Newsletter - 29th August 2021
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
In the June 13 newsletter, I wrote about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a special program for children that we are thinking of starting at Christ the King parish (see 13th June) . The method is based on Montessori principles of education (a specially prepared room called the atrium which is filled with materials the children can work with) and the content is the most essential points from Scripture and Liturgy. July 12 we held a meeting for people interested in learning more and 12 people came out on a very stormy evening. It seems there is enough interest to pursue this dream for Christ the King.
Since then I had the opportunity, with the help of Olga D’Souza and Niamh O’Brien from the parish, to set up an atrium at Sclerder Abbey in Cornwall during our community’s Cana week, where we care for children while their parents have an opportunity to nourish their marriage. Each morning 12 children, aged 3-7, spent two hours in the makeshift atrium set up in the attic of the former Carmelite convent. It had been the sisters’ sewing/work room and later turned into an oratory by Chemin Neuf, so it was already a space filled with work and prayer! I was inspired anew to see how easily the children made it their own special place, how they loved the quiet, the order, the materials prepared for them. One three year old kept whispering to me, “but why do we have to speak in a special voice?” “So we can hear God better”, I would reply. I think she kept asking because she loved the answer! May these pictures spark your excitement about the possibility of offering this experience to the children of our parish. Stay tuned for more information as things develop (if you are reading this online you can see more pictures by clicking on Google Drive.)
Nancy Wood, ccn
Focus of the week
Parish Celebration & Giu
lia’s Farewell
This will be an opportunity for all those who have known Giulia over the years to come along and wish her well.
Please save the date : Saturday 18th September.
We are all very sad to see Giulia leave us at the end of August. We know many of you have wonderful memories of her working with your families. We are organising a Farewell Thank You collection for her. If you would like to contribute to this please leave your gift with Suzanne in the parish office. Thank you!
Photos
If you have any photos of Giulia you would like to share, please send them to the parish office.