Spiritual Formation

Children

Sunday School
Sunday mornings from 9:00 – 10:15

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
for children 3-9 years old

Here at Grace we use the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, which utilizes a Montessori approach that allows a child to explore his or her individual spirituality with the sacramental structure of our faith.  A space where “The Holy Spirit and the child meet!”  The idea is that the child is invited to grow their relationship with God.  It is an understanding that the child and God already know each other; therefore, it provides a place for them to grow that relationship.  They accomplish this through learning grace and courtesy, reflecting on Jesus’ life, the parables, practical life and much more!

How do we allow that relationship to flourish?  Our work as a catechist (teacher) is to introduce the many “works” of the atrium  to the child.   Each “work” presented is in accordance with the age and developmental stage of the child.

Sample works for the younger child, 3-6 years old:

• • Pouring water or moving marbles from one container to another (grows confidence and improves motor skills, all the while reflecting on the preparation of the chalice for communion)
  • Synthesizing the Eucharist (understanding what they see at The Eucharist)
  • Exploring Jesus’ life in dioramas such as  “the birth narratives of Jesus” (understanding the beginning of Jesus’ life) to name a few. 

  Sample works for the older child, 6-9 years old:

  • Reading a parable or part of the story of Jesus’ life accompanied by a diorama, and allowing the words to settle into the mind.  After a moment of quiet contemplation on what they have heard, questions will then be asked allowing the child to contemplate further and respond in the way that they understand the text and what speaks to them.
  • • Do you know what a parable is?
    • What do you think God is saying to us in this parable?
    • How do you think you can use this in your life?  
  • Practical life works involve taking care of the atrium— polishing a candlestick, arranging a vase of flowers for the prayer table, dusting…
  • Maps of the Land of Israel delve more deeply in helping to expand their understanding—moving beyond just naming and locating on a map a city on a map, but to connect what happened there and read that part of the Bible.

  

  The Role of the Catechist

  Our role as a catechist is to be a guide to the child —which means we do not give answers to the child instead we explore with them as what the answers may be.  This allows for personal exploration, and a spiraling education that allows them to revisit the “works” over time and see each with fresh eyes and a new perspective. 

  Community Building

  In Level I, the children usually work side by side and are present with each other; however, in Level II, they are starting to form community and therefore, will tend to work as a whole group or smaller groups which helps them to build their church community.

  The Role of the Parent

  We would love to have you help out in our classes!  Come be a part of the class and explore with your child.  One parent who is now a catechechist shared, “Words fail me to express my gratitude for the growth I have received, by examining the gift of the child to the church.” Please join us or ask for a tour of our Atria by contacting the church office or messaging us on Facebook.  We look forward to seeing you all!

  Please join us or ask for a tour of our Atria by contacting the church office or messaging us on Facebook.  We look forward to seeing you all!