Christian Formation for
Children and Youth
Click here to Download a Registration Form
for your child(ren) for the 2007-08 program year
Christian
Formation
for
Children and Youth
Click here
to
Download
a Registration Form
for your child(ren) for the 2007-08 program year
Catechesis
of the Good Shepherd ¤ Journey to Adulthood
Grace Episcopal Church
Oak Park, Illinois
Children’s Formation—Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the Christian religious formation of children 3-12 years of age. Inspired by the Montessori principles of education, the Catechesis has been used by Grace Episcopal Church since 1993. We share space, materials and catechist training with the Family Mass Community of St. Giles Roman Catholic Church.
The Communities
All classes begin at 9:30 a.m., one half hour before the 10:00 a.m. service. All children join their families at the Eucharist during the service.
The Program
The Catechesis is based on the conviction that God and the child are in a relationship. There is a deep bond between God and the child which produces in the child a desire to draw near God. The catechist’s role is to prepare the environment and make presentations that "call forth" the child’s response. The catechist becomes a wonderer with the child rather than a traditional teacher trying to "pour-in" information.
The Materials
Materials in the atrium invite children to explore, and to deepen
experiences at their own pace. Many different activities or works
may be displayed on the shelves or in the room. A small altar and
related furnishings, Baptismal font and Paschal candle introduce
the child to the liturgical life of the church.
Figures and dioramas representing the parables of Jesus are used to help the child wonder about the Great mystery of the kingdom of God. Figures in the life of Jesus—the Annunciation, Nativity, and Last Supper make the person of Jesus concrete for the child.
The Curriculum
The central image for the child under six is the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd who calls his sheep by name. "The Sheep hear his voice and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out" (John 10:3). We seek to help the child respond to this nurturing, protective image of God’s presence and create a joyful trusting way of living with God.
This is the primary image for the middle community. It responds to the deep need of older children to expand and improve their relationship with God, family, friends and the larger community. This is the beginning of understanding moral behavior and draws the child to bear good fruit as part of the True Vine.
The Junior Community continues with work on the plan of God in history, a plan with links all people together. Children this age also seek to understand their own personal contribution to the history of salvation.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd classes begin in mid-September.
Youth Formation – Journey to Adulthood Program
What is The Journey to Adulthood?
A program of spiritual formation for young people that
Based on two key concepts
Includes in-depth exploration of
Follows the imperatives of the Baptismal Covenant
Enables young people to discover and experience the love of God
How does it work?
Christian formation is a lifelong process; this program gives young people a firm foundation on which to build. The curriculum falls into three distinct phases, each of which is two years in length: Rite-13, J2A (Journey to Adulthood) and YAC (Young Adults in the Church).
Rite-13
The Rite-13 curriculum assists young people as they take the first steps of passage away from their families and into their own lives. It begins with a liturgical celebration of the gift of womanhood and manhood. During the next two years, the community acknowledges the gift of gender, celebrates the amazing creative power and potential of these young people, and creates a safe haven to explore new ideas, new interests and new abilities.
J2A
Journey to Adulthood (J2A) is the core program which blends action and contemplation in teaching young people faithful living. To prepare them for adulthood, they learn six basic skills:
The program also helps them understand and affirm Christian living. After two years they are given an opportunity for Confirmation and are acknowledged in the community as equipped for new levels of responsibility. They are recognized as young adults, rather than children, and invited to make a holy pilgrimage.
YAC
Young Adults in the Church (YAC) encourages older youth to take on adult responsibilities in all aspects of parish life and the community. They are challenged to become good stewards of their time, talent and treasure. Guided by adult advisors, they use the Anglican model of Scripture, reason and the tradition of the Church to guide the lifelong pilgrimage in their faith.
The Journey to Adulthood is a systematic curriculum with a complete youth program.
The Journey to Adulthood balances Bible study, prayer, and both serious and playful activities to nurture the whole person during the treacherous passage from childhood to adulthood. Leaders model living the faith and remind young people of the ever-present love and mercy of God.