CCQ#75: What is offered for our Pre-K and elementary-age children here at CTR?
Many of us who are now the parents of school-age children were raised in the 70’s in the wake of the most significant period of transition that the Catholic Church has experienced in over 500 years (aka, Vatican II). The Chinese have a curse that says “May your children be born in a time of transition.” Now, though I’m VERY grateful and happy to be a post-Vatican II baby, I do have to admit that my early faith formation (aka “Catechism”) despite - the prayerful good intentions of many faithful people - wasn’t all that. The Catholic Church is a big ship that changes course about as fast as an iceberg. So, understandably, it took a bit of time to develop engaging and sound curriculum to replace the Baltimore Catechism of our parents’ generation. My experience of catechism can be characterized (a tad tongue-in-cheek) like this….“God loves you. Now go make a collage.”
So my Dad really took over our religious education, and I have, for the most part, done the same with my own kids who really didn’t’ get much out of the “workbook” style of delivery. A couple years ago I was introduced to the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd through some friends at Gesu Parish in Detroit and it has been nothing short of life-changing for our family. The profound connection with the Gospel and the liturgical life of the Church that this Montessori-based program has given my kids is just remarkable.
CGS was founded in the 50's by two Italian laywomen, one a scriptural scholar and one an expert in Montessori education. Together they conceived of a simple, attractive method for sharing the richness of the Faith with children. The curriculum is presented in three levels, and includes time in the "Atrium," which is a quiet environment where children hear Bible stories and watch them acted out with simple handmade materials; they learn songs and prayers, and are encouraged to play quietly with simple and meaningful objects. The method emphasizes contemplation of Scripture, Liturgy and "the enjoyment of God."
Since beginning CGS my youngest daughter, age 6, has become very alert and interested in the details of our liturgy and enjoys explaining things to me at Mass, “I know what a chalice is, Mom. I know why the priest is wearing purple, do you?” She gasps when she recognizes phrases. "The people in darkness have seen a great light!" she agrees in a church whisper. "I KNOW THAT."
My two older kids, who haven't been through CGS for the earlier levels, are slightly tougher nuts to crack. But even my 13-year-old didn’t groan even once this year when we headed off to Gesu for time in the atrium. That alone in my book is a miracle! This method effectively conveys the most cherished, central spiritual messages and images of our faith to everyone, even the tough nuts.
So, about a year and a half ago I took on the role of Director of Religious Education here at Christ the Redeemer…AND guess what? Our “Official” ribbon cutting for our first Atrium is on Good Shepherd Sunday, April 17th! It’s a bit of a groundbreaking as well because we are beginning to build our second atrium for our older children over the summer.
Our Faith Formation program runs twice during the summer or we offer a school-year program that meets eight times from Fall - Easter on Sunday afternoons. You need not be a parishioner to enroll, so invite your neighbors and friends to consider joining us too! Happy Easter!
Inquire about CGS and/or send your "Crazy Catholic Questions" to Lisa Brown at dre@ctredeemer.org or read past columns at: http://crazycatholicquestions.blogspot.com.
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