This was written by CGS catechist Mandie deVries in an effort to show her first holy communicants the proper way to receive communion:
I
We'll practice this in class, but it would be wonderful if you could also practice at home.
~ Beate
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Lent in the Atria
Reminder - No class on March 9!
We are heading into Lent in the atria, so here is a quick update on the themes we may be covering in the atria this season.
In Level 1, the children will be hearing the parable of the Found Sheep (Luke 15:5-6), Psalm 23:1-2, the Mystery of Life and Death (John 12:24), and ponder events in the City of Jerusalem all before Easter Sunday. Individually, they will continue to work on gestures, the vestments of the priest, and other works that call to them during their time in the atrium.
In Level 2, the children will be encouraged to revisit some of the Paschal narratives. These include:
- The Mystery of Life and Death, John 12:24
- The Last Supper (also called the Cennacle,) Luke 22:7-13, Mark 14:17,22-24, 26
- Entry into Jerusalm, Luke 19:29-38, 45a
- Jesus in the Garden of Olives
- The Prayer, Luke 22:39-46
- The Arrest, Matthew 26:47-56
- Trial before Caiphas, Matthew 26:57-68
- Trial before Pilate 1st part, John 18:28-37, Matthew 27:12-14
- Jesus before Herod, Luke 23:2-12
- Trial before Pilate 2nd part, John 19:4-16
- Crucifixion, Luke 23:33-46, Mark 15:39, Matthew 47:57-60
- Ascension, Acts 1:4-12
- Pentecost, Acts 2:1-11
The children will also be encouraged to continue working on the structure of the Mass and their first Missal, as well as meditate on the moral parables.
The Level 3 children will continue their study of Genesis. Thus far, we've discussed Creation and the Fall, so they will look at those more deeply. We will venture to the Flood next, again looking at this event typologically. What unites these OT events to redemption (our baptism and Eucharist) and also to Parousia, when God will be all in all? Our liturgy often makes the connections for us, esp. during the Easter vigil, but also during the Baptismal rite.
In other presentations, we will focus on God's mercy and justice, reading and discussing the Parable of the Debtors (Matthew 18:23-34) and doing a meditation called the Armor of Light.
Like the Level 2 children, the Level 3 children will be encouraged to revisit the Paschal narratives listed above. We have scripture booklets available to them for this purpose, but we also have scripture charts so they can look up and read the various accounts in the Bible.
~ Beate
~ Beate
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Atrium 1-3 updates!
2014 has been an exciting year for all the kids!
Atrium 1 has covered Adoration of the Magi,Pearl of Great Price and just getting caught up on works that they have needed to finish.
The children absolutely love what they are learning. I wish we had time to to talk to the parents to hear what their kids tell them what they've learned. I love as their eyes light up when they understand a parable being taught. When they feel confident in answering a question the catechist might ask. My wife Joyce along with Blanca and Sarah do such an awesome job with these young children.
Atrium 2 has been Blessed to have Sabine,Sharon and our newest catechist Chris Hanley who just started last week. She is full of energy and enthusiasm in her new role serving our parish in her twelfth year! The kids have learned about Flight into Egypt, Pearl of Great Price and the insistent friend! I love this last one because the friend is persistent in his knocking on the door and trying to get three loaves of bread for his company. Jesus tells us to be as persistent in our prayer life. Also whoever asks receives, everyone who searches finds, everyone who knocks will have the door opened. It's amazing what the kids are learning.
Atrium 3 has the most wonderful and humble distinct honor having Beate as their Catechist. As well as JoAnn and Tony who are learning to follow in Beate steps. It's more like baby steps trying to keep up!:)) Some of these kids have gone all the way through Atrium 1 and 2 with Beate. What a blessing. She is our rock as catechist!
The kids are learning about the effects of spiraling infancy narratives have on each one of us, our families,community,country, and the world as we know it today. Since the beginning of life as God
spoke and it happened. In more detail we have spent the last few weeks learning of God's Great Plan. We have covered Creation With Adam and Eve, Genesis when God calls Abraham and creates the Hebrew Nation. To the Redemption era when Jesus was born and lived to our present day. We are finishing up with the Last part yet to come as we wait for our Lord to come again when God will be all in all. The earth will be full of knowledge of God.
