![]() She also deepened her ability to facilitate meditation on Scripture. Between two summers, she spent 90-plus hours training on the knowledge of child development and the religious characteristics of 3- to 6-year-olds. Yova Teusch, a Level I instructor at Our Lady of Good Hope Parish in Fort Wayne, was blessed to have the parish sponsor her certification. From left are Kelly Ley, Director of Religious Education, Debbie Hillman and Anne Guzman. Members of Our Lady of Good Hope’s Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program sit in the Level 1 atrium where they teach the younger students. Materials on the prophets of the Old Testament, the gifts of God, the miracles of Jesus, and expanded presentations on liturgy and Scripture can also be found in the Level III Atrium, according to. Children are given the history of salvation and are anchored in knowing that humanity is all connected, being made in God’s likeness and image. Level III atrium allows children age 9 to 12 to learn about their place in God’s kingdom and their seat in it. In their journey toward making their first Communion, by learning meditations that focus on Jesus and making personal missals, they are strengthened in their understanding and love for the Eucharist. The Mass is also brought to the forefront as one long prayer broken into smaller prayers. The children study the parables and learn how they can relate to the readings. Level II atrium is for children ages 6 to 9, where they learn about the True Vine and what it takes to have a relationship with God and the larger community. The focus in Level I is the mystery of the Eucharist and what takes place at the altar by learning names and gestures. Jesus is the Good Shepherd He calls each by name. Level I is where children become more familiar with Jesus. The Level I atrium consists of children who are 3 to 6 years old. ![]() The CGS approach is divided into three levels. Here in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, a handful of parishes and schools offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Every piece in the environment is meant to inspire awe in the child. If someone can sew, they may be asked to make vestments, or a woodworker can offer to help erect a model altar for the atrium. Materials in the atrium are often handmade, sometimes by the instructor, and directors will also ask for parish involvement in making items. ![]() When the child is allowed to explore and interact with God’s Word, it uses that experience to teach children. The environment is the vital piece that allows CGS to guide a child’s relationship with God. Cavalletti has been quoted as saying “we started without knowing we started.” This was the birth of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS). ![]() They began their teaching by creating an atrium, or prepared environment, with a model altar and articles from Mass to guide children and help them build a better understanding of their faith and relationship with God. Debbie Hillman introduces a lesson to Level 1 students during Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at Our Lady of Good Hope in Fort Wayne.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |