Sharing the joy of faith with children
By Wendy Shaw
Helping children form a deep relationship with God through Scripture and liturgy is the aim of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) formation program taking place in July.
Through the program, which has run successfully at Kingston over the past two years, the Archdiocese of Hobart is seeking to form new catechists to work with children.
There are plans to expand the program to include older children and also to set it up in northern Hobart and Launceston.
New catechists, keen to pass on the Catholic faith to children, are needed as the Archdiocese’s Director of the Office of Evangelisation and Catechesis, Dr Christine Wood, explained.
“The formation was initially offered at Kingston-Channel Parish, Kingston, in 2021 at which time we had about 20 participants,” Dr Wood said.
“Some have continued to volunteer in the Kingston atrium since then. It’s been so encouraging to see them grow in confidence and love for the ministry.”
An ‘atrium’ is a sacred space for children to grow in their relationship with God.
Dr Wood said the program recognises that children have a natural capacity to contemplate God and creation, and to respond to God in faith. It draws on the Montessori principles of education.
“Adults who do the formation often remark that they have learned so much about their own Catholic faith, and wish that many more people could experience it too,” Dr Wood said. “It’s a very hands-on meditative experience.
“Of course, the children and their families are the ultimate recipients of the formation. Overall, the CGS leads to a great spiritual enrichment for parishes and families.”
Kingston-Channel parishioner Catherine Sandric, who coordinates CGS in the parish, agreed.
“This is the best faith formation I have ever done,” she said.
“We can engage in mission and share our faith with children, who have a great thirst for knowledge and a deep desire to know God who loves them and calls them by name.
“It is an absolute joy to me. I have been a teacher for 25 years. I love my vocation, but this is listening to God with children. You are creating space for Jesus to be the teacher and the Holy Spirit to work with the children, and it is a really great privilege.”
The Kingston atrium has been a great success with about 30 children attending one of two sessions each week, Mrs Sandric explained.
“The children love it,” she added.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd faith formation program is free to Tasmanian parishioners and non-parishioners can participate for a fee. It will take place in the Kingston-Channel Parish on 12-14 July for level 1, Part 1; and 9-11 July for level 1, Part 2.
For further information or to register, please contact Dr Christine Wood: email christine.wood@aohtas.org.au or call 03 6208 6236.