For it was you who formed my inmost parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works. -- Psalm 139:13-14
At St. Stephen’s we respect and nurture each child’s innate spirituality and understanding of God’s profound love for them, tailoring experiences in worship, education, and fellowship to the individual developmental needs of the child. Formation of the child begins before birth, and continues throughout a child’s life. It is our role as their faith community to help support and be with our children along the way.
This year we have created one consolidated form that allows you to register multiple children and youth for formation and ministry opportunities (Nursery, Catechesis, Palmer Hall, Youth Ushers, Acolytes, Choristers, Confirmation, Youth Formation and Youth Group) for the 2022-23 program year.
We hope this is a helpful change! After you've reviewed the information below about our ministries, register here:
Registration for children's and youth formation for 2022-23 is now live! The link to register can be found here.
The Family Ministry Team has worked diligently to plan a robust offering of ministries and events for children, youth, and families. Below are detailed calendars that present these offerings and will be revised throughout the year on our website.
- CHILDREN'S MINISTRY CALENDAR (birth-grade 5)
- YOUTH MINISTRY CALENDAR (grades 6-12)
Sunday School Open House | Sunday, September 18 | 10:10-11:00 a.m.
On Sunday, September 18, children and parents are invited to visit the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atria and meet their Catechists and learn about the upcoming plans in the atrium.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd formation
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a unique approach to the spiritual nurture of young children. Based on the work of Sofia Cavalletti and Maria Montessori, this offering recognizes that children are already in touch with God in their deepest being. It is not "Sunday school," in the traditional sense of the word, with adults imparting information to children. Rather, adults—specially trained for their work as “catechists”—accompany children on their spiritual journey. Adults who take part in Catechesis [kat-eh-KEE-sis] find that it enriches their own religious lives in a profound way. Families whose children spend Sunday mornings in the atrium (their sacred learning space) are similarly enriched. And the impact on a parish church using Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is profound.
Catechesis Level 1 Atrium
Children ages 3-6 years old will attend the Level 1 atrium.
Catechesis Level 2 Atrium
Children ages 6-9 years old will attend the Level 2 atrium.
Catechesis Level 3 Atrium
Children ages 9-12 years old will attend the Level 3 atrium.
Nursery
The nursery is open on Sunday mornings and evenings to infants through 4-year-olds from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 5:00-7:00 p.m. The nursery is located on basement level.
Palmer Hall Chapel on Sundays
The Palmer Hall chapel service takes place Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. during the program year from September to mid-May. This service is especially welcoming to young families with children, parents, and grandparents. Children and parents are invited to serve in the service as chalice bearers, acolytes, readers, greeters and ushers, altar guild members, and flower guild members. Read more about these roles here, and sign up for those you're interested in.
Holy Baptism
Read about Holy Baptism at St. Stephen's Church here.