Children of all ages are always welcome at St. Francis. To all children and their guardians: God put the wiggle in children; don’t feel like you have to suppress it in God’s house. The presence of children is a gift and one appreciated by St. Francis.
Children always have a place in our pews and in our community life. We have a “Prayground” space at the side of the church with coloring, quiet toys, and other fun that kids can enjoy. Once a month during the school year we have a Children and Youth Sunday, where the children and youth of the parish help lead worship and there is a special children message sermon.
Beyond worship, there are several education programs for different ages of children and youth. Check out our calendar for the next fun event at St. Francis In-The-Fields.
Children and Youth Sundays
Once a month during the school year we have a Children and Youth Sunday, where the youngest members of the parish help lead worship and there is a special children message sermon.
Save the date and volunteer now for our upcoming Children and Youth Sundays:
Sunday, April 14th
Sunday, May 5th
Nursery
The St. Francis Nursery provides child care for young children beginning at 9:00 am and ending at 11:30am on most Sundays. Sunday School students may also go to child care (escorted by their parents or Sunday School teacher) when their classes end at 10:30 a.m. Ask an Usher or Greeter for assistance in finding the nursery.
Look for activity bags in the back of the church for age-appropriate materials for our younger kids to take into your pew. Also look for the Prayground worship space on the carpet by the piano. Help yourself to any of the books and coloring on the table there. Parents are encouraged to join kids and sit in any of the chairs in the area.
Sunday School
An age-appropriate place for children entering Kindergarten through 3rd grade to experience their faith! Our volunteer teachers bring the Bible to life with stories and crafts. Children in grades K-3 are welcome to attend class from 10am until the Peace takes place during service, which then students will be escorted into the sanctuary to join their families for Holy Eucharist or to the nursery.
Sunday, April 21st
Sunday, April 28th
Sunday, May 12th
Sunday, May 19th
Acolytes and Readers
Children and youth in grades 3 through 12, as well as adults, assist the clergy in the Holy Eucharist, including serving as torchbearers, crucifers, thurifers, and gospel bearers, and helping in preparation of the altar. Training is provided and all abilities are welcome! Contact our Church Office to get involved.
Episcopal Youth Community
EYC (grades 4-12) meet once a month for special programs just for them. Activities will take place as a larger group and the smaller discussion portion will be broken down by age groups.
Sunday, April 14th
Sunday, May 5th
Preparatory Classes
We provide classes for inquirers (those wishing to be Baptized, Confirmed or Received) and for the incorporation of new members into the Episcopal Church. Note that membership in the parish requires baptism, attendance, and support, but not prior Confirmation or Reception.
Preparation classes will be offered in March with Confirmation, Reaffirmation, and Reception by the Bishop at the Diocesan Regional Confirmation on Saturday, April 6th at Christ Church Cathedral. These classes will be opened to all people who are interested in growing their faith, exploring their call to Christian Ministry, and in responding to the work of the Holy Spirit!
Sunday, March 3, 2024
Sunday, March 17th, 2024
Sunday, March 24th, 2024
Communion Formation Classes
Special Sunday School sessions for students wanting to deeper into their understanding of the sacrament of Communion are offered in the spring. These classes will focus on teaching our youth ages K-3 about the Eucharist in preparation our church wide Communion Event in April 2024. We will read bible stories related to the Last Supper and do hands on activities to drive home the meaning and beauty of celebrating the Lord’s Supper.
Sunday, March 10th, 2024
Sunday, March 17th, 2024
Sunday, March 24th, 2024
Safety
We at St. Francis-in-the-Fields are honored to have the children and youth of our congregation entrusted to our care. Please know that the safety and well-being of your children is our highest priority. We work to provide safe spaces for play and learning, and we continuously look for ways to improve our programming. Everyone working with children and youth is required to have a background check and complete the “Safe Church, Safe Communities” online training.