Sofia Cavalletti in her book The History of the Kingdom of God from creation to Parousia describes it like a Golden thread that strands together pearls. God binds together everything that he has created throughout all of time with this Golden Thread that touches all of us and leads us toward the Parousia.
I know this was longer than usual. It's just been awhile since I last blogged. I apologize for that. May God bless all of our relationships. It is through these relationships no matter how short or long they last. Which unifies each of us toward a greater good even if it's just for a brief encounter or life long true friendship. God is touching all of us and that's always a good thing...
Sincerely and Humbly,
Your Brother in Christ
Anthony Colyer
Atrium 1 has covered Adoration of the Magi,Pearl of Great Price and just getting caught up on works that they have needed to finish.
The children absolutely love what they are learning. I wish we had time to to talk to the parents to hear what their kids tell them what they've learned. I love as their eyes light up when they understand a parable being taught. When they feel confident in answering a question the catechist might ask. My wife Joyce along with Blanca and Sarah do such an awesome job with these young children.
Atrium 2 has been Blessed to have Sabine,Sharon and our newest catechist Chris Hanley who just started last week. She is full of energy and enthusiasm in her new role serving our parish in her twelfth year! The kids have learned about Flight into Egypt, Pearl of Great Price and the insistent friend! I love this last one because the friend is persistent in his knocking on the door and trying to get three loaves of bread for his company. Jesus tells us to be as persistent in our prayer life. Also whoever asks receives, everyone who searches finds, everyone who knocks will have the door opened. It's amazing what the kids are learning.
Atrium 3 has the most wonderful and humble distinct honor having Beate as their Catechist. As well as JoAnn and Tony who are learning to follow in Beate steps. It's more like baby steps trying to keep up!:)) Some of these kids have gone all the way through Atrium 1 and 2 with Beate. What a blessing. She is our rock as catechist!
The kids are learning about the effects of spiraling infancy narratives have on each one of us, our families,community,country, and the world as we know it today. Since the beginning of life as God
spoke and it happened. In more detail we have spent the last few weeks learning of God's Great Plan. We have covered Creation With Adam and Eve, Genesis when God calls Abraham and creates the Hebrew Nation. To the Redemption era when Jesus was born and lived to our present day. We are finishing up with the Last part yet to come as we wait for our Lord to come again when God will be all in all. The earth will be full of knowledge of God.
Sofia Cavalletti in her book The History of the Kingdom of God from creation to Parousia describes it like a Golden thread that strands together pearls. God binds together everything that he has created throughout all of time with this Golden Thread that touches all of us and leads us toward the Parousia.
I know this was longer than usual. It's just been awhile since I last blogged. I apologize for that. May God bless all of our relationships. It is through these relationships no matter how short or long they last. Which unifies each of us toward a greater good even if it's just for a brief encounter or life long true friendship. God is touching all of us and that's always a good thing...
Sincerely and Humbly,
Your Brother in Christ
Anthony Colyer
Friday, December 27, 2013
Last Atrium class of this year!
All the RE classes along with the parish members who attended the special skit "Our Lady of Guadalupe," Performed by the Atrium 3 class, were transformed back into time.
Our Lady, appearing to Juan Diego
Juan, waiting for the Bishop
The miraculous tilma unfurled
Bishop and guard with Juan
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Atrium news and events updates for December 10.2013
It is the second week of Advent. The kids in Atrium 1 and Atrium 2 did the Visitation in preparing us for the coming of our Lord. They prepared their Advent Wreaths and altar tables in the color Purple.
In Atrium 3 we worked on finishing our work with the Prophets. We looked back on the four prophets: Isaiah,Jeremiah,Amos and Ezekiel. We reflected on how God prepared them to prepare the people of God for the coming of our Lord. How their lives were so vastly different yet each were significantly important in sharing God's messages and words. They also prepared their Advent Wreath and altar table.
All three classes had a surprised visit by the teenagers in confirmation classes. They all stopped by and wanted to introduce themselves to each student. It was very thoughtful and enlightening. we have such amazing kids. you the parents have done a wonderful job in raising such fine and faithful kids.
