The Gatekeeper
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Level I 
April 20, 2010 - Level 1, Issue 14
In This Issue
Preparation of the Chalice
Feed My Sheep
Is it I, Lord?
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Dear CGS Level I Parent,    
The Good Shepherd
 

The Level I children will receive a presentation on an action and prayer that occurs in mass:  the preparation of the Chalice.  Can you recall other presentations this year which were intended to help your child participate more fully in the mass?  Think about it.


Believe it or not, we are nearing the end of the catechetical year.  This means we are starting to plan for next year.  We ask that parents consider whether they can serve as catechists in the upcoming year.  Please, read the article below entitled "Is it I, Lord?"  This rich program can only be successful with the commitment of many catechists, especially for our youngest children.

Also, actively think about other families who have children who will be at least three years old in September. Many people don't think that catechesis begins at such a young age. And yet, in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, the early years provide a crucial foundation in a life-long relationship with God, of love, trust, and protection. If you know a family with a child who is now of the right age, please extend a personal invitation to them to register their child when registration opens. Personal invitation is the most powerful way we spread the light of Christ.
 
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)
Preparation of the Chalice
The preparation of the Chalice is a presentation that progresses from an earlier presentation.  Back in mid-November, children received a presentation on the preparation of the cruets.  They learned that before mass, two cruets are prepared by pouring wine into one and water into another.  The catechist says, "Now the wine and water are ready for mass."

This week, the children will hopefully connect that preparation of cruets with a new action and prayer. The catechist will begin by reminding children of the preparation of cruets. Then, the catechist will demonstrate something the priest does at mass.

The catechist will pour the wine from the wine cruet into a chalice. Then the catechist will very carefully pour just one tiny drop of water from the water cruet into the wine that is in the chalice. The catechist says the words of the prayer that the priest says very quietly when he adds the drop of water to the wine: "By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity."

The catechist considers with the children what this action and these words could mean.  The water represents us, humanity.  The wine represents Jesus.  What could this mean?  Once the drop goes into the wine, can we take it back out?  Is the water changed?  Is the wine changed?
Feed My Sheep
Parents can help reinforce the Atrium experience by drawing attention to the preparation of the Chalice, especially because it can be difficult to notice.  You can introduce that you will watch for the action by coming to mass early and looking for the cruet of wine and the cruet of water.  Where are they at St. Teresa's?  And in fact, you can notice from time to time any of the gestures of the mass which your child has received in Atrium, such as the Epiclesis and Offering or the sign of the cross.  I wonder how many times we bless ourselves with the sign of the cross at mass.

Also, take time to notice your child's view at mass. Try to position your head at the level of your child's head. What do you see? Can your child see what is happening at the altar? Consider whether now or over time you might want to change your child's view.
Is it I, Lord?
[Same article as in Level III newsletter.]
After this week's sessions, only two more Atrium sessions remain in the year. So, Sarah Coles, St. Teresa's Director of Religious Education, has begun planning for 2010/2011. We are asking parents and other parishioners to consider whether they are being called to serve God by being a catechist.

St. Teresa's Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program provides a variety of ways in which a person can serve as a catechist. Certainly, many of our catechists have pursued or are in the process of receiving formal CGS training, which does require significant commitment. However, this is not a requirement. St. Teresa's offers a role we have coined the "neocatechist," which gives adults the opportunity to learn about and naturally fall in love with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Neocatechists are paired with a trained, experienced Catechist and serve as an assistant in the Atrium.
 
A Neocatechist would not be expected, nor required, to pursue formal CGS catechist training. The Neocatechist is expected to:
  • Commit to attending their assigned Atrium consistently;
  • Commit to attending a weekend catechists' retreat in September;
  • Commit to attending at least one catechist meeting during the year; and
  • Commit to attending diocesan-required training on the prevention of child abuse.
More information on time commitments will be given in an upcoming e-newsletter.
 
A successful Montessori learning environment, such as the Atrium, provides the best experience for children when at least two, and even three, consistent adults are available in the room. This allows the primary catechist to tailor presentations to the needs of individual children or small groups while ensuring that the rest of children are using their Atrium time appropriately.

We ask that parents and other parish adults consider this service opportunity. Please contact Sarah Coles or talk with any of the current CGS catechists to learn more about becoming a catechist. We understand that you are discerning whether the opportunity is correct for you, and you are not obligated to the program simply because you are asking and learning. You will find that CGS catechists often feel that they are experiencing rich spiritual growth themselves when they serve as a catechist.
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!