Young people ages 16 and under make up approximately half of our congregation. So, we emphasize programs that help young people love God and their neighbor.
Holy Family offers five different programs for children and youth of all ages. Each program is overseen by our director of Christian Education and implemented by trained adult volunteers. We welcome children and adults of all ages to visit each of the programs.
Let the Little Children Come Nursery
We offer childcare on Sunday mornings from 9:50-11 a.m. for infants 36 months and younger.
Sunday School
Holy Family offers a well-organized program of Christian education for children ages three to 11 years. Lessons prepared by the congregation’s director of Christian Education are delivered by adult volunteers. The Sunday morning program runs from 9:50 a.m. to 10:35 a.m. when children join the worship service for a special children’s homily and for communion. Each session includes Bible stories, group discussion, prayer and music. Additional activities, such as crafts, skits and play time, reinforce the lesson theme.
The Children’s Ministry also sponsors seasonal events, such as the Heifer International outreach program, Holy Week evening programs, Easter egg hunt, family fun gatherings, fall kickoff and open house, communion classes, Bring a Friend to Church Sundays, St. Nicholas Night and the Children’s Christmas Eve Service.
Children 10 years and older also are encouraged to serve as acolytes. Training is provided.
Youth Group
For young people ages 12-18 years of age, the youth group meets from 9:50-10:35 a.m. Sundays for discussion. Youth group is for young people interested in making new friends and sharing spiritual relationships. The young people have input into the plans for their weekly discussions, social outings, outreach ministry and group spiritual growth.
Youth group participates in annual activities such as the overnight at Waycross, the diocesan camp; tobogganing weekend at Pokagon State Park; and the winter lock-in. The youth group also sponsors the Shrove Tuesday pancake dinner.
Inquirer’s classes also are available to prepare young people for confirmation. In addition, young people going away to college are provided information about religious organizations available to them on campus or in the campus community.
Rite-13
This two-year program helps young people in grades 6 through 8 take the first steps in the passage from childhood to adulthood. Developed by an Episcopal congregation in North Carolina, the two-year program celebrates God’s gift of gender, affirms the creative energy of young people and explores the thoughts and disciplines that allow them to effect change in their world, and teaches the principles of freedom, responsibility and friendship.
Venturing
A program of the Boy Scouts of America for high-school-age boys and girls, Venturing matches the teens’ interests with the goal of gaining community and leadership experience. Group activities may be social, or oriented to leadership, fitness, service, or citizenship. Holy Family’s Venturing group interest is “group diversity and community.”
In the addition to these activities, Holy Family hosts the following program for pre-school children.
Fruit of the Spirit Preschool
During the school year, Holy Family offers a four-hour program for children ages two to five years. The program provides a spiritual learning environment where children experience an opportunity for educational, social, physical and emotional growth. We provide children a safe and loving atmosphere while introducing age-appropriate educational activities to help children prepare for kindergarten.
For information about any of these programs send us e-mail or call (317) 842-4133.