Coordinator of Youth and Children’s Ministries, Kelly Krause – Children’s Ministry Coordinator
Childcare – Offered when volunteers are available
We offer childcare for children from newborn to about 3 years old in the nursery downstairs at the 9:30 am Mass. Our volunteers are fully screened and experienced caregivers. Perhaps you’ll consider joining our team of volunteers in this ministry. Volunteering is a great way to meet other parish families!
Sunday School
We offer Sunday School during the 9:30 am Mass. Children from approximately 3 – 5 years old are welcome into the classroom (off the nursery) for a lesson based on the Gospel of the day and a related craft. These children stay with us for the entire time that parents are at Eucharist. Lessons are carefully planned by the Children’s Ministry coordinator and delivered by volunteer catechists who have had formation in this ministry.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word – offered when volunteers are available.
Children from ages approximately 6 – 11 years of age begin the celebration of Eucharist upstairs with their families. The presiding priest will invite these children to join a parent leader for Children’s Liturgy of the Word. Children will go to the Large Hall with the leader to “break open” God’s word ( 1st Reading and Gospel of that Sunday). Children return with the leader to be with their families for the rest of the Eucharist (Liturgy of the Eucharist). Available during 9:30 am Mass.
Hospitality
Hospitality is offered regularly at a “meet and greet” time in the large hall after the 9:30am Eucharist. Join us!
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
This innovative approach to the religious formation of children is based on Montessori principles of education. Children from ages 3 – 12 years of age are invited to meet regularly from September to May with experienced catechists. Together, they grow in their faith and in their love of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. For the current session information please contact the office.
See Coordinator of Youth and Children’s Ministries, Kelly Krause who will be happy to explain, more fully, what the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is all about.
Sacramental Preparation for Children
We offer preparation for the Sacraments of Penance (Confession), Eucharist and Confirmation. The Confirmation preparation usually starts in the early fall with the Confirmation taking place in late November or early December.
The First Communion and First Reconciliation preparation sessions start in early January and the First Communion celebration takes place in early May.
Please see Coordinator of Youth and Children’s Ministries, Kelly Krause for more details.
Vacation Bible School/Lego Robotics camps
Week long day camps with various themes were offered in the past for more than ten year until 2020.
In 2023 we are returning with a modest version of a morning only camp offered during July 4 – 7 (short) week.
Theme for 2023 camp is:
Jesus is Our Guide – He teaches us the Bee Attitudes.
Times: 9 AM till Noon (mid morning snack provided).
Camper’s age: 5-11. Volunteer’s age: 12+. Cost $60 per child, or $100 per family. Contact Kelly Krause at the parish office (519-743-4101) for more information.
(Next year we are hoping to do “bigger and better” and offer a full day and full week camp during the week of July 8 – 12, 2024. Theme TBD.)