There is supervised care for infant-, toddler-, and preschool-age children provided by our dedicated
and professional childcare staff. Childcare begins at 9:45 AM until fifteen minutes after the
conclusion of the 10:00 AM service. Infants should attend with an infant carrier/car seat. There is
also a cozy Infant Room with changing table and rocking chair located adjacent to the Choirmaster's
office downstairs in the Common Room. Children may attend the service with their family or may
remain in the Nursery for the duration of the service; families may also bring their young child into
church for Communion or a blessing at the altar, if desired.
Children's Eucharistic Instruction
All baptized Christians, including the very youngest children, are invited to receive communion. Having children share in the mystery with us reminds us that no one receives because we understand, but because we are loved and accepted at Christ’s table. Eucharistic instruction is an ongoing part of our education program - if you desire this instruction for your child, please let Mary Ann Stewart know. All children are invited to come to the altar with their family whether they receive communion or a blessing. If children will receive, show them how to hold out their hands and how to take the cup and remind them that the bread is to be consumed at the altar. Children who prefer a blessing are asked to cross their hands over their chest; the priest will then give them a blessing.
Acolytes
Young people from elementary school age and above are invited to serve at the altar as acolytes. After training, they may participate by carrying the torches, the cross, incense and censor, and by assisting clergy at the Eucharist. Older youth read the Prayers of the People, which are composed and updated periodically by Church School children. Contact Vivi Leavy to learn more.
Youth Group
Faith is a journey of experience, reflection, and a sense of identity apart from achievement. Throughout the year, young people from fifth grade and above are invited to participate in organized activities and events with parish youth and their friends. The activity may be a service project, such as bagging non-perishables for the Newton Food Pantry or baking for homeless women at Rosie’s Place in Boston. Other times we may meet at Nashoba Valley for an afternoon of snow-tubing, the Milky Way in JP for an evening of bowling and pizza, or in the Parish Hall for dinner and discussion.
Young Families' Forum
Periodically, parishioners with young children (age 5 and under) are invited to leave the care of their little ones to our dedicated, professional childcare staff and join us in a relaxed and informal setting to share the joys, challenges, and chaos of family life. Our conversations take place at the church following a 10:00 AM service. They are loosely structured to enable everyone's comfort and interaction and allow for strengthening relationships among a group of peers.
The Christian Education Committee
The Christian Ed Team seeks collaboration with and assistance from parish volunteers so that we may foster the spiritual growth of our parish children and youth. We meet to review, reflect upon, and discuss our program and offerings. If you would like to serve with us, please contact Christin Gillooly, chair.
To learn more about our education and/or program offerings, please contact: Mary Ann Stewart, (617) 244-4028
“I feel that my children are led in their spiritual growth and can experience God. The
Christian Education curriculuim is relevant and easy to teach with family services and
catechesis."
