Archbishop Cushley blessed a new atrium at St Theresa's Church in East Calder today (Thursday 6 July) where children will grow in their knowledge and love of God.

The catechesis space is where they can have a fun, hands-on experience learning about prayer and liturgy from specially trained catechists.

Archbishop Cushley gave a blessing to the new atrium and to Catechetists.

The training of the catechists has been taking place at the church all this week, run by Catechesis of the Good Shepherd UK.

Four parishioners from St Theresa's were joined by others from across the Archdiocese and beyond.

Parishioner Blanca Rangel said: “Our parish priest Kevin Douglas asked me to get involved, and it's been really engaging.

"I'm looking forward to sowing that little grain in which to help kids grow up in the Faith."

Johnny and Maria Welch (below), from London, travelled north for the training with their four-month old daughter Rosamund.

Johnny and Maria Welch travelled from London with daughter Rosamund for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd training course at St Theresa's.

Johnny said: “We came here because it was an opportunity to do the first stage of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd training in one week.

"There’s an atrium in our parish in London - Holy Trinity Parish in Brook Green - which bears beautiful fruit in the children who attend it. That's what attracted us."

Archbishop Cushley said: "It's very encouraging to see the growth of atriums in various place in the Archdiocese. The one here will be at the service of the village and the rest of the Livingston churches.

Archbishop Cushley with Catechists at St Theresa's in East Calder. Also pictured are parish priest Fr Kevin Douglas (right), Sr Anna Marie (right of Archbishop), Catechetical Advisor for the Archdiocese, and Sr Anna Christi Solis OP (left of Archbishop), the Formation Leader of the training programme.

"I hope that many young families will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to bring their children.

"The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd has simple and proven learning techniques that help children to a knowledge and a love of the Lord.

"It's a beautiful journey and I can warmly recommend it."

A mini altar and vestments in the atrium helps children understand the basics of the Church's liturgy at an early age.

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Christian catechesis programme for children aged 3-12 years, which "enables them to experience and form an authentic relationship with God".

The Catechesis is rooted in Scripture and the Liturgy of the Church and is inspired by Maria Montessori’s principles of education.

Sr Anna Marie McGuan RSM, the Catechetical Advisor for the Archdiocese, said: "The Atrium is a dedicated catechetical space for children.

Mums and dads realise that their children are desirous of God’s love and this is a way that they can encounter it.

"Right now, it is for children aged 3 to 6, to give them a place where they can encounter the Lord.

"The environment allows themto learn to listen to the voice of God, and so open themselves to the covenant of love that God desires with each person.

"Mums and dads realise that their children are desirous of God’s love and this is a way that they can encounter it in a personal way."

Young mums are among the catechists in training.

Sr Anna Christi Solis OP, the Formation Leader of the programme, said: "We started our first formation in Scotland in 2015 then came back in 2021 in Edinburgh and also at Craig Lodge (retreat centre in Dalmally), so it’s wonderful to plant this.

"Fr Kevin Douglas had an atrium at his previous parish of St Columba’s in Edinburgh, and when he moved to East Calder he wanted to open one to support the young families in the parish."

To find out more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd UK, click here.