Holy Trinity Catholic School

Parent Newsletter

September and October 2022

A New School Year and a New Year in the CGS Atrium

As a new school year begins, the children have been welcomed for the first time or welcomed once again into the Atrium. This is a sacred space, a space for listening to the still, small voice of God (1 Kings 19:12), a space for working with materials that assist in pondering God’s Word in Scripture and His action in the liturgy, and a place for responding to God with thanks and praise for His goodness.

We often begin the Atrium year with an orientation to the space, looking at what has stayed the same and what has moved, what is familiar, and what has been added. Next, we take time to remember the ways His goodness has been enjoyed in this space in the past. Finally, as we introduce the child to the environment, we present the pace and rhythm of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in such a way that the child will be comfortable in the space so they can work to know God and love Him more deeply.

The Child's Work is their Prayer

"The atrium is a place of prayer, in which work and study spontaneously become meditation, contemplation and prayer" (#3 of The Characteristics of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd).

4 Year Old's in the Atrium

The 4 year old children have been taking turns touring the atrium before their first session. It consist of a short tour, rolling out a working mat and being shown a few practical life exercises so the child will be familiar with the environment and have work to do during their first atrium session. In the month of October we will be introducing the children to the prayer table and Enthroning the Bible, the Holy Word of God on our prayer table.

At Home:

You can place/enthrone your Bible in a special place and let your child place special holy cards, flowers, rosaries, and saint statues by the bible to be used as a special place of prayer for your child and your family.

Kindergarten in the Atrium

The Kindergarten children have been busy adjusting to the atrium environment by working on many of the practical life and care of the environment activities. You can see the joy in their eyes as they are told the time in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Atrium is a time set aside each week to grow closer to Jesus the Good Shepherd.

In the Atrium this month: Altar I

In the Atrium this month we will be talking about the altar as a special table for a special meal of celebration. Jesus calls us to a special meal. On the altar we place an altar cloth much like we would use a table cloth at home for special occasions. We place a crucifix on the altar because it reminds us that Jesus died. The candles are place on the altar to remind us that Jesus rose from the dead and he is alive! We use a paten. This holds the bread that becomes Jesus' body. We also use a chalice. This holds the wine that becomes Jesus' blood.

At Home:

When you go to mass, sit in a place where your child can see these article used at mass. You could ask them if they see the paten or chalice and what is on/in each of these Sacred Vessels. Look for the crucifix and the candles.

First and Second Grade in the Atrium

In the Atrium this Month:

History of the Kingdom of God, The La Fettuccia and the Blue Unity Strip

Using two long timelines the children will meditate on the universe and that on earth all things have a history and before that history God existed. He created everything as a gift for us; and, we have a unique history too that includes the work of our hands and heart as collaborators in creation, redemption, and Parousia. We are all called to cooperate with God in bringing about Parousia, when God will be all in all and creation will have reached its fullness.

FROM THE BEGINNING GOD HAS HAD A PLAN OF SALVATION TO BRING ALL PEOPLE AND ALL OF CREATION INTO THE FULLNESS OF LIFE IN GOD'S KINGDOM. THE HISTORY OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS INFINITELY VAST IN TIME AND SPACE, AND IS UNIFIED BY GOD'S PLAN AND CONSTANT PRESENCE. WE KNOW OF THIS PLAN THROUGH THE HOLY BIBLE WHICH REVEALS THESE MOMENTS:

Creation~ In the beginning when God was there

Redemption~When God became flesh

Parousia~When God will be all in all

At Home:

Talk with your child about the three moments of Salvation History (Creation, Redemption and Parousia). We are now living in the moment of Redemption waiting for Parousia. In the Holy Bible it says Parousia will be when God is all in all, no darkness, no death, no sadness, no crying. Can you imagine what that will be like? What a beautiful moment we can wait for!

Ask your child how could we live today to prepare for that moment of Parousia.

A Note From the Catechist

You will be receiving monthly or semi-monthly news letters to keep you informed on your child's work in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Atrium. Please feel free to contact Danell Rudquist if you have any questions or if you would like to assist in the atrium with the children.

We are looking for assistants to volunteer on Wednesday mornings from 9 am to 11 am with the First and Second grade children.

Danell Rudquist

715-410-7406

[email protected]