Why does The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
start Faith Formation so young?
Developmentally,
children begin to view God as a “judge” by age seven. Studies show that
nurturing the relationship between the preschool child and God; helping them to
“fall in love” and introduce lessons and create an environment in which they
can truly listen and hear Jesus introduce himself as the “Good Shepherd” is extraordinarily
beneficial to their faith development, even into their adult years.
Here is an open
letter penned to the Parents of 3-6 Year Olds from a Parent of Teens (from a
parish in St. Louis). “I have been very blessed to be the mother of three
amazing children. I have watched my babies grow into three strong and
independent teens. Sure we've had some of the 'normal' teen drama and I'm sure
there will be more to come, but we have also witnessed the way in which the Holy
Spirit has touched each one of them.
How did this come
to be? Well you may doubt what I am about to tell you, but this much I know. I
have watched and heard them say and do things that I know for a fact came from
being children of the Good Shepherd.
I'm sure many of
you have heard of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) - an amazing faith
formation for children - especially for the 3-6 year olds. When our children
entered the atrium their eyes filled with wonder and excitement. The entire
room was a spiritual and delightful place for them to be…I was fortunate to be
an aide for those first few years. I watched children walk slowly into the
atrium and quickly 'get to work.' They practiced setting the model altar - they
loved when an adult would light the candles and they could extinguish them.
They colored vestments, herded sheep, mixed dough and touched mustard seeds.
They learned beautiful songs and shared wonderful stories.
I can sincerely
say my kids are better prepared for the world because of their time spent in
the atrium. They know how to work independently, they know how to be compassionate,
and they know that they are never alone. They have learned that it’s ok to
ponder, to be still and to listen to their heart…It will be a blessed time that
will place values deep in their soul - values that will one day help them to be
strong and independent teens. I truly believe that with all my heart.
Even now, as my
kids are pulled in so many different directions, and just getting them to
church is sometimes a task in and of itself, I still see glimpses of that
earlier time. I see the value they place on each other as well as themselves. I
see a beautiful soul that knows right from wrong. I see how they put others
first without compromising their own being. They have been given the foundation
needed to see them through the difficult years ahead. They know they are
children of the Good Shepherd and that they are loved. What more could a mother
ask for?
Let us hold each
other, and our children in prayer – A grateful mom
We are still registering children ages 4 & 5
(and some 3 year olds if deemed ready to go!) for our Tuesday morning atrium
gatherings that begin at 9:30AM.
Jesus said to them, "Let the children come
to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen,
I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not
enter it.”
Send your Crazy
Catholic Question to Lisa Brown at dre@ctredeemer.org or read past columns at www.crazycatholicquestions.blogspot.com.
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