The Level III newsletter sometimes contains a section entitled "Continued Conversations."  This section title stems from one parent's comment that the newsletter, "... will enable us to continue conversations at home."  But "continuing conversation" really shouldn't be the focus for the 3-6 child because Level I isn't actually very conversational.  A common and beautiful response to Level I presentations, in fact, is simple silence.  Another form of response is artwork, but sometimes the artwork is quite hard to interpret.
 
A lot of the work in Level I is manipulative.  Materials exist to provide the 3-6 child, who often cannot yet read or write, the means to continue reflecting on the presentations.  But it's quite likely that, if asked, the child won't have the ability to convey in words anything even approaching the depth of their work.  Their prayer most often takes the form of silence or of actions, with perhaps just simple words being used from time to time.
 
So, how does a parent support and connect with Level I catechesis?  A comment received from a Level I parent was that the newsletter would help parents understand the "underlying principles" of the catechesis.  That's the key.  At this level, it is not important (and in fact may not even be very beneficial) for the parent to try to talk about what went on in Atrium on a given day.  Rather, the parent can look for natural opportunities to reinforce underlying principles.
 
For example, when the family enters church on the first Sunday of a new liturgical season, it's beneficial to notice the change in colors.  Complex explanation is unnecessary.  There's great value just in noticing that there has been a change and saying something simple like, "I wonder why?"  Also, you don't have to correct a response.  For instance, if your child responds, "Maybe Fr. Frank likes purple," you can just say, "I wonder."  One important gift parents give their children is the ability to wonder, to be joyfully curious.
 
Another way to stay connected is to sometimes read bedtime books related to Jesus or God.  There are all sorts of children's books related to the underlying principles of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.  If you sing, it might be nice to sing songs that we often hear at St. Teresa's.  If you like arts and crafts, you could try making sheep out of Sculpey clay or a nativity scene out of Play Doh.  You could together make an Advent wreath for the dinner table.
 
A very special gift would be to help your child create a prayer table some place in the house (can be quite small and doesn't need to be a table, as such).  The key articles on the prayer table in Atrium are a cloth in the correct liturgical color for the season, some depiction of the Good Shepherd (statue or picture), a Bible, and a candle.  Sometimes children decorate the table with flowers or other items.  You could ask your child to show you the Atrium prayer table one day.
 
Regardless, any of these ideas are best done in a comfortable, natural, and collaborative manner.  Activities should be mutually-desirable to you and your child, rather than forced.  Remember that one goal of CGS is to facilitate a joyful response flowing from a loving relationship and a genuine gratitude toward God's gifts.
 
So, the "stay connected" articles for this Level will be called "Feed My Sheep" in order to underscore action over conversation.  It's what Jesus commissioned Peter to do.  Jesus asked, "Peter, do you love me?"  "Yes, Lord, you know I love you," answered Peter.  And Jesus said, "Then, feed my sheep."

Perhaps many of you were at the 9:30 mass this past Sunday and listened to Fr. Ben's reading and breaking open of the Gospel from Matthew 25:14-30.  This Gospel is a parable about three servants, each given a sum of money (referred to as talents) to care for while their master is away.  The first two servants put the talents to work and double the value given them.  The third servant buries the talent given him.  This does have the effect of keeping it safe, but it gains nothing.  The master rewards the first two but punishes the third servant severely.
 
This happens to be one of the challenging parables that is presented to Level III children (ages 9-12).  Fr. Ben's homily hit on a very important point that is foundational to the progression of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd from Level I (fall in love with God) to Level II (remain in my love) to Level III (we are each called to collaborate to fulfill the Plan of God).
 
Fr. Ben asked the question of why the third servant acted the way he did.  Fr. Ben suggested that the third servant acted out of fear.  The first two servants knew their master's expectations and were proud to serve him.  But the relationship of the third servant to the master was not based in love and respect.  The third servant did, in fact, know about his master's expectations and qualities.  But the servant's response was not founded in love and respect, but rather in fear.
 
Our children's entire lives can be a response toward God's awesome gifts, a response joyfully offered from the foundation of a loving relationship.  Level I catechesis offers a wonderful, life-long gift by providing the time and opportunity to fall in love with God.