Children's Education
"One of the deepest needs of children is for relationship. Young children fall in love with God. Their love comes from the depth of their soul." Sofia Cavaletti, creator of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
Summer at St. A's! "Catechesis Camp"
June 11 - 15, 2012 from 9:30 am - 12 pm
All children ages 3-12 are invited to attend.
Cost for the week is $60. For more information, contact .
To download a registration form, click here.
By exploring the works in the atrium and independently reflecting on them, the child learns that God so loves them and the child also learns to respond to that love God with prayer, reflection and joy. Catechesis helps establish a foundation of faith and an understanding of the covenant relationship with God. Most Catechesis classes meet for at least two hours; however, our chapel is unable to provide that opportunity on a weekly basis. Here is a chance for the children to experience Catechesis as Sofia Cavalletti intended.
Children's Church & Nursery
During the Sunday 9:30 a.m. service, children ages 3-9 are invited to join us downstairs at Benton Chapel for a special children's liturgy. A nursery is available for infants age birth to 3 years old during the 9:30 am Sunday service and afterward at the A-frame for Sunday School.
Children's Sunday School
During the school year, classes meet at 10:45 a.m. at the A-frame following the 9:30 a.m. Benton Chapel service. Make the short walk across campus for coffee, snacks, fellowship, and Sunday School.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (for children ages 3-12)
We have an exciting Christian Education curriculum for our children. Rooted in the Bible and the liturgy of the church, it offers a beautiful hands-on learning experience. We introduced Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in the fall of 2009. By the fall of 2011, we will grow to have three classes, called Atriums, covering ages 3-12. Begun by Dr. Sofia Cavalletti, a Hebrew scholar, and her co-worker, Gianna Gobbi, the curriculum uses much of the Montessori method while being biblically based. To learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, click here.
Rite 13
A fun and inspiring two-year program for middle school students that focuses on celebrating the individuality of each young person and their creative potential. With an emphasis on service, students meet weekly to discuss issues relevant to them. During these formative years, young people possess the maturity to begin to claim their faith. The students will be part of a beautiful liturgy that celebrates a rite of passage from childhood toward adulthood. The class is led by wonderful volunteers including .
Confirmation
9th grade and up: Students participate in a year-long confirmation class studying Anglican doctrine and tradition, World Religions and other issues pertaining to the Episcopal faith. It's both educational and fun and culminates with the laying on of hands by the bishop. For more information, contact
Vacation Bible School (VBS)
Each summer at the A-frame, with the help of a host of volunteers including parents, Rite 13 and Vanderbilt students, we host a fun and educational VBS series, open to all children ages 4-10. We always guarantee lots of arts & crafts, singing and snacks! Plans are already underway for 2012, so stay tuned.
For information about any of the children’s programs, contact .
