Primary II
The Primary II atrium serves children in grades 1 and 2. The young elementary child is still very sensorial and concrete, 
but now has a desire to enter into a more communal understanding of what it means to be the Body of Christ. The image of The Good Shepherd still resonates very strongly, especially as they prepare for the Sacraments of First Eucharist and First Reconciliation. However, the image of Jesus as True Vine—“I am the Vine, you are the branches” speaks to their growing understanding of relationship and community.
Elementary children seek to understand their place with each other and the greater community through guidelines and rules. The moral parables of Jesus (The Good Samaritan, The Ten Bridesmaids, The Prodigal Son, etc.) and the Maxims (teachings of Jesus such as “Love your enemies”) offer a model for behavior and a basis for moral development. God’s infinite love and forgiveness are emphasized.
The Infancy and Paschal Narratives are presented again to the elementary child, with further development of geography and historical facts. Their unity together as one expression—the Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ—is emphasized with synthesis activities and meditations.
Building upon their presentations on the Mass and liturgy from the Primary I and Preschool atriums, the elementary children begin to see the parts of Mass as a unified whole and a celebration of the gift of the Good Shepherd—who is willing to lay down his life for his sheep. The model altar is also present in this atrium and further work with vocabulary and prayers related to the liturgy are done. The Sacrament of Baptism is presented as the basis for our sacramental life and the signs of Baptism are linked closely with the celebration of First Eucharist and First Reconciliation.
The imagination of the elementary child, as well as their growing understanding of time, are the links for studying the History of the Kingdom of God. Through time lines and “great stories” the work of God throughout all of time, space, and history is visually expressed. The three great moments of Creation, Redemption, and Parousia form the basis for understanding Salvation History and all the gifts that we have received from God—culminating in the gift of God Himself, in the person of Jesus. The time of Parousia is lifted up as the time when God will be all in all and God’s Kingdom will be complete.
Prayer is still an essential element in the Primary II atrium, but now takes on a more communal atmosphere. Time is spent in learning prepared prayers such as the Hail Mary, The Our Father, The Glory Be, prayers of Mass, etc. Recitation of these prayers as a group helps to build community and prepare elementary children for fuller participation in the life of the Church.
