The Gatekeeper
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Level III
December 8, 2011 - Level 3, Issue 6a 
In This Issue
Global Communion
Christmas Eve Family Mass
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Dear CGS Level III Parent,    
The Good Shepherd
I meant to write an e-newsletter to Level III this week, but it just is not going to happen this week.  However, I did want to forward a suggestion regarding this Sunday that I included in the recent Level 1/2 newsletter.

Also, there's an article about Christmas Eve mass because we're already planning.

Sorry for the delay in Level III news, but please consider the article below.

Peace,  

Lina Hilko, Editor
Global Communion

This coming Sunday (12/11/2011), St. Teresa families (particularly those who don't attend Sunday Atrium) have a chance to enter in a small but special way into the Plan of God for greater communion by attending the 10:30AM mass, a special celebration for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Deacon Rivera had invited me a while back, and I'd like to extend that invitation to others. The mass will include Mariachi music and will be followed by a meal in the Parish Center.

 

There's so much to experience when you change routine. Your family can experience a mass in a different language, recognizing first-hand that every Catholic mass follows the same structure. (In working with Level III children, I have found this to be a revelation to some who even think English masses throughout Chicago may differ from parish to parish.) Rather than get discouraged by the foreign language, ask your children if they can point out the similarities. This is where the language of gesture really shines. God calls us to be in communion, not just with our friends and family, but with all human beings. You can recall the parable of the Good Samaritan. Who was a neighbor in that story? Jesus calls us to love our neighbors. When we open ourselves to other cultures, we are opening ourselves to being good neighbors. It can be awkward to put yourself in a situation where you don't "fit in" or where you feel different. But that is one way to learn empathy. Just think how many people in Chicago feel out of place every day. Realistically, our children will live in an increasingly global world. Here's a cultural exchange experience "with training wheels." St. Teresa's Hispanic community is very friendly, most welcoming, happy to share their love of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and great cooks, too!

Christmas Eve Family Mass
We are already planning for the Christmas Eve Family Mass at 4PM on December 24th.  There are many ways for children to be involved.  Stay tuned for details, but right now, please note the following:
  • Rita will be teaching children songs to be sung that evening at 10:15AM in the Religious Education Center (the location of catechesis programs) this Sunday and next, December 11th and 18th.  All are welcome (not just Sunday catechesis children). 
  • All children are invited to participate in the opening procession of angels and shepherds.  Children will be asked to come early on December 24th to be prepared for the procession. 
  • If your child would like a reading part at the mass, please e-mail Kate Lynch ([email protected]) to let her know.
  • If you know a parish family that would like to be involved but is not in catechesis, please spread the word about song practice, volunteering for reading, and participation in the procession.  We want to welcome all to participate fully, but we need everyone's help to get the word out. 
Please contact Lina Hilko, editor ([email protected] ), or Kate Lynch, Director of Religious Education ([email protected]), with your comments or questions about this e-newsletter.