A place where children learn, see, and become the face of Christ.
Level 1 Atrium: Preschool-Kindergarten (Age 3-Kindergarden)
Our preschool Kindergarten students will be in our Atrium level I. We built our 1st Atrium and began this program in the fall of 2010 and have seen great success with the young children of Corpus Christi. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd began in Rome in 1954. It is based off the teachings of Maria Montessori. It is anything, but a typical classroom. Instead it is a place where our 3-6 year olds come to experience Christ in their lives and fall deeper in love with Jesus, by learning the fundamental teachings of the Catholic Church in a safe, quiet, and loving environment.
Level II Atrium: (Grades 1-3)
The children of this age are captured by the image of the True Vine – “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, bears fruit in plenty; for cut off from me you can do nothing. “They come to a better relationship with God, family, friends and the larger community. The Moral Parables fulfill the child’s need for guidelines. The parables of the Found Sheep, Found Coin, and Forgiving Father help the child prepare for Sacramental Reconciliation since the proclamation and meditation stress God’s love, which is constantly forgiving. These children see the parts of the Mass – Liturgy of the Word, Preparation of the Gifts, the Eucharistic Prayer, and Communion – as one unity. The History of Salvation is studied by using a timeline beginning with Creation, moving through Redemption, and ending with Parousia (when all things will be in all). The children focus on the many gifts of creation, ending in God’s gift of His own divine life in the person of Jesus Christ, a gift which will pervade the whole universe at the completion of history. Level II sessions are held from the middle of September through May.
Sacramental Preparation
-First Reconciliation (Confession) and
-First Communion
Sacramental First Reconciliation and First Communion are prepared for and celebrated with families during the child’s second grade year. Besides the regular Atrium sessions, families participate in 2 Retreats throughout the year; One before making their First Reconciliation, and then one before making their First Communion.
Level III Atrium: (4th grade)
We are proud to offer new this year a level III Atrium. This year's Level III presentations will revolve around four main areas:
- The Plan of God: In Level III, the Plan of God strip focuses on a portion of this overall history - the part related to human beings. Although Plan of God works are rich and complex, with many messages and avenues of exploration, there are two strong messages that are repeated throughout Plan of God presentations. We will be focusing on God’s plan to join all people together. The child focuses on God’s generosity and the responsibilities that accompany His gifts. They are posed the question, ”What is my place in the Kingdom of God?”
- Moral parables: Level III children (ages 9 to 12) exhibit a strong sense of social justice and fairness. They are ready to move from a black-and-white view of morality to seeing shades of grey. And they are ready to turn the moral parables on themselves - How does this message affect me? How does this parable impact the way I live my life?
- Structure of the Mass: In Level III, children learn that the Mass is one prayer composed of many prayers - 49 prayers, to be exact. In previous levels, children have been exposed to gestures (movements with meaning) and articles (items such as the chalice and paten) of the mass. Now, they will see this earlier information come together with spoken prayers through a specific order and structure which comprises our Mass.
- Creation typology: the children begin to work deeply with the Old Testament. Earlier levels focus on the New Testament, with the only Old Testament touch points being the prophesies related to Jesus (and some Psalms). Level III works with the Old Testament through a concept called typology, which essentially looks for recurring concepts throughout God's history. The children and I will be doing an in-depth study of Abraham and Exodus. (I am so excited!!) J
Keep in mind that each CGS level is designed as a three-year cycle. A child receives the fully-intended richness if the child attends all three years of a level. Also, each higher level builds upon or deepens work from previous levels. Nonetheless, all presentations and materials are rich in and of themselves. So, a child (and parents) can enter in at any moment. After all, even as adults we are constantly learning (hopefully!).
Traditional Faith Formation Classes (5th grade)
This option is open to children in 5th grade. Children come together by grade level in small groups and are led by a trained catechist. The parish curriculum is Call to Faith by Harcourt Publishers. This series supports children as they grow in their knowledge and understanding of the four pillars of our faith (Creed, Sacraments, Morality and Christian Prayer). These timeless truths from the Catechism of the Catholic Church are taught every year on every grade level. The program also includes hands-on-experiences of prayer, community and opportunities for service.
Faith Formation Documents including calendars can be found on the left navigation pane.
Atrium and Class times are as follows:
Sunday Morning: 9:30-10:30am
Wednesday Afternoon: 3:30-5pm
Wednesday Evening: 6-7:30pm
For more information about faith formation, contact Mariah Conner, Coordinator of Preschool and Elementary Faith Formation, at mariah.conner@corpuschristibismarck.com, (701) 255-4600 (ext. 219).