Prayer Service for Children

[Annemariels]

I was just asked to create an end of the year prayer service for the pre-K through 2nd grade public school PRP students in our parish. They need to be a big part of it.

I have never done this before - can anyone help me figure out how to do this? Are there any pre-scripted prayer services available? Is there a format I should use?

 

[jeannetherese]

You might check with neighboring parishes to see if any are using the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. It’s a Montessori based approach to religous education and prayer is a significant part of the program. Level 1 is for 3-6 year olds and level 2 for 6-9 so their catechist should be familiar with the needs and interests of children in the age group you will be supporting. Their catechist should be able to share ideas that might give you a basis for designing your own service.
Your question made me think of the CGS “Liturgy of the light” celebration.
For a brief introduction to the Program you might check out this link:
gscmontessori.org/catechesis_of_good_shepherd.php
If you pop over to their liturgy page you will see a few photos form a “liturgy of the light” paraliturgy and an elplanation of the Montessori apporach to this.
My God bless you and your good work!

 

[Annemariels]

WOW! Thank you for the link!

I take online classes through the University of Dayton (their VLCFF program) so I can become a certified catechist, and there have been people in several of my classes who have been trained/certified to be Catechists of the Good Shepherd at various levels. It sounds like its the most interesting and affective way to teach our faith to youth.

Do you know anything about how I can take those classes and get certified? Would the entire parish program have to be on board with this method, or would I be able to use it flying solo when I teach PRP classes?

I am so intrigued by this program and eager to check it out.

 

[jeannetherese]

We’re a bit far from Dayton Ohio, but if you get to the Seattle area there will be two classes offered this summer which, together, will prepare you for level 1 certification.
Level 1 part two will be held August 6-11 at Holy Family parish in Kirkland, WA and led by formation leader Rebekah Rojcewicz. I’ve attended trainings by her in Kirkland and San Francisco and been very impressed. Level 1 part 1 will be held in Seattle this summer July 1-7 at St. Therese Seattle by a different formation leader.
You might also check out the national webiste for classes to find something closer to home:
cgsusa.org/courses/courses_for_adults.aspx
Happy searching!
jeannetherese
P.S. because of the need for specific materials, and some sort of dedicated space (preferably a classroom/atrium but certainly a large storage space if you have to set up and take down a classroom weekly, you will need to have the parish on board. However, you could incorporate aspects of your CGS training into a standard program!