Tour of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Atrium
The Prayer Table is where the children learn that prayer is listening to God and responding.
The Holy Bible is lifted up as our most precious book containing God’s words to us.
A favorite work in the CGS Atrium is setting the Prayer Table with the liturgical color cloth, Bible and stand, candle, religious statues and prayer card (often made by the child). Older students take turns leading the Prayer Table for their entire class, including setting the Prayer Table and picking the song and closing prayer of their choice. The classmates are extremely supportive and respectful of each other during this time. The joy worn proudly by the student setting and leading the Prayer Table is evident to all as they lead us in connecting with God in a special way.
With the Model Altar, children learn to name and identify the articles of the Mass as well as better understand what their purpose is in the Mass. This work prepares them for future catechetical work and instills a reverence for the articles of the Mass in the child. They feel at home in the church, knowing that Jesus is with us in a special way at the Mass.
At the table of the Good Shepherd, the parable from John 10 is proclaimed and the children are invited to fall in love with God by knowing Jesus, the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd knows His sheep and calls them by name, and the sheep recognize His voice and listen to Him.
Learning about the geographical context of Jesus’ life in Israel anchors the child in reality. The child absorbs through a variety of sensory materials that Jesus is a real person, who lived in a real time, who was born of a human mother, but also of God. He was born, lived, died, and rose again in a real place on earth – the land of Israel.
The geography works include:
· A globe
· A topographical map of the land of Israel
· A wooden puzzle map of Israel
· Wooden pieces to build the city of Jerusalem
Biblical Geography also plants the seeds of understanding for the child of Micah 5:1, “I choose you, Israel, not because you are great, but because you are small.” The child is invited to ponder that God chooses the small and humble to do His great work, a very important idea to a child.
Each Infancy Narrative includes a Scripture booklet, a diorama for each story as well as 3-D figures. The Infancy Narratives include:
· The Annunciation of Mary
· The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth
· The Birth of Jeus and the Adoration of the Shepherds
· The Adoration of the Magi
· The Presentation at the Temple
The Kingdom Parables invite the child to discover secrets hidden in the Parables, and to wonder about God’s Kingdom which surrounds them and is within them. The Kingdom Parables include:
· Parable of the Mustard Seed
· Parable of the Precious Pearl
· Parable of the Yeast
· Parable of the Growing Seed
· Parable of the Hidden Treasure
The Risen Christ shares His life and light with us in a most particular way through Baptism. Baptism is such an incredible gift and in the Baptism area of the CGS Atrium the child learns more about the signs used when they received the light of Christ.
· Holy Water
· Light - Paschal Candle and Baptismal Candle
· Holy Oils
· White Garment
· Word of God
During the seasons of Lent and Easter, the focus in the CGS Atrium is on the events surrounding Jesus’ death and resurrection. These materials include:
· The Last Supper
· City of Jerusalem and the events that took place there during Holy Week
· Parable of the Grain of Wheat
John 12:24 "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”
· The Empty Tomb
