Christian Formation
The Cathedral Church School offers a variety of educational opportunities for children of all ages. All our programs are grounded in the traditions of the Episcopal Church and are lectionary based.
We offer ...
- Godly Play, Ages PreK-K
- Living the Good News, Grades 1-6
- Journey to Adulthood, Rite-13 – Grades 7-12
- Youth Group
- Solemn Holy Communion Preparation
- Confirmation Preparation, Ages 15-16
- Worship Services geared for children
- Sunday 9:30a.m. Family Holy Eucharist
- Ash Wednesday Service for Children
- Good Friday Stations of the Cross for Children
Church School registration for grades Pre-K through 6th Grade will be held on Sunday, September 12 after the 9:30 a.m. Family Holy Eucharist. Classes will begin on Sunday, September 19, 10:30a.m., in the Mercer School (located across the campus from the Cathedral). We continue to use the curriculum entitled, Living the Good News. This is a lectionary based curriculum. The lectionary is the selection of the readings for use at the Eucharist. The mission of the Living the Good News curriculum is “to shape and transform lives and communities through shared experiences of the Sunday readings.” This vision guides every activity, reading and suggestion in their entire curriculum. Every Sunday, at every age level, the Living the Good News guide books share a common focus drawn from the lectionary readings for the day. Because all age levels explore at least one common Bible reading each week, family members can discuss their discoveries together at home. Click here for the Church School Calendar
The church is called to receive the special gifts of children and youth as signs of the grace of God. We encourage all of our young people to participate fully in the ministries of the church.
They are encouraged to show and share God’s love and grace in the church and in the world. They do this by participating in a variety of cathedral ministries.
Acolytes - Young people actively participate in this
important ministry by serving at the Altar on a regular basis.
Lay Readers - This is an opportunity for young people
to share the liturgy of the word during worship services.
Choirs - Our choristers share their gifts of voice
during worship service as well as during performances.
YOUTH GROUPS
Comprised of young people who share time in participating in meetings, worship, social and recreational activities the Cathedral has two youth groups designed to address the needs of each particular age group. Rite 13 and J2A meet once a month.
Our youth groups provide teenagers with a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere in which they can grow in Christ while sharing new experiences and having fun. These young people also participate in outreach programs and off site trips which afford them the opportunity to make new discoveries while living out their baptismal covenant. Our youth group programs are open to all young people in the community.
THE SCOUTING "GOD AND COUNTRY" SERIES
The cathedral in pleased to offer to all young people in scouting counseling and mentoring in the the scouting God and Country award series for Protestant and independent Christian churches. Anyone interested in participating in this program should contact the cathedral office.
GODLY PLAY
Godly Play is the creation of Rev. Jerome Berryman, an Episcopal priest who has an extensive background in child development and Montessori education.
This Episcopal curriculum has been designed for ages 3 - 12, and teaches the art of using religious language - parable, sacred story, silence & liturgical actions to help interpret what happens in children’s daily lives.
Using images as part of the religious language, children respond to the stories they are told through their own art and play. They interpret their response in their work, and give the teacher a window into the child’s religious development. This also enhances the integration of the use of the language into the child’s life.
There are many benefits when Godly Play is utilized properly.
The children focus on the religious language as a set of tools which helps the child cope with existential issues (death, fear) and to help them to know the Creator.
Godly Play lessens the possibility of worshipping the language itself - which becomes a form of idolatry. It Is a means of stimulus for a child’s growth & creativity, and can enhance the adults (teachers & parents) own growth. Which in return feeds back to the children a model of faith development in action, enhancing their own growth non-verbally.
The Cathedral Church School is presently offering Godly Play to children ages 3 to 6. If you are interested in learning more about Godly Play or would like to schedule a visit to the cathedral’s Godly Play sacred space, please contact the Cathedral Office at 516 746-2955.
Special Event
During the 2008 Spring Break our Cathedral youth made a Mission Trip to Mississippi to assist in Hurricane Katrina cleanup. Go here for a slide show of this event.
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