The Gatekeeper
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Level I
May 5, 2009 - Level 1, Issue 13 |
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| Dear CGS Level I Parent, |
We continue to celebrate Easter and Spring! In Atrium this week, Level I children will reflect on the gifts of Baptism. The timing is perfect because Easter is so tightly tied to baptism - rebirth, new life, joy-filled living! Remember to talk to your child about their Baptism. This is one of those events where they likely won't have a memory unless you "provide" them the memory. What wonderful aspects do you remember of the day?
Have you ever thought about becoming a catechist? Sarah Coles is now planning for next year's programs, and we need new catechists. Being a catechist requires strong commitment. And as is true of most things requiring strong commitment, being a catechist offers incredible rewards. You can ask any catechist and they'll confirm: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a very spiritually nourishing experience for the adult! Our young children are learning to create and receive the gift of a quiet, calm environment, a time and place where they can hear the Good Shepherd's whisper. This gift of quiet time and calm space requires the help of committed adults. If you might consider becoming a catechist, please talk to Sarah Coles or any current catechist or read the article in our last newsletter (dated 4/21), which you can find in the newsletter archives available through St. Teresa's web site (links along left).
May Christ's peace be with you,
The Level I catechist team:
Anne Edwards, Sylvia Pelini on Tuesdays
Betsy Peterson, Sarah Coles on Wednesday
Natalie Spadaccini Rosenberg,
Megan Wallenfang on Thursdays
and Lina Hilko (editor)
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| The Gifts of Baptism |
The gifts and signs of Baptism are introduced to children from the earliest time in Level I. The gifts and signs are actually presented over a series of three presentations. These can be given a little at a time (over the course of the three year cycle) or in a series within a given year, depending on the age and readiness and attention span of the given children. For the parents' learning, we summarize all the information in this article, although any given child may only receive a portion of this.
Baptism I
The first and fundamental presentation related to Baptism is of the gift of Christ's light. When presenting the gift of Christ's light, the catechist begins by lighting a model of a paschal candle. Long ago people were waiting for Jesus. When he was born, a light was kindled in the world. As we know, Jesus died on a cross [the catechist snuffs out the paschal candle]. On the third day, Jesus rose. [Relight the candle] The light came back. And this light is so strong. This light is stronger than death. Jesus wants to share this light with all people everywhere. [Catechist lights an individual baptismal candle from the paschal candle.] When each of us was baptized, we each received the light of Christ. And so, Jesus' light has spread to so many people across time and across the Earth.
If it is appropriate for the given group of children, each may receive a votive candle. As the catechist lights the individual votive from the paschal candle, the catechist says these words looking directly at the child, "[Name], when you were baptized, you received the light of Christ." After each child receives their light, the whole group can reflect on how beautiful the light is because it has spread and grown.
This Baptism presentation helps the child to begin to understand that through Baptism we each share in the Risen Body of Christ. The most important gift of Baptism is the light.
In Baptism I, the catechist may also present the gift of the white garment, an outward sign of Christ's bright light that is within us.
Baptism II and III
There are various other gifts of Baptism, sacramental signs and gestures. The gifts are presented in a simple way. The catechist asks some questions to help the child understand the gift but at the same time, does not explain too much.
- The Word: Through the words of the Bible, we hear the Good Shepherd's voice.
- The Water: A gift that is cleansing, refreshing, essential to life. The catechist will say the words used in Baptism, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." Children are invited to feel the water poured on their hand.
- The Oil of Catechumens: This oil, which is put on the chest, represents the strength and protection of Jesus.
- The Oil of Chrism: This oil, anointed on the head, has a beautiful smell. It represents the sweet joy of Jesus.
- The Imposition of Hands: This gesture helps the child focus on the work of the Holy Spirit in Baptism. This is a movement that starts high and moves, palms-down, to just above the water of the font. It is similar in movement to the gesture of Epiclesis, which invokes the Holy Spirit to convert the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ.
- The Sign of the Cross: The celebrant marks the sign of the cross on the forehead of the one being baptized and says the words, "The Christian community welcomes you with great joy. In its name, I claim you for Christ our Savior by the sign of his cross." The celebrant also may use this gesture to apply the two oils.
- The Cross over the Congregation: The gesture of a large, sweeping cross over all those present at the Baptism underscores that we are baptized into a community and that the whole community is strengthened and blessed by the sign of the cross.
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| Feed My Sheep |
When Jesus lived on Earth, when he walked and talked and breathed just like you and me, people often asked him about the Kingdom of God - what is it like? One time, he responded like this:
The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. (Matthew 13: 44)
Sometimes I wonder. Why does the person take time and effort to re-bury the treasure? Why does the person go off and sell everything in order to buy the whole field? I mean, it seems like easier ways were readily available. For one, he could just take the treasure (finders keepers). Or he could take it for convenience sake, knowing he intends to buy the field anyway. And he could simply borrow a few choice items form the treasure in order to finance buying the field. No need to sell all that he has because he's soon going to own the field and the treasure! No worries.
So, why are his actions so precise and correct? This person feels immense joy at the treasure he has found. But he does not cut any corners. He doesn't borrow on the future or against what isn't really his.
We, too, are called to find treasure and to recognize it and value it. We are invited continuously by God to feel overjoyed when we find true treasure. I think God is very happy when we find true treasures - kind of like the joy a parent feels watching their child delight in an Easter egg hunt.
And God asks us to respond out of joy in a wise and responsible manner. We are called to be good stewards of God's gifts - to follow the example of the Good Shepherd by caring for that which God gives us.
St. Teresa's Finance Council wants our parishioners to understand the amazing treasures of our parish and to respond from knowledge and joy in a wise and responsible manner. This parish has been living pretty much hand-to-mouth for a long, long time. We are not keeping up with our operating expenses, and therefore, we are not attending to the care of our property. The Finance Council provided a presentation on April 26th of St. Teresa's ministerial accomplishments, financial challenges, and new and necessary financial goals. This information needs to be heard by a broad group of parishioners. The presentation (which was very efficient and business-like, by the way) will be re-presented after the 9:00, 10:30, and noon masses on Sunday, May 17th. Please ensure that your family becomes knowledgeable about St. Teresa's financial realities and opportunities.
In the second Level I newsletter of this catechetical year (dated 11/18/2008), the inaugural "Feed My Sheep" article stated: 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. We pray for this spiritual response from our children, and we pray for this spiritual response from all parishioners. 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."
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Feel free to comment on this information to Lina Hilko, LHilko@aol.com, the editor and/or Sarah Coles, SEColes@gmail.com, St. Teresa's Director of Religious Education. Thanks! |
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