All Christian Formation programs for youth take place on Sunday beginning at 9:30 a.m. At A&HT, we believe participation in communal worship is a critical part of Christian Formation. Our programs are timed to coordinate effectively with our worship service times, so that families are free to choose the 8:00 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. service without sacrificing formation. If your family chooses not to participate in one of our formation opportunities, we welcome your children to the service and encourage their full participation in the liturgy.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Levels I and II (Preschool through 9 Years) Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children. It is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. Children gather in an “atrium”, a room prepared for them, which contains simple yet beautiful materials they use. The Catechist (teacher) presents material each week, and the children are invited to work with and reflect upon the presentation.
Catechesis begins with music at 9:15 a.m. each Sunday morning. All children are encouraged to participate by singing. At 9:30 a.m., the children accompany their Catechist (teacher) to their Atrium (classroom). Classes meet until 11:00 a.m., at which time the children have a small snack and then join their families in church.
For 2007-2008, we are continuing Level I for ages 3 to 6 and Level II for ages 6 to 9. We will be phasing in Level III for ages 9 to 12 in subsequent years so that we are able to meet the formational and developmental needs of children ages 3 to 12.
In addition to the Catechist, who has undergone several hours of training, each Atrium has at least one assigned helper. While these helpers may vary somewhat from week to week, every effort is made to ensure consistency and predictability in the Atrium, especially for the preschool level.
Parents and other interested members are welcome to observe an Atrium any time after mid-November.
Confirmation Preparation (10 through 14 years)
Preparation is open to all unconfirmed youth entering 5th grade or older (usually between the ages of 10 and 14). This is a two-year program that will prepare young people to receive the sacrament of confirmation in the Episcopal Church. This newly designed program continues to develop the Biblical foundation laid by participation in earlier Christian Formation classes, and encourages children to engage the Biblical tradition in greater depth and detail. They will also be introduced to the essentials of the history, liturgy, and theology of the Episcopal Church, and an understanding of the sacrament for which they are preparing. During the second year of the program, participants will be asked to choose a confirmation mentor/sponsor from the A&HT parish.
This is a substantive program that includes regular involvement by all members of the class. While drop-ins and visitors are always welcome, we encourage regular participation and attendance so the group is better able to cohere and relationships are better developed by confirmation.
Youth Groups (13+ Years)
Young people who have already been confirmed or who have elected to delay confirmation until adulthood are invited to participate in either the junior high or senior high youth group.
Both groups are discussion based and focus helping our youth to formulate theologically informed responses to contemporary issues. Diverse, reviewed materials will be used to provide starting places for discussions of a number of “hot topics” that face today’s youth.
In 2006-2007, the senior high group will examine Islam – both in relation to Christianity and as its role as a world religion – and Christian texts outside of the Bible. The junior high group will look at a broad range of topics that may include relationships, popular music, racism, substance abuse, and environmental stewardship. Both groups will have opportunities for service within the community.
Nursery Care (Infants to 3 Years)
Nursery care is available for infants and children up to 3 years of age, beginning at 9:15 a.m. in the lower level of the education wing. Parents are asked to bring their children up to the worship service for communion or a blessing. |
