Ministry with and to children is a significant part of our identity. On the first Sunday of every month we are particularly intentional about engaging children and young people in corporate worship. Some may be asked to serve as lectors, ushers or liturgical assistants. Children of all sizes gather around the table as the celebrant and assistants perform the Eucharist at the 10:00 service. Some stand on tiptoes just to see over the table; others rest in the arms of a parent or hold the hand of an older sibling or friend. This monthly tradition is intended to bring children closer to the ritual of the Eucharist, in some cases even years before they will fully understand its significance. But the scene also represents the centrality of children to the mission of St. Thomas's. Here are some of the ways that our commitment to children is manifested.

 

Children's Charter
In 2000, we endorsed the Children's Charter, a statement developed by the Episcopal Church affirming our commitment to the nurture of the child, to a ministry to the child, and to receiving the ministry of the child. (To read the Children's Charter, click here.)

 

In 2001, we began to use the "Godly Play" curriculum for our children's Sunday school program for ages 3-Grade 2. Based on the pioneering work of Sofia Cavaletti and adapted for the Episcopal Church by the Rev. Jerome Berryman, Godly Play has been used in Episcopal parishes for more than 20 years. Through this curriculum, we endeavor to make a safe and peaceful place for children to explore their own spirituality through stories, play, and ritual.

 

For our older children we have a Program called Good Question! for Grades 3 and up. It is a time to really delve into the Bible stories and ask deeper questions about the Bible and its impact on our lives. We meet for one of our sessions a month together with the younger children to celebrate "the feast", which is a time to foster fellowship among all the children at St. Thomas's.

 

Sunday School meets during the 10am service in the Atrium. For more information, please contact Mother Mo Lederman.

 

Our largest and most extensive ministry to children is St. Thomas's Day School, an accredited parish school serving 160 children from pre-kindergarten through 6th grade. Religious education is a central part of the school's teaching: Students participate in an Anglican-based morning prayer service every school day, and weekly religious education classes introduce students to major world religions from a Christian perspective. Through the Day School, many students are drawn into the life of the parish, whether through Sunday worship, youth groups, or other activities.

 

For more information, see the St. Thomas's Day School web site or contact the school Head, Fred Acquavita.

 

Our weekly Youth Group meetings take place on Sunday evenings from 4:00-5:30 in the Atrium. Led by parish volunteers, seminarians, and Mother Mo, the youth groupers have snacks, fun activities, and time for prayer. Recently our Youth Group has become so large that we have created two groups to meet. The Junior Youth Group is for grades 5 and 6 and our new Senior Youth Group is for Grades 7 and up.

 

Once a month there is a Friday Night Fellowship event that may include trips to the movies, roller skating, bowling, a sleepover and even a trip to Six Flags Great Adventure! Our new Senior Group will have expanded opportunities for overnighters and social-service projects.

 

For more information, contact Mother Mo Lederman.

 

Children and their families are the focus of St. Thomas's outreach work with Covenant to Care, a nonprofit organization that connects social workers and other child-welfare professionals with faith communities in Connecticut. St. Thomas's works with a social worker whose caseload includes people with HIV and AIDS and their families. In addition to addressing occasional emergency needs, St. Thomas's parishioners give school supplies, Easter baskets, Christmas gifts, and Thanksgiving dinners.