help us see where the children's interests are and where they are in their understanding of the faith.

I have to say that in my own Level II atrium at 3:50, I was blown away by the 6 year olds during "part one" of a presentation called "La Fettuccia."  This presentation gives an overview of the big picture of the History of the Kingdom of God: the Creation, the Redemption, and the Parousia (we pronounce it Pair-oh-see-uh).

I was narrating the story of creation and got right to the part where: "God made man in his image. In the image of God He created him. Male and female he created them."

Then the children interrupted.

One said, "Human beings don't do what God wants them to do."
Another responded, "Yes they do!"
Child 3: "Not always.  Sometimes they do bad things."
Child 4: "Why would God make people to do bad things?"
Child 3: "God didn't make them to do bad things, but sometimes people just make bad choices."
Child 5: "Oh you guys, this all goes back to the garden with Adam and Eve and the apple!"

We ended up finishing our presentation and talking about God's gift of himself (the Redemption) and about the time when "God will be all in all" at the Parousia.  It was a profound moment for me though, as I watched the group of little theologians head off to put their shoes back on.  They have much to teach us, and I am continually humbled by the opportunity to watch them (and in some small way, help them) grow in their knowledge and faith!

~Mandie DeVries
CGS Catechist and DRE

First Communion "Virtual" Parent Meeting

Greetings First Communion Parents:

I know you are all greatly looking forward to May 19, 2013!

I know that we had planned on a meeting in early October, but based on feedback from previous years, I was faced with a dilemma: if I have the meeting in the spring, no one knows what is going on until that late in the game. If I have the meeting in the fall, everyone forgets by spring!  Also, it occasionally happens that a child who was not planning on receiving this year is ready by the spring or vice versa.  Solution: I am going to have TWO parent meetings.

1. A "virtual" fall meeting for a heads-up and overview of what we plan to do for First Communion prep
2. An early spring meeting for parents of all children who will receive First Communion on May 19th at 10:30 mass.

This blog entry is that first meeting. In this meeting I plan to cover:

• How we determine readiness for First Communion
• How First Communion Prep is a part of CGS formation from 3 years old up past 2nd grade
• How your child's particular preparation in our program will go

So first: Readiness.  

Usually we say that it is around the 2nd grade year that a child is "ready" for First Communion.  Eucharist is a free gift, given weekly, even daily, to those who have been prepared for it.  It is the summit of our initiation into the Catholic faith.  Sometimes a child who is in 2nd grade does not yet have this desire.  We try to respect a child's wishes in this regard, so that they are prepared when the time does come. We want the children to be prepared, mentally and spiritually, so that they can recognize the gift they are offered. 

This also means: a child usually will have been in religious formation for at least one year before their First Communion year.  This means that all children receiving in 2nd grade will also have been in religious education classes in 1st grade.  This is a guideline that will help separate foundational education (basic evangelization) from preparation for the Sacrament of the Eucharist.  We generally ask children to wait until this "full year" is under their belt before asking for First Communion, however, if a child sincerely asks for the Sacrament, it is rare and nearly impossible for us to deny him his heart's desire!!

It DOES happen that sometimes children who are younger than 2nd grade ask to prepare to receive.  Again, these children will have had one, or sometimes three, years of preparation before this moment.  Children in this circumstance who ask for the Sacrament will be given the chance to meet with Father to discuss why they desire to receive early.

This is why I'd like to wait until Spring for our official "in-person" meeting.  We'll have a much better idea of which children will enroll for preparation!

Next: Preparation in CGS Class

We've actually put together a whole handbook on how "lessons" or presentations your child has been receiving in the atrium are building toward a fuller participation in the Mass, and particularly inviting them to make their hearts ready for the Eucharist.  This handbook can be found on our parish website:

http://www.dmallsaints.org/First%20Communion%20Preparation%20Booklet.pdf

The long and the short of it is that the general preparation is being done each week as you bring your child to RE classes, and as you bring your child to weekly Sunday Mass.

Finally: the Particular Preparation

The "Home Stretch"-so to speak-for First Communion/First Reconciliation Preparation begins with a class pilgrimage to the Grotto of the Redemption (April 27, 2013).  Families are encouraged to make the trip with their child if at all possible, or we can arrange transportation if necessary.  You can ask parents of older youth in our program (or the kids themselves) and they will tell you that this pilgrimage is definitely a highlight!

Following the pilgrimage, we will have 4 special sessions plus a retreat.  These sessions are for BOTH children and parents.  The children will have Bible Study and reflection time (check out the handbook we linked to above!) while the parents will have 1) a special meeting to discuss more particularly (and prayerfully) your child's formation and preparation, 2) a presentation living a Sacramental Life with your child, given by a guest presenter: this year the director of St. Joseph's Ed Center, Matt Halbach, will give this presentation, 3) an opportunity for parents to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, 4) a time for parents to help prepare food and things for the children's retreat, and 5) an opportunity to sit in on your child's final Bible Study and then celebrate with them as they receive their First Reconciliation.

The dates for these special sessions are always from 6pm-7:30pm the first 3 Wednesdays in May, plus the Friday night before First Communion and 9-2:30 on Saturday for the retreat.  Here is a link to the Sacramental Flyer that details all of these dates.

http://www.dmallsaints.org/2013%20Sacramental%20Prep%20Flyer.pdf

What should you be doing now?

