The Gatekeeper
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Levels I and II 
February 12, 2015 - Levels 1 & 2
In This Issue
Setting the Stage
Preparation of the Cruets
Preparation of the Chalice
Children's Mass: Sunday, Feb 1st
Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links
Save the Date
See the article on upcoming events at end for various important dates.

Dear CGS Parent,   
The Good Shepherd

You may recall that in the last newsletter (two weeks ago due to our snow break on Feb. 1-3!) we described two presentations on preparation steps (cruets and chalice) that set the stage for children learning two important gestures within the Eucharistic Prayer: Epiclesis and Offering. The gestures of Epiclesis and Offering are first introduced in Level I and are explored more profoundly in the coming years. The combination of these two gestures reflects the continuance of a main theme throughout our Judeo-Christian history and one that is represented in Mass during the Eucharist. The theme is one of covenant between God and His People. God is gifted to us through Christ, and in turn, we are thankful and respond to this gift by offering something in return to God.

 

After the main article below, there are three articles on upcoming events or needs. These are copied from the recent Level III newsletter, so if you have a Level III child, those articles will be a repeat.

 

Peace,

  Lina Hilko (editor)
Epiclesis and Offering   

Level I and Level II children receive various presentations on gestures of the mass. The children learn that a "gesture" is a motion that has meaning, such as a wave hello or beckoning someone to come to you by curling your index finger. The youngest children are able to understand the deep meaning of gestures even if they cannot yet verbalize their understanding. So, introducing them to the gestures of the mass helps them to connect with the mass, especially in light of the fact that they may not yet connect well with spoken prayers.

 

The gesture of Epiclesis occurs toward the beginning of the Eucharistic Prayer. The priest will move his two hands, palms-down over the bread and wine, saying words like, "Therefore, O Lord, we humbly implore you: by the same Spirit graciously make holy these gifts we have brought to you for consecration, that they may become the Body and Blood of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ at whose command we celebrate these mysteries." (During the words "Body and Blood" the priest makes yet another gesture, the large "sweeping" sign of the cross with the right hand.)

 

The gesture of Offering is the time at the end of the Eucharistic Prayer when the priest holds up high the Body and Blood of Christ and says the words, "Through Him, and with Him, and in Him, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, for ever and ever." And the whole congregation joyfully responds with the Great Amen.

 

One purpose of introducing children to these gestures of the mass is to help them connect to the mass. Another purpose is for them to start to understand the incredible gift of the Eucharistic. This is a work that will take years, and it is so important that we begin right away, even at age three.

 

Over the course of Catechesis, the child will come to understand that, while human beings can make bread and wine, they cannot create the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. Only God, through the Holy Spirit, can transform bread and wine into Body and Blood. The gesture of Epiclesis is the first step to build this understanding because the gesture begins high and comes down over the gifts - it starts with God and comes down to the gifts we have brought to the table. Our whole lives are based on accepting God's gifts and responding with joy and love to those gifts. So, the gesture of Offering helps the child begin to understand the importance of response to God's gifts, of giving back to God. So, we lift up to God what God has given to us.

 

Helping Hands

A few weeks ago, we emailed an appeal for help with a variety of upcoming family events. The response was great! Thanks to those who inquired, considered, and as possible, signed up.

 

And we still have SIX spots to fill (bulleted below). Please click on the VolunteerSpot link http://vols.pt/22hRhG to browse needs. If you have questions on what a job entails, please email Lina Hilko at [email protected].

  • ONE family to host the March 27th Lenten Friday meal for our Lenten Friday Family Game Night series.
  • TWO more adult assistants for the First Communion retreat on Saturday, April 25, 11AM-2PM. This is very important, behind-the-scenes help, such as cleaning, washing dishes, and setting up lunch.
  • THREE more adult assistants for Easter Traditions arts and crafts on Saturday, March 28th, 2-5PM.
Transition Masses into Renovated Church
After nine months of anticipation, we plan to transition back into our renovated church on the weekend of March 7th/8th. Each mass will experience a special transition and blessing. Please join us as we open the doors to the next 125 years as a community in this beautiful worship space. Note that there will be an official re-dedication of the altar by a Bishop at some later date (could be May but could be as late as next September). So, the celebrations will continue.

 

Important Upcoming Events

One way children learn about being in relationship with God is by experiencing strong, positive human relationships. We're fortunate to have many community-building opportunities this Lent. Often people give something up for Lent, but many "take something on" instead (or as well). Consider embracing opportunities to build or strengthen friendships within the St. Teresa community this Lent. The friendship seeds you plant and till today for your children can help them through the rough waters of adolescence, when having good, faith-sharing friends could be a life-giving gift.

 

Please note and mark in your calendars the following:

  • Ash Wednesday, February 18 - Evening mass at St. Teresa's is at 7PM
  • Lenten Friday Family Game Nights - Join us in the Religious Ed Center from 5:30 to 7:30PM for a meatless meal, games, and conversation on five Lenten Fridays: Feb 20, Feb 27, Mar 13, Mar 20, and Mar 27.
  • Children's Participation Mass, March 1, 9AM - Celebrate mass as a community and with the greater community. Consider how your children will help - greeters, basket ushers, gift bearers.
  • Parish Fish Fry, March 6, 5PM - Parishioners will join with our regular Loaves & Fishes dinner to celebrate a traditional Lenten Fish Fry. Stay tuned in bulletin for more details.
  • Lenten Communal Reconciliation Service, March 11, 6:30PM
  • Cuisine du Coeur, March 22, 12-3PM - Enjoy this special Cuisine with a Spanish flair in celebration of the 500th birthday of St. Teresa of Avila. Hosted by St. Teresa's French community.
  • Easter Traditions, March 28, 2-5PM - Join Fr. Frank and Kate Lynch as a family in trying your hand at a variety of Easter crafts, such as lamb cake decorating, palm weaving, Easter basket decorating, and egg dying.
Please provide comments about this newsletter to Lina Hilko, the editor, at [email protected], and/or Kate Lynch, St. Teresa's Director of Religious Education, at [email protected].