Children and Youth
Children and youth are recognized as full members of the Body of Christ, and are invited to grow in their faith and relationship with God just as actively as adults. Below are the opportunities for children and youth to learn, serve, pray, and play at St. Andrew's.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: 3 Years-old to 6th Grade, September-May
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-style Christian formation program for children ages 3-12, in which children begin to know God and the church through joy, contemplation, exploratory materials and a special space carefully prepared for their unique spiritual journey. This special space is also referred to as "The Atrium", in reference to the place where people of early Roman house churches prepared themselves for baptism and a life with Jesus. Our Atrium is divided by children's age; Level 1 is for ages 3-6, Level 2 is for ages 6-9 and Level 3 is for ages 9-12. Each Atrium is led by a trained educator, or catechist, and supported by rotating parent volunteers. Our three catechists are Anne McCausland, Marti Hunt and Vicki Haines. Anne, Marti and Vicki take great joy in guiding children to love the Good Shepherd, and are excited to welcome them every Sunday morning. The Atrium opens at 9:30 and ends around 10:40 when children rejoin their families for the second half of the service.
youth acolytes, lectors, ushers & Eucharistic Ministers
On Sunday mornings, youth in 7th-12th grade are encouraged to attend church for the whole service or to serve as acolytes, lectors, ushers, and Eucharistic Ministers. Acolytes vest and help with the liturgy by lighting and extinguishing the altar candles, carrying the cross in the procession and recession, helping with the offertory, and assisting at the altar during communion. Lectors are assigned one of the readings for a Sunday morning and read that lesson in church. Ushers welcome parishioners, hand out bulletins, take the collection, assist with getting people to communion, and clean up after the service. Eucharistic Ministers assist in the ministry of the Altar during Communion. Guidance and instruction is provided for youth who serve in each of these roles and their ministry to church is invaluable. Try something new and come serve in church!
youth Confirmation Class
Every other year, St. Andrew's offers a year-long confirmation class for youth in 7th to 12th grade. Please be in touch with the Rector for more information.
Special events and gatherings
From time to time children and youth at St. Andrew's participate in various events and ministries like a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, helping with our Family Promise hosting week, working with outreach ministries like Got Lunch, serving as counselors at our Making Your Mark summer enrichment camp, and attending diocesan/regional camps and retreats.
