Church School Program for Children

Classes available for ages 0 – grade 12
(Please note: ages by September 1)

Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.” We, too, welcome children into our Christian family, cherishing them and nurturing them so they can come into a fuller relationship with Christ and his church. Our programs do not simply provide information about God, but create an environment for encounters with God through worship, biblical exploration, prayer, and fellowship. Sunday School takes place between the 9:00 and 11:00 services each week. Pre-register to reserve space now - Children's Christian Education Registration.

Quick jump:

Beulah Land for Infants, Toddlers and their Parent(s)

Ages 0 - 3.5

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

• Good Shepherd Atrium (Ages 3.5-6; age 3.5 by September 1, 2012)
• Mustard Seed Atrium (Ages 6-9)

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a program of Christian faith formation where children and their teachers (called “catechists”) can listen to God together and experience the joy of God’s gift of love through multi-sensory Scripture presentations, contemplative work, and times of prayer. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. Children gather in a room prepared for them called an “atrium,” a specially prepared space containing hands-on materials that the children can work with and use, such as a model altar and dioramas of Jesus’ life. The children also gather around a prayer table each week to listen and talk to God. The two catechesis classes process out together after communion at the 9:00 a.m. service and head upstairs to their classrooms on the second floor of the main building.

Good Shepherd Atrium
Catechists: Brooke Friedrich and Jennifer Paglierani

The True Vine

Ages 9 - 12

The guiding image for this Catechesis-based curriculum is the Vine, drawing the children into the life of Christ to bear fruit as part of the true vine and to make a personal contribution to the history of salvation. We will use the strengths and skills of the 9-12 year old to develop an appreciation and love of scripture, liturgy, and community. The class will process out with the Catechesis classes after communion at the 9:00 a.m. service and head upstairs to their classroom on the second floor of the main building.

Teacher: Kaye Cook

Youth Class

For Christian education and formation, the teenagers meet with Father Patrick on Sunday mornings during church school, looking together at lectionary-based scripture lessons to engage their faith in everyday life. For our youth group activities and fellowship, we partner with Wyld Life (middle school) and Young Life (high school.) For more information about Wyld Life and Young Life, please visit http://sites.younglife.org/sites/BostonNorthShore.

Teacher: Father Patrick Gray

Childcare during the services

Childcare is provided during the 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. services in the nursery by the Preston Cutler Room kitchen on the first floor. A combination of paid staff and volunteers care for your children to provide a safe and nurturing environment. All parents are given a pager at sign-in and are contacted if needed.

Nursery Coordinator: Kimberly Hamilton

For questions or more information, please contact Naomi Gray, Church School Coordinator by email or 978-626-1311. Thank you!