Jesus said, “suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God,” (St. Luke 18:16). Saint Paul’s Church takes children seriously, and we seek to honor our Lord’s command by coming alongside parents to help them form their children to be lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.
We encourage all of our families to keep their children with them during Sunday worship so that they may learn to worship God alongside their parents with joy and reverence. If needed, we offer nursery care in the parish hall (at 10 am), as well as seating in the parish hall in case a distressed child needs to be comforted.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
We have a time of catechesis and formation for children of all ages on Sunday mornings at 9 am and seek to encourage and help our families continue that teaching and formation throughout the week.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a way of forming children to have a lifelong relationship with God through Jesus Christ our Lord. The founding principle of CGS is that, because children are made in the image of God, children already know God and can deepen their relationship with Him. Our Catechist, Dss. Clare Burgess, works to guide our youngest children through the Scriptures and the Liturgy so that each child can further cultivate a deep and abiding relationship with and love of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Children as young as 3 years old are ready to receive the news of God’s love for the world in a prepared environment (called the ‘Atrium’) where children can see and touch tangible materials to help ground them in the life and teachings of Jesus. CGS emphasizes quiet contemplation and the enjoyment of God.
We currently offer Level 1 (ages 3-6), but will be adding new levels soon! Come join us as we follow after Jesus.