The kids in Atrium 3 are putting on a skit of "Our Lady Of Guadalupe." We rehearsed before class and during class as well. Please make sure your able to attend. It is this Sunday between the two masses. The time is set for 9:45 am til 10:15 am. We do have one more rehearsal on this Saturday at 1:00 pm.
Also we still need sheep and shepherds for the Annual Sattler Christmas Parade. We need to have the kids there by no later than 10:00 am. The Knights of Columbus are providing a float for the kids. Father really wants a good turnout for this.
Pope Francis states "The time of Advent that the Church celebrates in preparation for Christmas is a new journey of the people of God with Jesus Christ. our Shepherd, who guides us in history towards the completion of the Kingdom of God(Parousia). Let us rediscover the beauty of being together along the way: the Church, with her vocation and mission, and the whole of humanity, the people, the civilizations, the cultures, all together on the paths of time."
If you have not heard by now Chris Hanly is stepping down as our DRE. She has served us so well and we were Blessed to have her for as long as we did. She is pursuing her Masters Degree in Theology. She will still be around helping Sabine in the Atrium 2 class. Please pray for her continued success in growing in her knowledge and devotion of our faith and to our Lord....
Your Brother in Christ,
Anthony Colyer
In Atrium 3 we worked on finishing our work with the Prophets. We looked back on the four prophets: Isaiah,Jeremiah,Amos and Ezekiel. We reflected on how God prepared them to prepare the people of God for the coming of our Lord. How their lives were so vastly different yet each were significantly important in sharing God's messages and words. They also prepared their Advent Wreath and altar table.
All three classes had a surprised visit by the teenagers in confirmation classes. They all stopped by and wanted to introduce themselves to each student. It was very thoughtful and enlightening. we have such amazing kids. you the parents have done a wonderful job in raising such fine and faithful kids.
The kids in Atrium 3 are putting on a skit of "Our Lady Of Guadalupe." We rehearsed before class and during class as well. Please make sure your able to attend. It is this Sunday between the two masses. The time is set for 9:45 am til 10:15 am. We do have one more rehearsal on this Saturday at 1:00 pm.
Also we still need sheep and shepherds for the Annual Sattler Christmas Parade. We need to have the kids there by no later than 10:00 am. The Knights of Columbus are providing a float for the kids. Father really wants a good turnout for this.
Pope Francis states "The time of Advent that the Church celebrates in preparation for Christmas is a new journey of the people of God with Jesus Christ. our Shepherd, who guides us in history towards the completion of the Kingdom of God(Parousia). Let us rediscover the beauty of being together along the way: the Church, with her vocation and mission, and the whole of humanity, the people, the civilizations, the cultures, all together on the paths of time."
If you have not heard by now Chris Hanly is stepping down as our DRE. She has served us so well and we were Blessed to have her for as long as we did. She is pursuing her Masters Degree in Theology. She will still be around helping Sabine in the Atrium 2 class. Please pray for her continued success in growing in her knowledge and devotion of our faith and to our Lord....
Your Brother in Christ,
Anthony Colyer
Monday, November 25, 2013
The end of the liturgical year...
Just a short (or not so short) note to offer a peak into the atria:
The youngest children have spent time in the atrium this month hearing the Parable of the Mustard seed. This meditation has 3 'moments' which get visited in consecutive years. In the first moment we ponder the mystery of God being like the mystery of life itself, moving from less to more through the process of growth and transformation. The following year, we wonder at the mystery of God permeating all of creation - even ourselves! Yet this power does not belong to us, but to God. During the final moment, we ponder if this mystery has an end? Once again, wondering with the children allows us to slow down and enjoy the theology that our scripure offers in such a beautiful way!
The children also spent some time practicing gestures (prayers that don't require words) such as bowing, genuflecting and making the sign of the cross.
They also explored the geography of Israel, learning about the major regions by working on a puzzle map. Some of them learned the names of the 3 most important cities in the life of Christ - Nazareth, Bethlehem and Jerusalem.