As the year goes by, you can help your child by ensuring that:

• they are learning their prayers (Hail Mary and Our Father are key prayers for Penance for Reconciliation, and they are important to know anyway!) as well as the Act of Contrition.  
• Attend Mass weekly as a family.  
• Make sure your child is paying attention and behaving reverently.  This is a key readiness factor, too!
• Ask your child's catechist or me if you have questions regarding preparation!

That is all I have for now.  I hope you feel a little more clear about how the year will go.  Please let me know if I can help you in any way!

God Bless,

Mandie DeVries

Director of Religious Education

The Memorial

I had a guest in my atrium this past weekend, and I always wonder what an atrium session will be like when a guest is there.  As my husband tells me, it's kind of like an electron: you can't look at it without changing it.

Anyway, the children were doing their work: mostly working on the Rubrics of the Mass work and copying their own missals.  And I began the presentation of The Memorial for three of them at a time.

Now the first thing they always say when they see a familiar work is: "I've seen this one."  So when they see the Cenacle (which is the Last Supper material) all set up with the altar and candles and bread and wine and crucifix, they want to be sure this isn't a repeat.  "I promise," said I, "this work grows with you."

The premise of The Memorial is that we recognize Jesus' presence on earth 2000 years ago was a singular event.  Being so close to our Lord was a blessing that was unfathomable, and his disciples and others living at that time got to experience it.  But does this mean that we were born too late??

The work that flowed from the Cenacle was on a long orange mat (orange is consistently the color of the Liturgy of the Eucharist in CGS) and on it the children and I worked to piece together the story.  Beginning with the Last Supper, it is apparent that Jesus wanted to be with All People of All Times.  This is why he said, "This is My Body" and "This is My Blood." And why he said, "Do this in Memory of me."

The children then see the words of the consecration placed on the card speaking of that Passover meal, as well as the bread and wine (the clay paten and chalice) moving from the Cenacle work to sit beside those words on the mat below.

The following events of Jesus' life are highlighted. His Death, His Resurrection, and the Descent of the Holy Spirit.

Then we continue with a new card speaking of the Apostles repeating those words of Jesus: "This is My Body, which will be given up for you." and "This is My Blood, which will be shed for you and for many." And Jesus is again present to them.  When I asked the children how it was that Jesus was present again, one group immediately said "In the Bread and the Wine!"  While the other had to think for a moment.  Both however, were convinced of the Real Presence.  They then moved the Bread and the Wine  down from the Passover... further down the mat to this time of the Apostles.

The work continues on two more cards, one that speaks of the bishops and one of the priests.  We begin to see that the closeness, the intimate presence of the Lord is not something that only happened 2000 years ago, but it continues up to today!

Then one child saw the final card and grabbed it: "Oh, it's my favorite! The time when God will be all in all!"  She was referring to the drawing of Jesus returning in glory, with the cross that is over the whole earth.  The final point of the presentation was that this Memorial would continue to up until the time that it is fulfilled: at the Parousia!

The children were very peaceful and even sang the beautiful song that goes so well with this presentation: "We Remember."  One of them immediately grabbed the booklet that goes with the work and went to copy it.  Another found the card from the Rubrics of the Mass material called "The Memorial" and proceeded to compare and contrast that prayer with the one found in the folder.

I never know if what I see is what others see, so I asked my guest what she thought of her day in the atrium. She asked about getting her own children signed up.  I suppose that's a good sign.

In the love of the Good Shepherd,
Mandie DeVries, CGS Catechist and DRE

CGS Brings the Faith to Fareway

A parent (and catechist) sent me an email this week about her 4th grade son who insisted on two particular cans of Pringles while they were grocery shopping. He wouldn't tell her why he wanted them so much, and she was especially confused since they already had two cans of Pringles at home.

This is how he set them up when he got home...

"See, Mom!" and he began to sing the song he has sung in CGS since Kindergarten:

"Purple and Green and Red and White, are the colors of the year! Purple and Green and Red and White, remind us of the Light!"

Even at the grocery store we can be reminded of the Light! Who knew that Pringles cans could help us learn our liturgical colors? Way to go, Mom!

God Bless Everybody!

Mandie

This Holy Week! CGS-Inspired Prayer Presentation for Teens and Adults

Many adults in the parish have asked if there is an "adult version" of CGS. It seems adults are drawn to the materials and intriguing presentations of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

To that end, we are offering a unique Holy Week experience this year. As we celebrate the "birthday" of the Liturgy of the Eucharist on Holy Thursday, it seemed appropriate to offer a prayer presentation on Holy Wednesday called:

The Holy Mass:

The Origin of the Eucharist & The Origin of the Liturgy of the Word

These two presentations (one from Level II, and the second from Level III) will be presented live and projected on a big screen. These presentations follow the roots of the mass all the way to the time of Jesus, and even further back in time.

The "direct aim" of nearly every presentation we do in CGS is this: to lead the child to fuller participation in the mass. I believe these presentations can do this for teens and adults as well. I know they have changed forever my own experience. I hope you will join us: April 4, 2012 @ 7pm in the church! (When we finish up, the Life Teen kids will go back to their regular class!)

God Bless,

Mandie DeVries, CGS Catechist and DRE