The Atrium is that space set aside where the Holy Spirit is the primary Catechist and where the child learns through prayer and presentations the love and joy of the Good Shepherd and our place in Sacred History.
In Kindergarten, the child will continue with Level 1 formation focusing on the child’s capacity to receive and respond to God’s love for us. The images of the Good Shepherd and Light call to our youngest in experiencing Holy Mass, Holy Scripture and Prayer.
In Grades 1 through 3 (Level 2), we begin to look at Salvation History and Sacraments. While the image of the Good Shepherd continues to call to the children, the “sheepfold” becomes much bigger and includes all people of all time.
In Grades 4 through 6 (Level 3), we begin the Old Testament scripture studies of Creation, the Fall and the Flood; and we journey with Abraham and Moses discovering God’s plan for our Salvation. Using the ‘typology’ method, we pull from scripture the images of savior and sacrament that call to the Christian heart.
Each level of formation includes the level before, so the children are constantly revisiting, remembering and re-applying what they have already learned. In addition, what they hear at school, at home and at Holy Mass ensures that the religious formation of the child is constant and true.