A Season of Growing
Green is the color of growth, and during Ordinary Time we often refer to this season in the Atrium as the Growing Season. Many of the presentations during this time center on Jesus’ parables about the Kingdom of God. Why did Jesus teach in parables?
As Sofia Cavalletti writes in The History of the Kingdom of God, Part 1, the truth is hidden within the parables so that each listener is invited into the work of seeking, pondering, and discovering. Jesus gives us the tools for personal meditation that lead us to a deeper knowledge of the truth. He does not simply hand us the “pearl of great price.” Instead, He invites us into the joy of searching for it and gradually discovering its meaning. Through the parables, we continue to grow as disciples and followers of Christ.
This is also the work of a catechist in the Atrium. A catechist presents the material, invites the child to ponder it, and then welcomes the child’s response. The goal is not to arrive at the “right answer,” but to recognize how the Holy Spirit is moving within the child. Each presentation becomes another opportunity to seek and ponder the Kingdom of God. While the training to become a catechist is intensive, it is also deeply rewarding and spiritually renewing.
Our catechists are supported by assistants who play an essential role in the Atrium. Assistants help children with practical needs, such as restoring materials, opening or refilling supplies, and reading Scripture passages. They also observe the children’s work and share those observations with the catechist, helping to nurture each child’s faith journey.
As our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) program continues to grow at St. John the Evangelist Parish and School, we are looking for both catechists and assistants to join this ministry. This year we will be adding additional retreat opportunities for children preparing to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. I have also completed my Level III CGS training, allowing us to expand the program for children ages 9–12, and I would love your help as we continue building this ministry.
How You Can Help
Become a Catechist
- Complete approximately 90 hours of CGS formation, offered at various locations and times.
- Serve in the Atrium during the school year, typically up to three hours each week.
Become an Atrium Assistant
- Attend a training session that will be offered next month at St. John School.
- Volunteer 1–2 hours each week during school hours.
- Watch for the training flyer with dates and times.
Registration Opens July 27
Do you have a child or grandchild in preschool through sixth grade who does not attend St. John School? Registration for our 2026–2027 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program opens Monday, July 27, at 9:00 a.m.
St. John parishioners receive priority registration, as this is our parish faith formation program. We also welcome families from throughout the community who desire CGS for their children. Registration closes August 24.
Registration:
https://saintjohnjackson.ccbchurch.com/form_detail.php?form_id=77
We also invite everyone to visit the Atriums during our Back-to-School Open House on Sunday, August 23, from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
If you have questions about volunteering or registering, please contact Amy Parrish at amy@saintjohnjackson.org.
In Jesus the Good Shepherd,
Amy Parrish