CATECHESIS CORNER

On a weekly basis we will be sharing information about our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. It has been running here on Martha’s Vineyard for 5 years. You can find more information about the program in the Religious Education Handbook or our CGS Booklet available in church.

For several weeks you have been reading about the materials in the Atrium. You may be wondering how these materials help the religious life of the children? If an adult hears a beautiful passage from the Bible, they might read the passage again and again. He/she may think deeply about the words and perhaps speak to God in a thankful or hopeful prayer. But a little child, too young to read, needs another way. In the Atrium the child can ponder a biblical passage or a prayer from the liturgy by taking a material for that text and working with it - placing wood figures of sheep in a sheepfold of the Good Shepherd, setting sculpted apostles around a Last Supper table, or preparing a small altar with the furnishings used for the Eucharist. Older children who do read often copy parables from the Bible, lay in order written payers from the rite of baptism, or label a long time line showing the history of the kingdom of God.

Some of the first Atrium lessons the children learn are in Grace and Courtesy ...How to talk in the Atrium; quietly. How to walk in the Atrium; slowly. How to watch someone work without interrupting them; standing by quietly. The children clean their brushes after gluing and dry their trays after using water so that the material is ready for the next child.

Other early lessons are from the Practical Life area. These lessons teach care of the environment and skills needed for later lessons. For example, table washing and plant watering teach the children to take care of their surroundings. The skills needed to prepare the Cruets and the Chalice will develop as the child goes from pouring rice to pouring water; to a line and with a funnel. Although, not always obvious each lesson learned in the Atrium has a specific purpose.

Setting up the Altar is another early work the children learn. This is usually a favorite work among them. Using a miniature Altar approximately 10’’x12’’x12’’ the Catechists presents to the child(ren) how to set up the Altar with a white altar cloth, paten, chalice, crucifix and pair of candles. In two subsequent presentations, later in the three-year Atrium cycle, other articles of the mass are presented. For example in Altar II the tabernacle is introduced and in Altar III, the altar linens.
The intent of these lessons is to teach the names of the articles of mass as well as an introduction to our affirmation of the Eucharist. The Catechists starts by likening the Altar to the dinner table at home with plates and cups and possibly invited guests. By the end of the presentation each of the vessels and linens, etc. have been revealed and named and ’’Jesus has invited us to this special meal.’’
In many Atrium presentations the Montessori three period lesson is used. This is true with all three Altar presentations. First show, name and explain an item. Second, ask for a child to point to or hand you the item using its name. Third, point to the item and ask the child, Which one is this? At each step if the child does not answer go back to the previous.
In April our second Catechesis of the Good Shepherd group will receive their first communion. In the Catechesis program the celebration of first communion is preceded by an intense period of preparation consisting of special weekly gatherings other than the regular atrium sessions. The special weekly gatherings, called Meditations are led by the catechists and involve the first communion candidates and their parents.In the final days leading up to first communion the candidates attend a four day retreat. The retreat takes place at our Parish Center and lasts from morning to late afternoon. Each day includes a daily celebration of the Eucharist and sufficient opportunity for the children to work in peace with what they have already been given without receiving new presentations. After receiving their first communion the children return to the atrium for reflection and to spend time with each other and the catechists prior to going on to their family celebrations. This concludes the retreat.One of the children’s joys during the retreat is the embroidering of their collar for their white garment. Each child receives a plain white felt collar. They may choose a paten, chalice, cross etc. to embroider on their collar in the color thread of their choosing. The children take great pride in their completed collar. More to come on first communion in the weeks that follow

During their preparation for First Holy Communion the children and their parents attend five meditations.
One of the Catechists meet with the children as a group while another Catechist meets with the parents.
These meditations focus on God’s love, healing, mercy and forgiveness to prepare the children for reconciliation. Each week the children and the parents mediate on the same theme; the True Vine, True Vine II, the Found Coin and the Found Sheep, the Forgiving Father and Blessed are the Invited/Healing the Centurian Servant.
A lot of time is spent on God as the Vine Dresser, Jesus as the Vine, us as the branches and the Holy Spirit as the Sap that runs through. Sometimes there are blockages (sins) that prevent the sap from running through..
We must confess our sins and keep trying so that the sap can make its way through the branches. The Vine Dresser prunes the branches so that they will grow healthy. The vine, the sap and the branches are one and cannot be separated just like we are one with the Trinity.

Following their first Penance, the gift of the white robe is bestowed on each First Communion candidate. When the child finishes his/her confession they light their candle from the Paschal Candle and then are robed in their white garment by their parents. Each white garment is handmade for the specific child and is full length. During their First Communion retreat the children embroider collars that are worn over the white garment. Why white garments? It begins with Baptism. The white garment is a sign that those who are baptized share in the very same life of Jesus Christ who died and is risen. You have become a new creation, and have clothed yourself in Christ. See in this white garment the outward sign of your Christian dignity... (The Rite of Baptism).
It ends with death. The white garment takes the form of a pall covering the casket during the funeral Mass. Altar servers, deacons and priests, also wear White garments. The sign of the white garment is introduced in the child’s first year in the Atrium. In the Baptism I presentation the child is re-introduced to the candle, representing that one of the gifts of Baptism is the light of Jesus. Another, is the white garment. This allows us to wear the light of Christ that is inside of us on the outside. The Catechism of the Catholic Church refers to the white garment of baptism as the wedding garment that admits one to the wedding feast of the Eucharist. It is therefore natural that the children receive their First Holy Eucharist in a white garment.

