Once I invited two four year olds to join me at the Annunciation’s diorama. I glanced around the atrium to make sure that things were humming along. Great! I breathed out centering myself and ready to begin with the lighting of the candle. I picked up the match box; the weight wasn’t right! NO! No matches! An empty box! How could this happen? Everyone knows I am the catechist whose environment is perfect. Everything is always in place. I always remember to replenish the supplies… always!
Last week, we considered the spiritual preparation of the adult. In my preparation, I spend some time each day in self-examination and reflection. My self-examination has on more than one occasion let me to reflect on my propensity towards perfection, whether in myself or the atrium. And as I have traveled through the country to lead catechist formation courses, I have found many companions moving towards the utopia of the perfect environment and the perfect catechist. I recognize that often the tendency is well-intentioned. We know how beautiful the gift of the atrium is and want to offer the best to the children.
And we can!
Just not in perfection.
The atrium does not have to be PERFECT.
It just has to be.
As long as the needs of the children are met in a developmentally appropriate way, the environment is indeed perfect. It may not be like the atrium in the neighboring parish or the one that Dr. Cavaletti established in Rome. Each of our atria is a reflection of the particular community – its resources and charism. This reflection is best able to support the children’s entrance into their conversation with God through the love of that community.
As catechists and guides, our greatest gift in striving for the hospitable atrium is imagination, creativity, and resourcefulness.
This principle was exemplified for me by two occurrences this past weekend. The first was on Friday night. A friend and I worked to design a centerpiece my anniversary luncheon’s tables. I knew that I wanted live flowers and tea lights, but how should I place them? With a minuscule budget and even less time, I rummaged through my scarves to find ones that complimented the various shades of the African violets. Armed with a few paper cups and a variety of scarves, my friend designed the best centerpieces I could have wanted. Yesterday the second occurrence was offered by an experienced Montessorian and catechist. During her visit, I left her to serve herself lunch while I tended to something else. When I returned to the kitchen, I found her warming up her plate with a to-go container as the microwave cover because she didn’t know where I kept my microwave cover. These two friends reminded me that we can use our imagination and creativity to harness the resources we have on hand to meet the need of the moment.
As catechists and guides, we can look at the direct aim of each presentation and create the material to accomplish that aim with the resources available to us.
This is the time of year when we are rushing to make sure that our atria are cleaned and prepared to welcome the children in just a few weeks. Join me in preparing the not the perfect environment – rather the hospitable environment for our children: an environment that is welcoming to every child. An environment that leads the child into the arms of the Good Shepherd. An environment that supports community among the children. An environment embodying the Kindom of God.
And if the match box you reach for is empty, excuse yourself and get a new box of matches and continue with the presentation. The children will forgive you.
One Response
This is such a good article to read right before we open our atria this coming Sunday. Thank you.