WEDNESDAY SCHOOL
Christian Formation for all ages.
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Wednesday Evenings beginning September 19th, 2018
Family Supper at 5.30PM; Class at 6.00PM
Wednesday, 12 September
5.30PM "Safe Environment" workshops for parents; Introduction to Catechesis for children.
Wednesday, 19 September
5.30PM Family supper
6.00PM First day of children's Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and class for adults
Children: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
For children ages 4 and up, Corpus Christi’s approach to religious formation is based upon the “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” model. What is that? Here is one description:
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd was founded in the 1950's by two Italian laywomen, one a scriptural scholar and one an expert in Montessori education. Together they conceived of a simple, attractive method for sharing the richness of the Faith with children, who are uniquely capable of accepting the beauty of God's love. The program is presented in three levels, and includes time in the "Atrium," which is a quiet environment where children learn through tactile play.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd emphasizes quiet contemplation and -- imagine this -- "the enjoyment of God." The children hear Bible stories and watch them acted out with simple materials; they learn songs and prayers, and are encouraged to play quietly with simple and meaningful objects. One mother explained that CGS "cracked the code" of the Mass for her son, as he learned to become alert to the details of the liturgy: the significance of color, the names and purposes of the various vessels and tools on the altar.
Adults' Class: The Church, That Wonderful and Sacred Mystery
Fr Allen (with a little help from from his friends) will lead a study and discussion of the Catechism of the Catholic Church's teaching on the Church, her nature and form. What does it mean to call the Church "One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic?" How is the Church Christ's Body? Or his Bride? Can we affirm with St. Cyprian, extra Ecclesiam nulla salus (outside the Church there is no salvation)?
O GOD of unchangeable power and eternal light, look favourably on thy whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; and by the tranquil operation of thy perpetual providence carry out the work of man's salvation, and let the whole world feel and see that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and all things are returning to perfection through him from whom they took their origin, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
- Collect at the Easter Vigil, from Divine Worship: The Missal