As the school year soon comes to an end, we reflect on the past year in the Atrium. We are truly blessed for all of the encounters and the hours spent with the children.
“When we are with children between the ages of three and six, we are really with persons in a different world. Children live in a different religious world. The way they live their relationship with God is quite different than ours. All of us know, for instance, that it is not possible to speak with a child of three about God as we would with an adult, and this can make things difficult for us. Let us pause a while and step into their world.
One special feature of the religious life of children is the joy they are capable of when they are helped to draw near to God. They feel a particular kind of joy. Many things make children happy, but there are different qualities of happiness. There is a kind of happiness that is more a state of ’emotional excitement’ and often leads to nervousness, fatigue, and irritability. The happiness they feel when they come close to God is a quality of joy that makes them peaceful, relaxed, as if something very deep has been struck in their heart and they go on listening to this sound in the depths of their heart. It is like the response of someone who has found a life-giving place and, having found it, does not want to leave.”
— National Association of CGS, Parent Pages
Level Two Atrium
In Level Two, we see the child growing in independence with their physical bodies and dependence on the relationship with Jesus through the receiving of the sacraments. Level Two Atrium guides children through the receiving of God’s mercy in Reconciliation and Love in the Eucharist.
Through the Presentation with the Gospel of John 15:1-17, a child (ages 6–9) reflects and ponders how to live in relationship with Jesus and how to remain with Him on the True Vine.
This was our first year of offering Level Two. We had four different sessions. I hear from parents and teachers that the children love to come to the atrium.
“Mrs. Parrish, can we work with the Mass?” they say.
It is clearly their most favorite work in Level Two. The children enjoy writing their own petitions and choosing Gospel readings and songs. Everyone is given a role to participate in the work of the Mass. Next year they will hand copy their own missal.
Looking Ahead
We look forward to setting up a Level Three Atrium for children ages 9–12. We need volunteers to be assistants and trained catechists.
There are two opportunities coming up for Level One training. Please prayerfully consider attending formation to become a Catechist. It truly is a blessing to be on this Joyful Journey with the children.
Please let me know if you have any questions in regard to Atrium and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Faith Formation.
Email: amy@saintjohnjackson.org
P.S. If you are interested in becoming a CGS catechist, please know that the parish will pay for your training!