|
The True VineIn Level 1 the focus of CGS was around the parable of the Good Shepherd. The children learned that the Good Shepherd loves them, calls them by name and lays down His life for them. In Level 2 the child is captured by the image of the True Vine. “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me bears fruit in plenty; for cut off from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). This parable responds to the deep need of the child to know their relationship with God, family, friends and the larger community.
|
|
Who is the 6-9 Year Old Child?Six to nine year olds have a reasoning mind and want to know why things are they way they are and where things come from. Imagination is very important to them, and they are interested in the total universe and their place in it. We begin Level 2 by introducing them to the idea of the universe and Creation and then we narrow our focus to talk about the specifics within Creation.
|
Our first time line is a ribbon fifty feet long, which focuses on the high points in the history of salvation from creation through redemption to the Parousia (the second coming of Christ). They learn where their place is in creation and that they have a “blank page” which, together with God, they will write. Later, another presentation will focus on the many gifts we receive from God; rocks, minerals, flowers, fruits, friends, family - culminating in God’s gift of His own divine life, in the person of Jesus Christ.
Learning to Love our Neighbor
The child at this age seeks guidelines. The moral parables offer a model for comparing their behavior with that of the Pharisee, the Tax Collector, and the Good Samaritan. The Found Sheep, the Found Coin, and the Prodigal Son are examined as the children prepare to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. God’s love, which is constantly forgiving, is stressed.
Jesus gave us key teachings in the form of maxims such as “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind.” (Luke 10:27a) , “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27b) and “Love your enemies.” (Matt 5:44). Meditating on the moral parables and maxims help the children begin to think about their place in the Kingdom of God.
The Level 2 children learn to see the parts of the Mass - the Liturgy of the Word, the Preparation of the Gifts, the Eucharistic Prayer and Communion - as unified. Through materials, charts and scripture, they begin to build independence and responsibility in planning a Liturgy and become more involved in the life of the Church.
The Level 2 children learn to see the parts of the Mass - the Liturgy of the Word, the Preparation of the Gifts, the Eucharistic Prayer and Communion - as unified. Through materials, charts and scripture, they begin to build independence and responsibility in planning a Liturgy and become more involved in the life of the Church.
The study of the geography of the Holy Land becomes more extensive in Level 2. Further narratives of Jesus’ life are introduced, particularly the Presentation at the Temple and the Flight to Egypt. We continue to wonder over the Messianic prophecies during Advent.
The children become familiar with the contents of the Holy Bible and are encouraged to look up passages and read from the Bible. Awe and wonder about the universe and God’s Creation are experienced through scripture reading and begin to answer the child’s great question.
The children become familiar with the contents of the Holy Bible and are encouraged to look up passages and read from the Bible. Awe and wonder about the universe and God’s Creation are experienced through scripture reading and begin to answer the child’s great question.
