The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd ended the atrium year with Pentecost celebrations. Children and adult catechists, each chose a gift of the Holy Spirit— one that was particularly needed at the time. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are: Fear of the Lord, Fortitude, Council, Piety, Knowledge, Understanding, and Wisdom.
Gratitude
“The atrium year was a most blessed one, said Kim Ward, Pastoral Assistant for Faith Formation. She noted, “we are thankful for the dear families, for the dedication they show by faithfully bringing their children to every session and we are thankful for the dear catechists, for preparing each week to present the Gospel to the children and to pray with them.”
A Rock Garden Blessing
The atrium year was celebrated with a community event on May 22, 2016— the annual Rock Garden Blessing, Placement and Potluck.
The Rock Garden Blessing was presided over by Deacon Bill Eckert and his wife Barbara. After the blessing, the families processed out to the Rock Garden singing This is Holy Ground.
Rocks are Opportunities for Community and Sharing
Rocks from all over the world were placed in the Rock Garden. Rocks from far away lands like Uzbekistan, to favorite vacation spots like Yellowstone National Park to closer to home places like Point Defiance
Park, where two children tasted their first salmonberry. Rocks from South Carolina— the new home of the Sosinski family to a piece of history from the Berlin Wall in Germany. A sentimental chunk of brick from the fireplace of a home remodel to a piece of Gloucester, Massachusetts brought back by an empty-nester couple visiting their oldest son. To a rock from the backyard of a Tacoma home— all brought the community closer together through a tangible peice of earth— a shared experience in the stories shared with the faith community about the significance of the rocks brought to the celebration.
A Commissioning of a Catechist
Before the Rock Garden Blessing and Placement, Elise Johns, who has recently completed her Level l formation in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, was commissioned by Deacon Bill Eckert in the atrium.
Fellowship, a collaborative art project and potluck followed in the Parish Center.
Catechist Formation
Atrium sessions will beginning again in October 2016. This summer, we turn our attention to the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd catechist’s formation. Wynter Dait has been participating in formation this year through the Sheepfold Consortium and will continue formation through the summer and into the fall. In the summer, formation leader Marty O’Bryan from Arizona will leading a Level II formation in CGS.
Learn More
Interested in CGS for your child? For a family member or a friend? Do you want a tour of the atrium? Discering the call to serve in the atrium as a catechist or an assistant catechist? Search CGS on our website to learn more.
