Out of All the Sheep in the Sheepfold

Frances planned our first prayer service, focusing on the Annunciation. After the reading, she invited everyone to bring to the prayer table something that spoke to her/him about Mary or angels. (She has been into angels for years.) I had planned to just watch quietly, but felt moved to get a sheep. Bekah chose the Annunciation Scripture booklet, Teresa the "Luke" book from the Bible material, and Danny the world and cross from the Gifts, because, "Christ came for the salvation of the world and forgiveness of sins." (Danny's family is involved in charismatic circles.) Keith chose the empty sheepfold, and explained, "Out of all the people in the world, God could have chosen anyone, but chose Mary as the one choice." And I had the sheep!

Lead all your flocks to peace

Prayer by a group of 10-11-year-olds:
Shine your light on us, oh Lord,
So that we may worship you in happiness.
Oh Lord, our Shepherd, lead all your flocks to peace.
Guide us through our journeys with love and life,
So we may serve you wholeheartedly,
Until one day when there is one flock and one sheepfold. Amen.

The Gate is open

At the First communion Mass Fr. Joe asked the children what it means to receive/eat the bread and wine. Kenneth, age 7, answered, "It means the gate is open."

Annunciation

A catechist was working with Felicity (12) to plan her first prayer service. She took a great deal of time choosing her reading, and finally settled on the Annunciation. She prepared the prayer table, and chose art of the Annunciation. After her reading, she invited everyone to bring to the prayer table something which spoke to her/him of Mary or angels. At the last moment, the catechist decided to participate, too, and grabbed one of the sheep from the sheepfold. The children gathered and explained their choices.
Beatrice (10)-The Scripture booklet of the Annunciation
Tara (12)-the "Luke" book from the bible material
David (10)-The world and cross from the Gifts material, "because Christ came for salvation of the world and forgiveness of sins."
Kevin (11)-The empty sheepfold, because "of all the people in the world, God could have chosen anyone, but chose Mary as the one choice.
Catechist-"And I had the sheep!"

The Visitation

A 5-year-old child with autism received a presentation on the Visitation of Mary with Elizabeth. Afterwards, he took the figure of Mary and brought it to the sheepfold. She removed the sheep and place Mary at the center. He returned the sheep around her, then added Elizabeth.

The Good Shepherd is keeping his eye on him

A catechist was presenting the Good Shepherd parable to four-year-old Oliver, a child often known as the class clown of the atrium.

As they read the Scripture Oliver moved the figures. At the end, he chose not to move the sheep back to the Good Shepherd. Then he took one sheep from the group and moved it away from the others, and then into the sheepfold, alone. The catechist asked him, " ...this sheep is not with the others?" He said, " The sheep doesn't want to be with the others right now." He thought a moment and added, " But the Good Shepherd is keeping his eye on him anyway." The catechist said, "The Good Shepherd and these sheep may be very far away - can he see the sheep still?" He answered, " Yes."
Later, he moved all the other sheep into the fold to join the one. He looked at the Good Shepherd and said, " His face is beautiful. The sheep like to look at him....he has a beautiful face."

The Gate is open

At the First communion Mass Fr. Joe asked the children what it means to receive/eat the bread and wine. Kenneth, age 7, answered, "It means the gate is open."