Altar Work

In order to participate more fully in the Liturgy, we present to the children the articles of the Mass so that they come to know the names of these objects and their purposes. There is a three year cycle in which we show the children the different objects used during the Liturgy. Recently, the children in both Level I (ages 3-6) and Level II (ages 6-10) have been spending time with the works of the Altar. Notice how the pieces of this work are real (not representations) and they are an appropriate size for smaller hands.

The children review the articles presented in years past: altar cloth, paten, chalice, candles and crucifix. In level I they are introduced to new articles: lectern, lectionary, tabernacle, ciborium, sanctuary lamp.

The children learn that Christ is present with us in the tabernacle and in the word. The words in our lectionary are taken directly from scripture. After learning the names and the purpose of each of these articles, we spend a moment in reverence at our altar. Children learn to set out these articles in our atria in prayerful reverence.

When you go to mass with your  children this weekend, we encourage you to point out these articles and discuss their uses.

Parables: The Lost Coin

I did The Found Coin with my 6-9 group on Sunday morning. We were discussing the ways that God (the woman) might find us when we are lost. One of the older ones in the class said, "Redemption."

I responded, "What a beautiful thought: that he gave His only son so that we can be found and rejoice eternally with the saints."

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Susan Bussey

Catechist

6-9 atrium

Sunday Morning

The Plan of God: As Explained by Our Children

The first month of work in the level II and level III atria we focus on the Plan of God. We reflect on the fact that God does indeed have a plan, it is revealed to us in the Bible, and we have a part in the plan. Below you will find some artwork and reflections of the children. 

Chaos into Creation - 6th Grader

The story of Creation starts with chaos. God created the Universe, rocks, minerals, plants, and animals. Then he created humans.

God gave people the hand so they could create different things. It's special because other animals didn't have this. People made tools and other things.

6th Grader

Symbol of Redemption - 5th Grader

The next major event in The Plan of God is Redemption - the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. After Jesus ascended into heaven, history continued. The part of history we are in now is the Blank Page.

The Blank page is the part of the Plan of God between when Jesus rose and Parousia. My part is to be the messenger of God and deliver His words.

5th Grader

The Blank Page is right now. It is our role to make it a good future. God expects us to try to live good lives and to learn and teach about him so that people who come after us can live like us. God wants us and everyone who lives after us to praise him and go to heaven with Him.

6th Grade

I think the blank page is that it is our turn to make history by doing what God tells us to do. My role in God's Plan is to believe in him and to further extend the kingdom.

6th Grader

The final event in The Plan of God is Parousia. God will be all in all.

There will be peace forever. There will be victory over death.

7th grader

He will wipe every tear from their eyes.

There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, 

for the old order of things has passed away.

Revelation 21:4

Your Catechists: Celebrating the Call to Serve

Back in the summer all of us catechists gathered to prepare for the new catechesis year. We each went around the circle to introduce ourselves and how it was that we came to the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

Two themes came forth during this time:

1. Each of us felt called by the Good Shepherd to be listening to his voice with children.
2. Each of us were deeply aware of the profound wisdom the child has to offer through his/her prayer with the Good Shepherd.

How blessed is St. Dennis to have such a joyful, faith-filled group of catechists to serve our children. God is so Good!

Let the little children come to me. Don't keep them away. God's kingdom belongs to people like them. What I'm about to tell you is true. Anyone who will not receive god's kingdom like a little child will never enter it.

 Matthew 10:14-15

Level I Catechists - Amy Allison, Cris Bentey, Karyn O'Connor (Asst.), Dennis Boisevert, Lisa Boyer, Anna-Marie Forbes (Asst), Michele Pall, Tina Davidson, Mike Davidson, Mary Ann Salek (not shown) Divina Cruz (not shown)

Level II Catechists - Christen Morris, Lisa Boyer, Jackie Sulich, Susan Bussey, Teresa Monos, Michele Pall, Ginny Bollinger (not shown) Anita & Mike Kube (not shown)

Level III Catechists - Lisa Boyer, Venus Wozniak, Michele Pall