Children’s Christian Formation programs at St. Mark’s are designed to provide children of all ages the opportunity to learn about and grow in our faith, serve others, and enjoy Christian fellowship in a friendly and loving atmosphere.

SPECIAL EVENTS

• Holiday Fair during Dean’s Advent Open House
• Christmas Pageant during 3PM Christmas Eve Family Service
• Easter Egg Hunt (following 10AM service)
• Vacation Bible School

ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN DURING CHURCH

Nursery (for infants six weeks old until they are potty trained):

St. Mark’s nursery, located on the second floor across from the Parish Hall, provides a safe, nurturing environment for our youngest children.  Staffed by trained childcare workers, the nursery is a two-room suite with separate areas for infants and toddlers.  Parents drop their children off before the 10:00 Eucharist begins and have the option of picking them up in time for the entire family to receive communion together or leaving them in the nursery until the end of church.

Children’s Chapel (for children who are potty trained through kindergarten):

When children outgrow the nursery, they move to Children’s Chapel, an age-appropriate worship service that includes music, Bible stories, arts and crafts, and a snack.  Parents drop their children off in room 102 on the first floor of the Ministry Center before the 10:00 Eucharist begins and have the option of picking them up in time for the entire family to receive communion together or leaving them in Children’s Chapel until the end of church.

Prime Time for Kids (for children in 1^st-3^rd grade):

Led by volunteer teachers from within the congregation, Prime Time is a child-oriented Bible lesson based on the Sunday lectionary.  Children in first through third grade come to the Cathedral with their families for the 10:00 Eucharist.  At the Gradual Hymn they process out to a nearby room and return to their families at the Offertory.

GROWING IN FAITH: SUNDAY MORNING PROGRAMS AND MORE

(Programs begin on September 18 and conclude on May 6.)

Nursery (for infants six weeks old until they are potty trained):

Childcare is provided in our nursery so that parents and older siblings can attend one of our educational offerings that immediately follow the 10:00 Eucharist.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (for children who are potty trained through kindergarten):

Using the Montessori method of learning, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd teaches young children about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.  In this program, children are given time to listen, reflect, wonder, and pray.  Catechesis meets in room 102 on the first floor of the Ministry Center.

Children’s Workshop (for 1^st-3^rdgraders):

Located on the third floor, our elementary program is based on the workshop rotation model.  Major Bible stories and concepts are taught through kid-friendly multimedia workshops—art, cooking, storytelling, drama, music, and games.  The same Bible story is presented for approximately four sessions, but the children rotate to a different workshop each week.

C.I.A. (for 4^th-5^th graders):

C.I.A. (Christians in Action) is a club created to provide our “tweens” an opportunity for Christian fellowship, spiritual growth and service.  In addition to Sunday morning classes using the workshop rotation method, C.I.A. will meet four to six times a year on Sunday afternoons for a fun activity or service project.