Catechesis of the Good Shepherd:
»The Atrium«

Central Theme of Level 1 Atrium:
The Good Shepherd

This "presentation" (lesson) illustrates in a very real, tangible way, that the covenant God has initiated with His people is with each of us individually, called by name and cared for in every way we need by the love of the Good Shepherd. The proclamation of the parable lays the groundwork for future presentations and nurtures prayer in 

The Model Altar:
The Tabernacle area and articles of the Mass

These presentations are "naming" lessons meant to connect the nomenclature of the articles of the Mass with their use and meaning. Children learn about the essential elements they will see on the altar during Holy Mass and near the tabernacle, ambo, and credence table as well. They are able to then connect with and ponder these articles while at Mass with their families.

Beginning Presentations and Songs:
Liturgical Colors and the Vestments of the Priest

Some of the earliest presentations shown in the Level 1 Atrium involve the vestments the priest wears during Holy Mass — their names and functions, and the colors of the Church seasons. Simplified for the youngest children, the colors are presented as red for the Feast of Pentecost (and the Holy Spirit), green for the "growing time" of ordinary time, purple for preparation, and white for celebration. The children LOVE singing simple songs to remember these seasons!

The Sacristy Cabinet:
Sacred Vessels, Linens, and other articles

The Model Altar work is always a favorite of the children because without being rushed, they can carefully set the model altar with an altar cloth, candles, corporal crucifix, paten, chalice, purificator, and Roman Missal. With altar bells at the side, cruets ready for the preparation of the chalice work later in the year, and the lectionary to be placed on the model lectern, children learn and work with the names and functions of the essential elements they will see each day during the celebration of the Holy Mass.

Palpable Joy:
The Pondering of the Child leads to Joy

This three-year-old boy set the model altar and works with the altar bells. He knows that when the bells ring at Mass, it is the most important time. He does not need to fully understand a mystery that humans are nearly incapable of truly understanding; he KNOWS that the bells signify a special moment, and he knows it is through the power of the Holy Spirit. He ponders over this during the Mass and later talks to his mother about it. This is one of our goals—children connecting what they see in the Atrium to the Mass!

Making Connections:
The Good Shepherd is present in the Eucharist

As the children grow, they are presented with new materials to consider. During their first year in the Atrium, they focus on the Good Shepherd calling the sheep by name and ponder who the sheep are. Their second year, we show them a connecting work, where the Good Shepherd story becomes present to us during the Eucharist. The sheep are replaced by people, and one of the sheep is replaced by a priest. Over time, our children in the Atrium come to understand that they themselves are the sheep that Jesus loves!