The Gatekeeper
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Levels I & II
December 15, 2009 - Levels 1&2, Issue 06 |
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| Dear CGS Level I and/or II Parent |
This is the third week of Advent, the one marked by the lighting of a pink candle and the one celebrating joy. Take time to reflect on joy. How do I proclaim joy? How do I respond to joy?
This week, both Level I and Level II will work in some way with infancy narratives, and so we are just producing one, combined newsletter. Infancy narratives are Gospel accounts about Jesus' birth and childhood. These narratives are presented and repeated throughout the child's years in Atrium because the narratives, like all Biblical text, contain something to be discovered every time they are read. And so, in this newsletter, we mainly want to encourage parents to spend some of their own time (not to preclude time together with your children - because that's always encouraged!) reflecting on some or all of the narratives. Ask yourself, when I read and listen, how am I personally involved in this narrative? How do I personally respond?
Christmas Eve family mass will be on December 24th at 4PM. For those who will attend and whose children would like to participate, please make time for a rehearsal after the 9AM mass this Sunday, December 20th. Something you can do at home to "prepare the way of the Lord" is to practice together singing Silent Night.
Joyfully,
Your catechists
and Lina Hilko (editor) | |
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| Infancy Narrative Presentations |
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In Level I, the catechists will proclaim one of the five Level I infancy narratives, The Visitation, found in Luke 1:39-49, 56. Mary visits her relative Elizabeth. Elizabeth herself is pregnant after having been thought barren, "For there is nothing that God cannot do." (Luke 1:37) The timing of this presentation coordinates well with our mass since this is the Gospel reading for this coming Sunday. After reading the words from the Bible once, the catechist will show the children (especially important for non-readers) a material with which they may work in order to remember and reflect on this narrative. The material consists of beautiful, three-dimensional figures of Mary and Elizabeth.
Level II will listen to and reflect upon the narrative of the Birth of Jesus and the Adoration of the Shepherds, found in Luke 2:1-20. There's certainly much to discuss or think about here. Similarly to Level I, the Level II Atrium also has three-dimensional figures which the children can use to remember and reflect on this narrative.
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Food for (Parental) Thought |
We encourage parents to explore the infancy narratives further, whether by yourself and/or with your child. Below are the scripture references.
Annunciation, Luke 1:26-35
Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth, Luke 1:39-49, 56
Birth of Jesus & Adoration of the Shepherds, Luke 2:1-20
Adoration of the Magi, Matthew 2:1-12
Presentation in the Temple, Luke 2:22-34(34 through the word "Israel"), 36-40
Flight into Egypt, Matthew 2:13-14 (Level II but not Level I) How can you spend time with one of these narratives? Read it. Read it again. Think about it. What do the characters in the story hear? How do they respond to God's message and gifts?
Advent and Christmas are about a past event, about the first-fruits of the fulfillment of God's plan. And Advent and Christmas are about today, as we each actively collaborate with God to build God's kingdom. And Advent and Christmas are about living in hope for the Parousia, the time when God will be all in all. So, you are in these stories today and tomorrow and every day until God is all in all. As a living participant of each of these stories, what do you hear? How do you respond to God's message and gifts? |
| We Gather Together |
The greatest goal of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is to provide the time and space for the child to come into relationship with Jesus the Good Shepherd. One of the best ways that children learn how to be in good relationships is through the examples around them.
This coming Sunday, December 20th, St. Teresa will hold a Christmas Open House in the rectory from 2 to 10 PM. Enjoy food, drink, and holiday cheer. Children can enjoy each other's company, as well as hot chocolate and holiday movies. Consider combining your open house visit with the 7PM Christmas Carol concert (right after 6PM mass). Read last Sunday's bulletin for all the news (http://www.st-teresa.net/SunBullMain.htm).
When you as parents make special effort to attend an open house at the rectory, you are demonstrating to your child that St. Teresa is an important community to you and that you are investing in building relationships within this community. Consider making arrangements with your parish friends (like over coffee after 9AM mass?) to attend the open house together at a specific time. This is a great way to get the kids together. |
| A Time to Pray |
Many parishioners may have heard of the unexpected death last Saturday of Tim Halpin, the youngest (but adult) son of parishioners Marilee and Jack Halpin. A memorial service will be held this Saturday, December 19th at St. Teresa's at 11:00 am. Please pray for the Halpins and join the St. Teresa family in supporting them at this time.
And I also want to mention another loss, although I know many readers of this newsletter won't feel a direct connection to this person. Tina Lillig, the National Director of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA, suffered a stroke last Friday and died on Sunday morning. Tina Lillig was truly devoted to the Good Shepherd and to children and was truly a gift from God. There are many catechists and CGS formation leaders who are saddened by losing such a devoted servant of the Good Shepherd and an example and inspiration. It would mean a lot to keep the CGS community in your prayers and to give joyful thanks for so many people throughout the world who serve children so they may know the joy of a deep and lasting relationship with God. Here is an excerpt from an e-mail notifying CGS members of Tina's death:
Tina impacted countless lives with her loving care. She served as our National Director with such devotion and grace. She fully gave of her gifts and skills to further the work of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She was a vital branch on the True Vine who knew the joy of first remaining and then of bearing fruit. How full of gratitude we are for who she is and what she has done in service to God. How grateful we are for her friendship. She will be deeply missed. May her life be an inspiration to all of us who seek to love and serve the Lord with such joyful purpose.
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Feel free to ask questions or provide comments to Lina Hilko, the editor, at LHilko@aol.com and/or Sarah Coles, St. Teresa's Director of Religious Education, at SEColes@gmail.com. Thanks! |
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