The Level 2 children have also worked on geography, spiralling outward from the Level 1 presentations to encompass more of the geography. I did not appreciate the importance of this factor until I was an adult - now it allows me to listen with a deeper understanding when the scripture is proclaimed.
Some of the children have continued to work with the parts of the Mass and are busy making their first missal.
Last Sunday, they heard the parable of the Good Shepherd, prompting one child to write a beautiful prayer asking the Good Shepherd's help in following Him forever. - AMEN!
In Level 3, we began our study of the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos and Ezekiel. This year our focus is on how they were called.
Next year we will look at the struggles they faced. This age child often longs for heroes, and the prophets fit the bill nicely :-) Of course, we will never look at a burning ember the same way again!
The children also continued to look at the individual prayers that compose the one big prayer of the Mass. This work is a lovely way to hold our attention at Holy Mass! Last week we focused in on the Preparation of the Gifts. It was a great reminder that all that we offer God was given to us first. My hope is that some of the children will start working on their second missal in the upcoming weeks.
A few of the children have taken the time to work with the Plan of God - but it is a huge work and all too often they don't have a chance to finish. This age child is welcome to come at 8:30 or stay until noon - just let me know if you are interested in those times.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving! I give thanks for Sofia Cavalletti who allowed herself to be inspired to bring this lovely way of learning the Faith into our lives.
~ Beate
"Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, not even if your whole world seems upset. If you find that you have wandered away from the shelter of God, lead your heart back to Him quietly and simply."
~ St. Francis de Sales
The youngest children have spent time in the atrium this month hearing the Parable of the Mustard seed. This meditation has 3 'moments' which get visited in consecutive years. In the first moment we ponder the mystery of God being like the mystery of life itself, moving from less to more through the process of growth and transformation. The following year, we wonder at the mystery of God permeating all of creation - even ourselves! Yet this power does not belong to us, but to God. During the final moment, we ponder if this mystery has an end? Once again, wondering with the children allows us to slow down and enjoy the theology that our scripure offers in such a beautiful way!
The children also spent some time practicing gestures (prayers that don't require words) such as bowing, genuflecting and making the sign of the cross.
They also explored the geography of Israel, learning about the major regions by working on a puzzle map. Some of them learned the names of the 3 most important cities in the life of Christ - Nazareth, Bethlehem and Jerusalem.
The Level 2 children have also worked on geography, spiralling outward from the Level 1 presentations to encompass more of the geography. I did not appreciate the importance of this factor until I was an adult - now it allows me to listen with a deeper understanding when the scripture is proclaimed.
Some of the children have continued to work with the parts of the Mass and are busy making their first missal.
Last Sunday, they heard the parable of the Good Shepherd, prompting one child to write a beautiful prayer asking the Good Shepherd's help in following Him forever. - AMEN!
In Level 3, we began our study of the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos and Ezekiel. This year our focus is on how they were called.
- Isaiah 6:1-8
- Jeremiah 1:4-10
- Amos 7:14-15
- Ezekiel 2:8-3:4 & 12a
Next year we will look at the struggles they faced. This age child often longs for heroes, and the prophets fit the bill nicely :-) Of course, we will never look at a burning ember the same way again!
The children also continued to look at the individual prayers that compose the one big prayer of the Mass. This work is a lovely way to hold our attention at Holy Mass! Last week we focused in on the Preparation of the Gifts. It was a great reminder that all that we offer God was given to us first. My hope is that some of the children will start working on their second missal in the upcoming weeks.
A few of the children have taken the time to work with the Plan of God - but it is a huge work and all too often they don't have a chance to finish. This age child is welcome to come at 8:30 or stay until noon - just let me know if you are interested in those times.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving! I give thanks for Sofia Cavalletti who allowed herself to be inspired to bring this lovely way of learning the Faith into our lives.
~ Beate
"Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, not even if your whole world seems upset. If you find that you have wandered away from the shelter of God, lead your heart back to Him quietly and simply."
