Children meet weekly for an hour to an hour and a half in age groups. The usual pattern of a session is to begin with prayer and a welcome before a presentation of a work is given by a catechist. Then the child is free to work with any works or materials known to them. Catechists and assistants are on hand to guide, prompt and assist. The Atrium is a place of quiet work and absorbed concentration.

In addition to work and prayer, the Atrium is a place of celebration – the children mark the passing of the Church’s year with paraliturgies such as the celebration of the Liturgy of the Light with the lighting of the Paschal Candle at Easter or the gifts of Pentecost

The catechists prepares handmade materials and maintains the environment of the Atrium. S/he observes the children and gives selected lessons and presentations with respect to the children’s individual personalities, learning styles and developmental levels. The catechist is not the teacher – the only true teacher is God.