The Gatekeeper
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Level I March 19, 2013 - Level 1, Issue 13
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| Dear CGS Level I Parent, |  This week Level I will receive a presentation on Jesus' Last Supper celebrated in the Cenacle, or Upper Room. This presentation and extensions of it are received during multiple years of Level I and Level II. (So, you may have read about the Cenacle before.) At mass, immediately after recalling the words of Jesus at the Last Supper (the "Institution Narrative"), we proclaim the Mystery of Faith. The word "mystery" perhaps gives some indication as to why we continue, throughout our lives, to meditate on and to learn about the Last Supper, the events of Holy Week, and their relationship to us and our faith today. The last two articles below are repeated from the Level II newsletter. So, if you have a Level II child, as well, no need to re-read. We pray that our families have a blessed Holy Week and celebrate Easter with much joy!
Peace,
Lina Hilko (editor)
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The Cenacle
| The Level I children will hear an account of Jesus' Last Supper from Mark 14: 12-17, 22-24, 26. The Last Supper is a very important moment in Jesus' life. He celebrated this meal in the Cenacle, or "upper room" of a house. This meal was celebrated during the Jewish feast known as Passover. Passover is a feast that has been celebrated by Jewish people for thousands of years, starting a long time before Jesus was even born and being celebrated still today.
After reading the account one time, the catechist will read it again using the materials. The materials are a wooden box representing the Cenacle, a long wooden table covered by a white cloth, three-dimensional figures of Jesus and 12 apostles, a small paten holding a clay model of bread, and a small chalice. Each item is put in place slowly at the right time in the narrative. Great emphasis is placed on Jesus' simple words: "Take and eat. This is my body." "Take and drink. This is my blood."
After a moment of meditation on all that has occurred up to now, the reflection continues. 'Jesus went after the meal to pray at the Mount of Olives.' At this point all the three-dimensional figures are removed and placed out of sight. 'Later that night, Jesus was arrested. We know he died on the cross.' A small crucifix is placed on the table, which still holds the paten, bread, and chalice. 'But we also know that he rose again.' We place two small candles on the table and light them. 'Christ has died. Christ is risen.'
So, the final image for the children is one which connects them to the mass and our celebration of Eucharist.
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Listening to God
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The celebrations of mass on Palm Sunday and Holy Thursday connect well to Level I and Level II presentations on the City of Jerusalem and on the Cenacle, or Last Supper. However, it can be hard for young children to listen to readings at mass. Consider reading a story or stories about the events we remember during Holy Week before Easter. Choose an age-appropriate book which includes four key places and moments: Last Supper, Prayer in Gethsemane, Death on the Cross, Resurrection. To connect with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, seek a book that treats Jesus' life with respect and employs scripture-based fact. Note that not all books treat the Last Supper in the same way because different Christian denominations have different beliefs around Eucharist. When selecting a book, review the institution of the Eucharist to ensure it represents your beliefs.
(Or if you also have a Level III child in your family, this year you may particularly consider reading about the Jewish Feast of Passover since Level III celebrates a Passover Seder this week. At a family meal, consider asking your Level III child to talk about the Seder experience so younger siblings can hear about it.)
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Enjoy Easter Traditions
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This coming Saturday, March 23rd, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, Kate Lynch will lead a fun hands-on workshop for adults and children to make various items associated with Easter, such as palm-weaving, Easter baskets, Ukrainian dyed Easter eggs, and lamb cake and cookie decorating. To join in the fun, simply RSVP to Kate Lynch (email kolynchdre@gmail.com) by this Thursday (3/21). This ensures planning for appropriate numbers of supplies. Bring the whole family!
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Feel free to comment on this information to Lina Hilko, LHilko@aol.com, the editor and/or Kate Lynch, kolynchdre@gmail.com, St. Teresa's Director of Religious Education. Thanks!
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