Another part of Easter in the Atrium is the Liturgy of the Light Celebration. Celebrating the Liturgy of the Light with the children prepares them to appreciate more fully this part of the Easter Vigil liturgy. Some of the major parts that we point out to and celebrate with the children are: On the eve of Easter when all of the Church is in darkness, the paschal candle is lighted. The words Christ our light is said. It overpowers the darkness. With this one flame the procession goes forward toward the altar. It is the light of Christ alone which guides us and makes it possible for us to walk forward. Without it we could not even see. The Risen Christ does not keep this new light all to himself. He gives it to each one of us. At the Easter Vigil we see this light give to others and this light comes to us too. After this narration, the children are invited to light their own candles from the paschal candle. In the Catechesis program we have many celebrations. Celebration is one characteristic of this type of religious experience we share with the children. What we do with young children is approached in and leads to the spirit of celebration.

LET THE LITTLE CHILDREN COME!
Why do we welcome little children at Mass? In our rite of baptism, parents and godparents promise to raise their children in the Catholic faith and this includes bringing them to Mass. Bringing cildren to Mass is something like allowing a child to eat at the grown-up dinner table. Even though their manners are far from elegant, it is done so the children will learn and feel a part of the family. Inviting children to participate is the most powerful way to teach them. Children giggle, they poke, they ask questions and they swing their legs simply because they are children. Young children at Mass may have bad moments, but it is their birthright as Catholic Christians to worship. Children learn by experience. This is how they learn to worship and become active members of our parish community. Children learn how to welcome by how they are welcomed.
What do little children learn when they attend Mass?
They experience and learn how to worship - they belong and are welcomed to this special community of friends and faith - the sights, sounds, smells and feels of the church are good, though not always understandable - something is expected of them in this place, and they may respond in song, prayer and offering - they learn behaviors at Mass that do not detract from the meaningful experience of others. Bringing a child to Mass can be a real exercise in aggravation - but then again, so are many other facets of parenting and the rewards are well worth the effort. While we do not want our children to be disruptive or hamper the flow of Mass, we must remember that baptized children are members of the community. Children should be among the worshipping people; so let the little children come! For this reason we have a special Mass just for children, the 9:30am Mass every Sunday at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Oak Bluffs.

Suggestions for Parents
Arrive in time to find a good place to sit. Make sure your children can see - let them sit on the aisle or in the front pews. If they are curious about the church, arrive early or stay late so thay can have a chance to move about and look around. This will curb the urge to do so during Mass. Bring soft, quiet toys or books to keep them busy during Mass. Ideally, their church toys should only be played with at Mass. This way they will look forward to coming. Worship with your child, point out what is going on, help them to follow in the children’s missalette, My First Magnificat. Pray together, sing together. Bring them up to be blessed when you go for communion. Children especailly like sharing the sign of peace. Help them to feel a part of the community. Decide on a cue to let the children know to settle down. But be aware that your children are probably louder to you than they are to those around you. A little noise is not a problem. If they become disruptive, take them out to the vestibule for a time out. However, the vestibule is best used for time outs only. If you let your child play in the vestibule during Mass, all you have tought them is that if they act out during Mass, they get to go out and play. We have lots of jobs for your children. We always need greeters, children to hand out the missalettes, collectors, and readers. Get there early to sign up for a special ministry.

Suggestions for Adults
Express joy at having children worship with you - send an occasional smile or nod in their direction. Give prayers and thanks to God for a childs presence. Help parents of small children by showing your appreciation and your support of our communitys children. Invite parents to sit with you and assist them in teaching kids how to worshi. Enjoy and welcome each other. Find a young parent before and after the Mass, make eye contact, introduce yourself and tell them you are glad to see them.


RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Religious Education classes for Grades 1-6 are held on Sundays at 10:30am at the Parish Center. For more information, call Lauren Horton at 508 693 6979.
Classes for our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Program for 3 - 9 year olds are on different days of the week. For more information call Grace McGroarty at 508 693-7517.

Confirmation I - Grade 7+ meet on Sunday from 3:30-4:30pm and Confirmation II - Grade 8+ meet on Sundays from 6:30-7:30pm. Call Deacon Fred for more information 508-696-0548

For more details on the programs available this year for preschoolers through adults, parish families may also refer to our Religious Education Handbook. Additional copies are available at the back of each Church or by contacting the parish office.
Attention CCD Home Study Students. All Home Study students must stay in contact with their Formal Study teacher in order to receive credit for their work and progess to the next year’s study this Fall. Review pages at the end of each chapter must be completed and submitted to the Formal Study teacher by the end of the CCD Calendar Year -- Palm Sunday, April 4. Please contact Lauren Horton at 508 693 0342, ext 14 with any questions.

For more details on the programs available this year for preschoolers through adults, parish families may also refer to our Religious Education Handbook, which was mailed out in November. This handy reference describes each program, their meeting times, vacation schedules, and any special events scheduled throughout the school year. Additional copies are available at the back of each Church or by contacting the parish office.

"If we want to help the child draw nearer to God, we should with patience and courage...seek to go always closer to the vital nucleus of things. This requires study and prayer. The child himself will be our teacher if we know how to observe him."
Sofia Cavalletti

"Help me to come closer to God by myself"
Prayer written by
Samantha, a firstgrader in the Level II Atrium.