~ St. Francis de Sales
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
NOVEMBER'S UPDATES
The last few weeks have been pretty special. Some of our atrium students went to Sattler and enjoyed tricker treating on Halloween night. All Soul's Day Mass was pretty special as Father Alberic blessed all of our deceased loved ones and prayed for those in purgatory. He talked of the saints and asked who is ours? Do you know the feast day of your saint? What are they the patron saint of? Questions to ponder and to research if you do not know!
Then on November 3rd, Father asked the children to dress up as their favorite saint. It was also the World Youth Day Mass and Festival. The children were flawless in their presentations, choir singing (some of us tried) ushering, presenting the gifts and of course altar serving. Father asked the children who did dress up as saints, who are you? What is your feast day? What are you the Patron Saint of? The children surprised us, as well as impressed us with their answers. Father has been doing great things at our St. Thomas Parish. We are fortunate to have someone who loves our children and likes getting them involved.
After the Mass was our World Youth Day celebration festival. The kids did bobbing for apples (a classic sight to see), fishing, the infamous and all time favorite cake walk, ring toss, face painting and Karaoke singing. It was run by the older youth for our younger ones. The knights served us great food as always. It was fun and had unforgettable moments. Some older bald guy tried to sing at karaoke and had the whole place in hysteria.
Then on November 3rd, Father asked the children to dress up as their favorite saint. It was also the World Youth Day Mass and Festival. The children were flawless in their presentations, choir singing (some of us tried) ushering, presenting the gifts and of course altar serving. Father asked the children who did dress up as saints, who are you? What is your feast day? What are you the Patron Saint of? The children surprised us, as well as impressed us with their answers. Father has been doing great things at our St. Thomas Parish. We are fortunate to have someone who loves our children and likes getting them involved.
After the Mass was our World Youth Day celebration festival. The kids did bobbing for apples (a classic sight to see), fishing, the infamous and all time favorite cake walk, ring toss, face painting and Karaoke singing. It was run by the older youth for our younger ones. The knights served us great food as always. It was fun and had unforgettable moments. Some older bald guy tried to sing at karaoke and had the whole place in hysteria.
Well we are past the half way mark in November and there is more things coming. Advent starts December 1st. December 14 is the annual Sattler Christmas Day Parade and children are invited to participate as sheep and shepherds on a float provided by the Knight's of Columbus.
Father has asked the catechesists to have the children prepare a skit of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The children will have a month to learn their parts and on December 15th will present a skit honoring the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Also the annual Christmas Pageant and Choir is Saturday December 24th on Christmas eve!
As you can see the children are busy. We do ask that they participate and engage in these events of special meaning to our Church throughout the year. As they go through all the levels of Atrium learning they realize the significance that God and our Church play in their lives. Not just now but as they grow older and get confirmed. They will enter this game we call Life and become the next soldiers of Christ in the World.
I have been Catholic my whole life. I heard of Homeschooling in North Carolina when I was eleven. It stuck with me and as I got married asked my wife if she would be interested. We learned all we could about it and decided that the church wants us to be our children's teachers and instruct them on their faith. I never knew or once even heard of Atrium. Sofia Cavalletti (God rest her Soul) created the Catechesis of The Good Shepherd. My wife Joyce (my better half) along with Beate, Ginger, Chris etc. brought it into reality to our parish. It is a hands on approach where the children use everything the priest uses in Mass. They learn that God is present with them and that they just need to listen. They live the experiences of the Mass every weekend in class. They also learn about God's plan from Creation to our present time of Redemption until The Parousia when our Lord will be All in All.
I wish we had this when I was growing up. This is the most amazing religious training I have ever seen. I see why my wife, Beate, Chris, JoAnn, Blanca, Sabine etc. have been loving this for as long as they have. As a new catechist, Iwatch how these ladies interact with the kids. They do it with love, softness and respect. The children in return show respect and listen and speak softly and love. They treat each other kindly and are helpful. They get the materials, work alone or with some other children and when done they put away the materials where they found them. They are a joy to watch and and we thank you for letting us have the opportunity to teach them. I will spend the rest of my life learning all that there is to learn about this wonderful way to teach our Faith to the children of our parish and beyond...
Sorry for this long blog. It will be shorter next time. I am new to this new age wonderment of technology and how to converse without talking.:)
Your Brother in Christ
Anthony Colyer
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