After the candles were lit at the Model Altar, a 3-year-old said…
– “I want to go to the Church.”
After restoring her work, she immediately re-set the Altar. Again, when the candles were lit, she said…
– “I want to go to the Church.”
The following week the same response followed the lighting of candles at the Model Altar.
– “I want to go to the Church.”
Six weeks later, the child set the altar and once the candles were lit, said…
– “I want to go to the Church. I want to come to the feast.”
Another 3-year-old came down to the Atrium in tears and struggled to separate from his guide. Eventually he entered the environment and allowed the catechist to read a book with him. After about ten minutes his tears were gone and he spent much of the Atrium time observing children or sitting near an adult. At the end of the Atrium session he sat next to the catechist at the Prayer Table. Turning, he whispered and smiled…
– “It’s really quiet and peaceful here. I like it!”
While looking at the Land of Israel on the Globe, a 3.5-year-old was amazed at how little Israel was. The catechist asked if there were other little things that God loves. The boy responded…
– “Sheep.”
When asked if there was anything else, he said…
– “Babies.”
When asked again he shook his head.
A 5-year-old at the Model Altar…
– “Thank you, God, for cheese sticks.”
– “Thank you, God, for food so we can eat.”
– “Thank you for the Church so we can see you, Jesus.”
– “Thank you for family that takes us to Church.”
– “Thank you for this holy place to be with you.”
A 9-year-old child, encountering the Maxims for the first time, read, “Be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48). She said…
– “That means knowing that God created you special and just like He wanted, and you need to be that person.”