Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

“We believe:
That God and the child have a unique relationship with one another, particularly before the age of six;
That the growth of this relationship should be assisted by the adult, but is directed by the Spirit of God within the child;
That children need their own place to foster the growth of that relationship;
That the child’s spiritual growth is best served through tangible but indirect means”

Class sessions take place in a prepared environment known as the atrium.  Materials in the atrium are closely linked to biblical and liturgical sources. On the shelf a child may find materials that deal with geography that establish Jesus as a real person in a real place.  There are also miniature environments that represent historical events and parables from Scripture.  There is a model of the altar and all its furnishings, as well as a model of the Baptismal font.  Working with these items helps to initiate the child into the liturgical life of the church.  “The atrium is a place of work which becomes a conversation with God . . . it is a place for religious life, for community and worship.”   Adults in the classroom do not try to fill up the child with knowledge.  “They listen with the child and together ask, “God, who are you?  How do you love us?”

For more information please contact Allie Enos at vcre@stjameswv.org or call the Parish Office at 304-725-5558.