Parable Pastures Atrium
Emmitsburg, Maryland
My sheep hear my voice…
I know them, and they follow me
Parable Pastures Atrium is a Roman Catholic Atrium that follows the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to gather together for the joyful purpose of listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd in the Liturgy, Sacred Scripture, Catholic Doctrine, and prayer, so that each child may fall deeper in love with Christ.
Level 1 (Ages 3-6)
Jesus announces that he is the Good Shepherd who calls each one by name. Materials on the life of Jesus Christ and his teachings help to make the mystery of God concrete for the child.
Level 2 (Ages 6-9)
Moral parables offer the elementary-aged child a model for comparing their behavior with that of the Pharisee, the Tax Collector, or the Good Samaritan, and they begin to see the parts of the Mass as one unified prayer made of many smaller prayers.
Level 3 (Ages 9-12)
The history of salvation focusing on the plan of God as a plan of communion, invites the older child to recognize their personal contribution and respond accordingly. Focusing on prayer, and exploring “What is the Kingdom of God and my place in it?”, they continue to build on their relationship with the Good Sheperd. Materials on the Prophets of the Old Testament, the Gifts of God, the Miracles of Jesus, and expanded presentations on Liturgy and Scripture are also found.
“Jesus Christ should be our best friend and faith should flow from our deep love and friendship with Him. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd aims at just that: teaching the faith through play-based learning while giving them space to encounter Jesus as God and as their loving friend.”