The Gatekeeper
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Level II 
March 13, 2012 - Level 2, Issue 12
In This Issue
Cenacle
March 28th Reconciliation
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Dear CGS Level II Parent 
The Good Shepherd

This week, Level II children consider more closely the events of Jesus' Last Supper, celebrated in the room called the Cenacle which they heard about a few weeks ago when studying the model of the city of Jerusalem. This is a particularly important presentation for Level II children who are either preparing for First Communion or within a year either way of that important sacramental milestone. Parents can support their child's experience by planning ahead to celebrate Holy Thursday mass in which we remember the institution of the Eucharist. Talk in advance with your child about the meaning of this special mass.

 

Our Lenten Family Formation Workshops continue the next two Sundays covering (1) preparing to parent a teen on March 18th and (2) reflections on forgiveness and reconciliation on March 25th. The capping event is a hands-on workshop with Father Frank and Kate Lynch exploring and creating some Easter traditions, such as baskets, decorated eggs, and lamb cake. We encourage you to join us on Saturday, March 31st, in the Parish Center at 2PM-5PM. Please RSVP to the Saturday event by e-mailing Kate Lynch (kolynchdre@gmail.com) so we can have enough supplies.
 

Peace,

  Lina Hilko (editor)
Cenacle

We discover important words that Jesus said to his friends during the Last Supper:

 

"Take and eat; this is my body."

 

"This is my blood, the blood of the covenant, to be poured out on behalf of many."

 

These words are what we hear at Mass each week, and Jesus wants us to continue to says these words in remembrance of Him.

 

Sophia Cavalletti explains the significance of this new relationship or covenant that Jesus formed with all peoples the night of the Last Supper: "During the Last Supper presentation we emphasize Jesus' will to remain with men of all times; therefore we focus on the words of the consecration with which He expressed this will, designating as the ultimate end of the bread and wine that they be the signs of His perpetual presence in the midst of mankind and of His continuing intervention in the life of humanity." (Religious Potential of the Child 6-12, Cavalletti, Pg. 114)

 

It is important to note that all of our presentations about Jesus' death in the atrium are followed by proclaiming the rest of the story.....He is Risen! We remember the Last Supper using three-dimensional figures representing Jesus and his disciples in a simple model of the Cenacle ("upper room"), gathered around the table with bread and wine. We then show Jesus and his disciples leaving the Cenacle for the Mount of Olives, where Jesus prayed. We tell the children that at the Mount of Olives, people arrested Jesus. Jesus was crucified and died. We place a crucifix on the Cenacle table which still holds the bread and wine. Immediately, we tell the children that Jesus rose again. We place and light two candles on the Cenacle table. This image clearly reminds us of mass and our celebration of Eucharist and often results in quiet contemplation.

 

Parents may want to explore the Gospel readings of the Last Supper in order to journey in a meaningful manner with their children during Holy Week.

 

Luke 22:7-14

Mark 14:12-17, 22-24 (omitted is the passage about Judas which can leave too strong of an impression with the young children)

Matthew 26:17-30

 

Save the Date - March 28th Reconciliation

St. Teresa's Lenten communal celebration of Reconciliation will occur on Wednesday, March 28th, 7:00-8:30PM. In Atrium the week before, we will reflect on the parable of the Found Sheep and the sacrament of Reconciliation. It is important to our children's catechetical experience to get the chance to celebrate Reconciliation at least once a year.

 

We ask that the parents of children who have already celebrated their First Reconciliation take their child during Lent to a Reconciliation service and participate in it themselves. We hope you can come on March 28th so as many of us as possible can celebrate this sacrament as a CGS community (the more kids the better for all our experience!). We will provide more information about Reconciliation to all families but want to get the message out early so you can plan ahead. If you feel it is too much to attend Atrium and the March 28th Reconciliation service all in one week, we totally understand and strongly encourage opting for the March 28th Reconciliation. (We will hold Atrium that week but want to give flexibility for those who feel overbooked.)

 

The service will begin with communal song, Scripture reading, and an examination of conscience. The opportunity for individual confession will follow, and people can leave as soon as they are done. Unlike the children's First Reconciliation, there is no communal ending. 

 

By the way, our parent workshop on Sunday, March 25th is designed to help parents prepare for the celebration of Reconciliation as a family. And of course, if you have any questions about the sacrament or the schedule, always feel free to reach out to Kate Lynch, kolynchdre@gmail.com.
Please provide comments about this newsletter to Lina Hilko, the editor, at LHilko@aol.com, and/or Kate Lynch, St. Teresa's Director of Religious Education, at kolynchdre@gmail.com.