We are pleased to announce that Corpus Christi is offering Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (a "Level 1 Atrium" in CGS-speak) for children ages 3-6, with Mary Lata as lead catechist. She has been hard at work putting together a beautiful atrium for our children to learn and experience the joy and peace of Christ through our Catholic faith.
If you're not familiar with CGS...
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a faith formation experience for children, based upon the belief that young children can and do experience God. Founded on the principles of Maria Montessori, the catechesis is rooted in scripture and liturgy. Central to the catechesis is the atrium, a special environment created to nurture the child’s spirituality with beautiful materials that focus the child’s attention on key scripture passages or liturgical moments.
Children grow in their relationship with the Good Shepherd through Gospel proclamations using the parable method, through prayer, singing, silence, and by exploring liturgical events.
Hands-on materials (made by catechists and parish members) are used to help children and adults reflect together upon the great mysteries of the faith.
In other words, it is sort of like a Montessori Sunday school, and children love it.
There will be an introductory session this Wednesday (2/4) from 4.30-5.30PM. Thereafter, we will have Catechesis on every other Wednesday (with the exception a session on Shrove Tuesday rather than Ash Wednesday), as indicated on the schedule below. On Shrove Tuesday, CGS will be followed by our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. Beginning on March 4th, the schedule will be: CGS, 4.30-5.30; Family Supper, 5.30-6.30; formation opportunities for young people and adults, 6.00-7.00. This schedule will allow parents of our younger children to go home and start bedtime routines following CGS or supper. I realize that this schedule won't suit everyone equally, but this will let us get the ball rolling, and once we've seen how it works we can make adjustments.
This Wednesday, while the children are in CGS, we grownups can talk about these programs goings forward and enjoy a little fellowship. The bishops have also asked the faithful to pray for peace in the wake of the violence related to immigration enforcement activities in Minneapolis, so I hope that we can pray Evening Prayer together in the church for that intention.
Finally, if you plan on your child participating in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, please register - this will help us for planning and also for making sure we are compliant with Safe Environment protocols.
Dates:
Wednesday, 2/4
*Shrove Tuesday, 2/17
Wednesday, 3/4
Wednesday, 3/18
Wednesday, 4/1 (Holy Week)
Wednesday, 4/15
Wednesday, 4/29
Wednesday, 5/6
Wednesday, 5/20