Children's Formation

Download Life at GSL — Fall 2020 Guide, a comprehensive publication with fall Christian formation, worship, and music offerings.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based approach to the faith formation of children that takes place in a specially prepared classroom called an Atrium. Some elements of the child’s Atrium experience lend themselves quite well to at-home use. Our starting points for the Fall are outlined below. Please note: Every family with young children is invited to enjoy at-home materials. For planning purposes, advance signups are required. As a courtesy to our families, at-home materials will be delivered. (Church pick-up available by request.)

One of the most beloved work choices in the Atrium, the Model Altar is a child-sized altar, where children learn the nomenclature for articles of the mass by preparing the altar themselves. While we practice physical distance, your child/ren can enjoy this experience at home! Instructions and all materials will be provided. Sign up online or contact Sharon Campbell (scampbell [at] gracestlukes [dot] org) for more information.

An essential piece of every Atrium is the Prayer Table, where children and catechists gather to sing, pray, and share what’s on our hearts. To help you and your child/ren create a similar space in your home, Prayer Table Kits will be delivered to families on Celebration Sunday, September 13.  Children are encouraged to use their Prayer Table any time they feel drawn to it, and, if desired, may also join our virtual Sunday Prayer Table (see below) each week to help stay connected to their Atrium community. Sign up online to request your family’s kit, or contact Sharon Campbell (scampbell [at] gracestlukes [dot] org) for more information.

Above all else, the Atrium is a place of prayer, contemplation, and community for children. During our time of physical distance, all children are invited to join a 15-minute virtual Prayer Table on Sunday mornings, following the 10:30 service, led by Sharon Campbell.

Sundays, approx. 11:45-noon, via Zoom. Link sent to all families on Saturdays, no sign up required.

Children’s Activity Bags will offer Bible stories, Scripture readings, moments for reflection, coloring pages, supplies for crafts, and seasonal activities. Children’s Activity Bags will be delivered on October 4, November 1, and November 29.

Sign up online

 

To meet the needs of parents and children to be together in a safer way, we will offer outdoor, in-person, socially distanced gatherings, as local conditions allow. Our first gathering is planned for Sunday, September 27, 2-4 p.m. on Anchor Hill (the grassy area adjacent to the Anchor Center at Peabody & Lemaster). For planning purposes, RSVP is required (link available soon).