what is our mission?
We prayerfully seek to provide a loving, welcoming environment where all children and youth are:
+ embraced in God’s love and treated with gentleness, kindness, and respect
+ treated as full, participating members of the Body of Christ and of the church now (not just labeled “the future of the church”!)
+ encouraged to wonder about the mysteries of life in Christ
+ introduced to the Bible, the Book of Common Prayer, the other works integral for overall Christian formation as well as formation in the Episcopal/Anglican tradition
+ given a solid faith foundation that will serve them throughout their lives
+ offered opportunities to participate in the life of the church in worship, discipleship, stewardship, and fellowship.
what do we offer?
NURSERY CARE DURING THE 10 AM WORSHIP SERVICE
Nursery care is available at no charge for younger children during the 10 am worship service.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES
St. Gregory’s offers Sunday School classes for children three years old to 12th grade.
SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES
St. Gregory’s offers Summer Sunday School classes for children in PreK - 5th grade from June through August.
CONFIRMATION CLASSES
We offer Confirmation classes for all young people desiring to be confirmed.
PREPARATION FOR HOLY COMMUNION
Special presentations and a retreat for children regarding Holy Communion (including those preparing to receive Communion for the first time) are available.
RISE & SHINE SERVICES AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILIES
Join us for our Rise & Shine family service (typically the first Sunday of the month) as well as other special programs and services to enrich the faith lives of young people and families.
SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR CLASSES AND CURRICULA!
FOR YOUR SAFETY AND WELL-BEING
the safety and well-being of our children and youth are top priorities at st. gregorys..
Though we cannot eliminate all risks, we strive to create a loving and safe space for all our children and youth. We utilize a variety of safety protocols to further this goal, including background checks, teacher training and regular reviews by our Security and Safety Committee.
SAFE CHURCH, SAFE COMMUNITIES
The Episcopal Church has developed a program entitled “Safe Church, Safe Communities” to identify, prevent and respond to abusive and/or inappropriate behavior. We require all our teachers and regular volunteers to participate in the Safe Church program,
To find out more about “Safe Church, Safe Communities”, visit the website at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/safe-church or click here.
BACKGROUND CHECKS
As part of our commitment to providing safe and sacred spaces for all, the Episcopal Church in Southeast Florida requires background checks for individuals serving in certain leadership and ministry roles. This requirement follows The Episcopal Church’s model policies, which call for both training and screening of those in positions of trust. All those who work with our children and youth are required to have these mandated background checks.
MORE ABOUT OUR CLASSES AND CURRICULA:
PRE–K 3, PRE-K 4, KINDERGARTEN — GODLY PLAY
Godly Play is based on the principle that children have an innate sense of the presence of God. The Godly Play approach helps them to explore their faith through story, to gain religious language, and to enhance their spiritual experience through wonder and play. Based on Montessori principles and developed using a spiral curriculum, the Godly Play method serves children through early, middle, and late childhood and beyond.
You can also visit the Godly Play website for more information: https://www.godlyplayfoundation.org/
GRADES 1, 2, 3 — CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
This program is based on the belief that God and the child have a unique relationship with one another. The growth of this relationship is assisted by the adult (the catechist), but is directed by the Spirit of God within the child. Our Good Shepherd classroom is a place of spiritual retreat for children, a place for contemplation of God and prayer, and one that fosters the growth of the relationship between God and children.
You can also visit the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd website for more information: http://www.cgsusa.org
GRADES 4, 5 — FOUNDATIONS OF FAITH
These grades use lectionary-based lessons created by teachers as well as the Weaving God’s Promises curriculum; all lessons draw on a variety of excellent resources.
The mission of this class is to support the spiritual life of children using Scripture readings, assorted media resources, hands-on activities, worship elements, and conversations. Lessons also include discussions about contemporary events, church seasons, and topics of particular relevance for this age group. This class lays a solid foundation in preparing children to enter our Confirmation program.
CONFIRMATION PROGRAM — LIFE IN CHRIST (Grades 6, 7, 8, and others)
Our journey to Confirmation for young people is a three-year program. Our program seeks to nurture the faith of our young people as they prepare for their high school years and beyond, giving them a solid foundation for a Christ-centered life. The Confirmation Class experience may also include retreats, mission trips, pilgrimages, and ministry internships whenever possible. All young people in grades 6, 7, and 8 can participate in and benefit from this class, regardless of whether or not they choose to be confirmed. Older teens, those transferring from other churches, or any others who are interested, are most welcome to participate as well.
During Confirmation, we explore:
-- The Bible and the stories that shape our life and faith
-- A life of prayer and worship led by and replenished by the Holy Spirit -- A life of ministry and service as disciples of Jesus
-- The Anglican/Episcopal tradition in all its breadth and depth
MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL — UPPER ROOM TIME (Grades 6 - 12)
Our class motto: I am a beloved child of God; I am a member of the Body of Christ; and I have a unique calling and purpose in this world.
Upper Room Time for middle and high schoolers is designed to continue walking with them on their faith journeys as they prepare for young adulthood. We seek to give them a strong Christ-centered foundation from which they can continue their own spiritual discovery and discernment, as well as help them to meet the challenges and enjoy the abundance of living in today’s world.
The class does not use a specific curriculum, but rather is presentation- and conversation-and activity-based, using Scripturally focused materials and activities
developed by the teacher(s); particular attention is given to incorporating topics of relevance for this age group.
SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL
Summer classes for children aged 3 years to 5th grade are offered each Sunday from June to August, unless otherwise noted. Classes are generally based on materials from the Godly Play and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd curricula. Teens are invited to volunteer with the program as are parents and other adults.
PREPARATION FOR HOLY COMMUNION
Special presentations and a retreat for children regarding Holy Communion (including those preparing to receive Communion for the first time) are available. Please note that the presentations and the retreat are not required for children to receive Communion in the Episcopal Church; they are offered as an enrichment experience. Presentations and materials are generally drawn from the Catechesis of The Good Shepherd curriculum.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
The Rev. Andrew J. Sherman, Rector: asherman@st-gregorys.com
The Rev. Dr. Mary Ellen Cassini, Assistant Rector: mecassini@st-gregorys.com
Anita S. Sherman, Sunday School Coordinator and Youth & Young Adult Ministry Coordinator: anitasherman561@gmail.com
MORE ON CHILDREN’S FORMATION?
If you would you would like to learn more about Children’s Formation at St. Gregory’s, please complete the following interest form or contact Anita Sherman by EMAIL or 561-395-8285.