Youth Programs

Our parish has made Children's Ministries a priority. Our hope is that children will find St. Mary's a welcoming and safe place where they are affirmed in who God created them to be and grow spiritually with the gentle guidance of our hand-selected teachers, worship leaders and catechists. We have space dedicated just for children and their spiritual development, handmade materials, and on-going training of catechists. If you would like to find out more about our children's and youth's programs, you are always welcome to call the church office.

A celebration of new ministry

Our mission is to create a setting where each child may encounter the eternal truths of God's kingdom and the unfathomable love of Christ. Our Christian education program is founded upon the belief that Christ calls children as Jesus' disciples to a life-long journey of growth and transformation. Our ministry to children intends to begin that journey in a safe, creative and expressive environment where the mystery of God is experienced through the wonderful truths of scripture, the encounter with Biblical stories, and personal creative and artistic expression.

Children and Youth Ministry

YOUTH SUNDAY

On the fifth Sunday of the month, we celebrate youth Sunday. The children, youth, and young adults conduct almost all aspects of the service. They act as Greeters, Ushers, Lectors, Chalice Bearers, Torch Bearers, Acolytes, First Servers, Intercessors, and Choir Members! Join us for this special service during the 10:30 service on the fifth Sunday of the month.
 

St. Mary's Children's Choir

CHILDREN'S CHAPEL

After the Gospel Lesson during the Sunday family service at 10:30, the children are invited to conduct children's Chapel in their own classroom. Under the supervision of an adult, children act as service leaders, lectors and song leaders in a casual low-key fun environment. This allows parents to concentrate on the Sermon while their children get to know one another and begin to understand the liturgy. They return to the family service in time for the Passing of the Peace.

youth sunday school
Between church services at 9:20 a.m. (that is, between the 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. services, Labor Day through Memorial Day),our dedicated Sunday school teachers conduct four age-specific classes for children. We have a detailed lesson plan with Bible lessons, hands-on activities, and service projects. Each Bible lesson has a discussion that relates the Bible lesson to situations that children typically have to deal with. Often the children are given a "take-home" project, which is generally to discuss a specific concept from the lesson with parents and family. We invite parents to ask their children after Sunday school if they have a "take-home" assignment. Children are also asked to pray for those who need God's blessing. We encourage you to send names with your children so that we can add them to our prayers.