God and the child have a unique relationship with one another particularly before the age of six. The growth of this relationship should be assisted by the adult, but is directed by the Spirit of God within the child. Children need their own place to foster the growth of that relationship. This spiritual growth is best served through tangible but indirect means. “If we want to help the child grow near to God, we should, with patience and courage…seek to go always closer to the vital nucleus of things. This requires study and prayer. The child himself will be our teacher if we know how to observe him.” Sofia Cavalletti
WHO IS THIS CHILD COME AND SEE PARENT RESOURCES SUPPORT CGSUSA
The atrium (or prepared environment) is one of the important elements that helps the relationship between God and the child to flourish. After a theme has been presented, the child is free to choose an activity that will make possible the inner dialogue with the “Interior Teacher.” How does the atrium help to nourish this relationship? ~ The atrium can be compared to a retreat house facilitating recollection and silence. ~ The atrium is a place for religious life, for community and worship—not a classroom for instruction. ~ The atrium is a place of meaningful work through which the child can have a conversation with God. ~ The atrium was the place in the early church where the catechumens were prepared. For the child, too, the atrium is a place of preparation for involvement in the larger worship community.
A PLACE PREPARED COME AND SEE ATRIUM RESOURCES SUPPORT CGSUSA
The catechist’s role is to prepare the environment and to give selected presentations from scripture and liturgy that “call forth” the child’s response rather than “pour in” information. The catechist listens with the child and together they ask, “God, who are you? How do you love us?” The adult reflects with the child on the questions generated by the presentations with the materials offered to the child to aid the child’s reflection. The catechists work together in a spirit of unity and harmony, in tune with God’s plan for communion in the history of salvation and in keeping with the themes of unity so strongly expressed in the parables of the Good Shepherd (John 10:1ff) and the True Vine. (John 15: 1ff) They generously offer their talents and experience for the good of all. (#22 Characteristics of CGS)
CGSUSA
We support catechists, parents, and others in the Church and beyond, as they grow in their understanding of the religious potential of children. CGSUSA sustains the legacy of CGS by forming adults in this method and serving as the resource to the CGS community so that a prepared environment can be created that nurtures the religious life of the child.
Advocacy
CGSUSA is concerned with helping adults open their eyes to the hidden riches of the child so that adults will be drawn to learn from the child and to serve him/her.
Learn MoreFormation
Adults are given the opportunity to embrace a method of catechesis (or religious education) that will deepen one’s relationship with God.
Learn More