The Gatekeeper
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Level I 
January 5, 2010 - Level 1, Issue 07
In This Issue
Prophesy of the Names
Feed My Sheep
Food for (Parental) Thought
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Dear CGS Level I Parent,    
The Good Shepherd
 
Welcome back to Atrium after much celebration of Christmas and New Year joy!  And may you still be celebrating a joyful Christmas ... for we are still in the season of Christmas until we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus this next Sunday, January 10th.
 
This week the Level I children will reflect on a prophesy from Isaiah.  We will explain that Isaiah lived on the Earth a long time ago, a long time before the birth of Jesus.  Isaiah was a prophet.  A prophet is someone who listens with their whole heart to God and then speaks the Word of God.  For thousands of years, people have heard the voice of God through the prophets.  Today, we continue to hear God's voice through the words of the prophets.
 
By reflecting on a beautiful Messianic prophesy, we can help the children remain in the joyful celebration of Christmas, even as the world likely is pulling them back into the routines of school and "normal" life.  How do you as a parent help your child remain in the celebration of this great feast a while longer?
 
Peace,
The Level I catechist team:
   Betsy Peterson, Martha Garcia Barragan on Tues.
   Kathy Murdock, Donny Wallenfang on Wed.
   Anne Edwards, Sylvia Pelini, Erin Walsh on Thurs.
and Lina Hilko (editor)
Prophesy of the Names

This week we will present to the children a prophesy from Isaiah 9:5:

 

For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests.

They name him Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

 

We will think about the meaning of these words.  Who is this child?  How do we feel about these great names, about the person with these great names?  How do we respond? 
Feed My Sheep

This coming Sunday we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus.  Perhaps you can particularly help your child connect in a special way with Jesus and with the mass by centering your child in their baptism before coming to mass that day.  I give one example next using your child's baptismal candle.  There are other items you could use, such as your child's baptismal gown or a picture of their baptism, and other ways to remember that sacrament.  Regardless of how you do it, you have the opportunity to give your child a common, shared experience with the human being named Jesus.  One of the greatest gifts of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is the opportunity for your child to be, and to grow, in relationship with Jesus, who was a real person living in a real place in a real time.

 

Example:  Consider bringing out your child's baptismal candle on Saturday at bedtime (or at dinner).  Talk with your child in a way such as this:  "Tomorrow is Sunday.  At mass we will remember Jesus' baptism.  That's something you and Jesus both have in common - you were both baptized.  This is your special candle that was lit at your baptism.  When you were baptized, you received the light of Christ.  Tomorrow, we will remember Jesus' baptism.  Let's remember your baptism in a special way tonight."

 

You can light the candle and then read from Isaiah 9:1:

 

[The prophet Isaiah talked about a great light.  He said:]  The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

 

Then say, "When you were baptized, you received the light of Christ.  This candle reminds us of that light."

 

You can end with silence, or ask your child if there's something they'd like to say to Jesus.  Remember that a child's response of silence can be very meaningful, personal prayer.
Food for (Parental) Thought

Since this week you are reading about the Prophesy of the Names and about the Baptism of Jesus, I wanted to share thoughts from a favorite book of mine, Mustard Seed Preaching by Ann Garrido (pgs 63-67) .  Ms. Garrido ends her book with four samples of preaching (focused toward adult congregations) in a manner guided by the principles of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.  The first example is a sermon reflecting on the celebration of the Baptism of Our Lord.  This coming Sunday's Gospel (from Luke Chapter 3) will tell of the baptism of Jesus and end with these words:  "And a voice came from heaven, 'You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.'"

 

Ms. Garrido reflects on the variety of names we have heard given to Jesus over the many weeks of Advent and Christmas, from the common name Jesus to the grand descriptions such as Emmanuel, Messiah and Lord, The Word Made Flesh, and so many others.  Ms. Garrido says (pg 66):

 

"Now, today, we hear one last name.  One last key to unlocking this man's identity.

 

We have heard who he is to us.  Now, we hear who he is to God.

            He is Beloved.  He is Son.

...

 

Of all the names we have heard given to Jesus over the last couple of weeks, this alone seems to be the one he heard himself.  The one that whispered and boomed and echoed throughout his entire life.  The one that shaped his whole person.  The one that formed him into who he would become.  'You are my beloved son.'

 

Would Jesus have been Jesus without this name?  Without this knowledge?  We can speculate 'no.'  The infancy narratives reveal several 'epiphany' events in which Christ's true identity was made known to others.  The story of Christ's baptism seems to reveal the 'epiphany' event in which Jesus' true identity became known to himself.  'I am the beloved son of God.'"

 

Then, Ms. Garrido goes on (pgs 66-67) to the best part, the best news of all!

 

"It is not his name alone, however.  For, in Baptism, each one of us was called 'Beloved' by God.  Each one of us was called 'Child.'  For each one of us the sky is rent and the Spirit descends."

 

Now back to the presentation of the Prophesy of the Names.  Remember how we asked the children:  How do we feel about these great names, about the person with these great names?

 

Through Baptism, you have been called Beloved Child.  Now think to yourself:  How do I feel about my name - Beloved Child?  How does this name shape who I am?
Feel free to comment on this information to Lina Hilko, [email protected], the editor and/or Sarah Coles, [email protected], St. Teresa's Director of Religious Education.  Thanks!