Sunday School Programs for Children

All our Faith Formation programs are open to ALL children.  

 Faith Formation programs we are excited to welcome back pre-k and kindergarten students as well as our Sacrament Prep(grades one and two) and third through sixth graders. All classes will once again be held in the school. Pending the hiring of staff we will also offer a nursery for 6 month to 3 year-olds. 

• “Lord’s Lions”  (pre-school age 4):  Children learn about God’s love for them so they can “roar with love”.  Classes involve play stations, including art and/or a craft, learning about Bible stories, sharing, prayer, song and snack.  Parents/guardians may bring their child(ren) to the lower level of the school (entrance on 34th)  9:30 with start time of 9:45.
• “Good News Bears”  (Kindergarten):  Classes involve play stations, including art and/or craft, learning more about Bible stories, sharing and celebrating the Good News of Jesus, prayer, song and snack.  Parents/guardians need to bring their child(ren) to the Parish Hall in the lower level of the school. Soft Start (coloring, music, and videos) 9:30 with start time of 9:45.
• Sacramental Preparation Year One: This is the first year of a two year preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion. Children will learn more about the Bible, particularly the stories of Jesus and his disciples.  They will also learn more about the Sacraments and their significance in our Church and in their lives.  Children not attending the school will participate in our Sunday morning classes. Children will also attend the 11:00 Mass with their families where they will participate in the Children’s Liturgy of the Word, deepening their understanding of the Sunday readings in their everyday lives. Parents/guardians may bring their child(ren) to the Parish Hall in the lower level of the school. Soft Start (coloring, music, and videos) 9:30 with start time of 9:45.
• Sacramental Preparation Year Two:This is the second year of the two year preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion. Parents/Guardians are also required to participate in our Family Faith Sundays programs which include preparation classes for parents/guardians,  Family Learning Centers prior to each sacramental celebration, and a Saturday Morning of Reflection prior to the celebration of First Communion.  There is a separate Orientation meeting that families are required to attend in the fall which will provide additional information specific to this program. 
• Adventurers 1 (3^rd-4^th grades):  Students will have opportunities to reflect on the Sunday Scripture readings and learn more about what they mean, how they relate to the Catholic faith, and how they connect to their everyday lives.  Particular focus will be given to the Catholic Church, introduction to morality, and sacraments. Third and fourth graders are also invited to participate in the Children’s Liturgy of the Word at the 11:00 Mass, deepening their understanding of the Sunday readings in their everyday lives.  Parents/guardians may bring their child(ren) to the Parish Hall in the lower level of the school. Soft Start (coloring, music, and videos) 9:30 with start time of 9:45. 
• Adventurers 2 (5th and 6th grades):Students will have opportunities to reflect on the Sunday Scripture readings and learn more about what they mean, how they relate to the Catholic faith, and how they connect to their everyday lives.  Particular focus will be given to the Bible and the mystery of God.  Classes take place on Sunday mornings starting in the basement of the school, entrance on Soft Start (coloring, music, and videos) 9:30 with start time of 9:45.
• CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD  (K-4^th grade): To make Sunday Mass a more positive and meaningful experience for children, we provide a “Word” experience that is designed to meet the developmental and spiritual needs of the elementary-aged child.  Children come to the 11:00 am Mass with their family and are dismissed at the beginning of Mass and return at the Offertory.  During the children’s “Word” service, we focus generally focus on one reading—usually the Gospel reading.  This is followed by a child-oriented reflection that often includes an activity to help the Scripture stories have more meaning in their young lives. 
•  FAMILY FAITH SUNDAYS  In addition, there are monthly opportunities to gather as families for a variety of service projects both within the parish community and with the community at large.  Sessions take place generally on the first Sunday of the month (October-June) Soft Start (coloring, music, and videos) 9:30 with start time of 9:45 in the Walmesley Center followed by a family Mass at 11:00 am in the church.