Catechists at Saint Patrick Catholic Church are working together to prepare the atrium to welcome children in October 2015— the start of the new atrium year and they need the help of the St. Pat’s community.
The atrium is a prepared environment essential to Catechesis of the Good Shepherd—a Montessori-based approach to the religious formation of children, rooted in Scripture, Liturgy, and respect for the child’s rich relationship with God. The atrium is a thoughtful
ly prepared place of prayer for the child, where the child comes in contact with the Word of God. Beautiful materials focus the child’s attention on key scripture passages or liturgical moments. After an introduction by the catechist, the children are invited to work with a material on their own to continue their meditation. Because children learn by using their hands, working with materials helps them to enter more deeply into meditation, nurturing their relationship with God.
Catherine Maresca, founder and Director of the Center for Children and Theology, CGS Formation Leader and catechist, advises catechists to “sit in the quiet atrium and evaluate your space. Every environment can be improved in some way, according to the materials it holds, the children it serves, and the preferences and gifts of the catechists.” Amy Waller and Kathy Johns, atrium leaders at St. Pat’s with the support of Kim Ward, Pastoral Assistant for Faith Formation did just that.
Catechists serving in the atrium at the parish considered where the best work was happening—where the children are able to meditate deeply. They also considered areas in the atrium that could be improved to help the children nurture their relationship with God. Sometimes it involves moving furniture to improve workflow. Other times it means new furniture to allow materials to be better grouped together.
The catechists have determined that the atrium at Saint Patrick Catholic Church needs some additional materials to create the best space for children to get to know God—to build a deeper relationship.
Can you help create a better prepared environment in the atrium for children that helps them to meditate on Scripture and grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus?
The philosophy that making the materials by hand is an essential way for catechists to enter more deeply into the theme presented to the children—it is also an invaluable opportunity for adults in the parish community to experience the integration of hand, mind and heart as they paint on the 
unfinished wood figures, build a material needed or refurbish a material.
Ray Perry, a parishioner at St. John Bosco Parish has shared his talent in woodworking with the atrium for many years. Mr. Perry met Father Seamus’ during Father Seamus’ early years as a priest at St. John Bosco. Years later, Mr. Perry and Father Seamus reconnected in the atrium at a CGS Rock Blessing and Placement Ceremony when Father Seamus was Pastor at St. Pat’s and a fondness for the atrium inspired Mr. Perry to use his love of woodworking to create materials for the children to work with and help them mediate deeper on the Scripture.
The atrium is seeking a few more woodworkers, artists and crafters for the following needs:
- Artists to paint unfinished wooden figures
- Artists to illuminate Scripture verses
- Crafters to make books/booklets
- Woodworkers to make and refurbish materials
Along the lines of that same philosophy of hand-making materials, items needed to furnish the space and create a good flow in the atrium environment do not need to be purchased or new—actually it is preferred that they are repurposed like a piano bench for an prayer table.
The following are needed:
- Single-sided rolling book cart with two or three shelves
- A round table no bigger than 3′ in diameter with a height of 21″ (table legs can be cut down if needed, see featured photo on top)
- A piano bench
- Small area rugs, approximately 5′ x 8′ in neutral, traditional or solid patterns
- Round rug, approximately 4′ in diameter, in a neutral, traditional or solid pattern
If you would like to share your talent in woodworking or painting or if you have a material on the list to donate, please contact Amy Waller or Kathy Johns, atrium Assistants via email or call 253-383-2783 ext. 4112
Learn more about the atrium and how to register for the program that starts in early October 2015, check out the news article “Help Your Child Get to Know the Good Shepherd” published in August 2015.
