Children and Youth Formation
Welcome
to Trinity Episcopal Church! The following are answers to your basic
questions regarding what this parish offers to your child(ren) and
youth. We believe Christian Formation begins at birth and
continues throughout the life of each
individual. When you have questions about what is
being offered, please call
Janice R. Yancy, Director of Christian Formation for
Children and Youth, at 978-369-3715, ext. 16, or email
CHRISTIAN FORMATION
All Christian Formation classes are held from 10:00 am to 10:40 am on Sunday mornings for ages 3 through middle school. Confirmation classes for high schoolers meet at 9:00 am.The Eucharist is at the center of our Sunday mornings. Christian education for everyone flows into and out of the liturgical experience. Our primary “textbooks” are the Bible and the Book of Common Prayer. In preschool and elementary classrooms, we use Godly Play for grades pre-school through 4th grade. We focus on changing themes over a three year cycle:
- Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures)
- New Testament and the life of Jesus
- Seasonal themes, sacraments and the church
Key to Christian Education at Trinity is the dedication and participation of parish adults. Parishioners serve on teaching teams for one unit (about eight to nine Sundays) during the year. A rich resource library, ample supplies, occasional workshops and experienced clergy/lay support are offered to help teachers feel confident and prepared.
CHILD CARE
Child care is an important part of our welcome to Trinity’s youngest members and their families. It offers a place where infants and young children can experience the love and care of this community, and it offers parents an opportunity to give their full attention to worship and other church activities.Located downstairs in the Undercroft, child care is available for infants and children through preschool every Sunday morning at 9:45Located downstairs in the Undercroft, child care is available for infants and children through preschool every Sunday morning at 9:00 am, September through June, and at occasional evening services. Children can stay for any length of time while Childchild care is in operation.
Child care is staffed on Sundays by both adult and youth caregivers. Children are cared for in small groups of similar ages and play needs.
- Babies (Newborn to 14 months): Please provide all bottles, drinks, necessary food, and diaper gear and clothing.
- Toddlers (15 months to 2–1/2 years): Parents are asked to supply bottles or any special drinking cups and diaper gear. There are child–sized toilets near the room.
- Bathrooms are children friendly with step stools
A Few Points to Remember
Crying: It happens! Young children can be distressed at separation times and do miss their parents. That is a sign of healthy development. Sometimes children cry just because someone else is crying. We will come and get you if we think your child is inconsolable and we feel the prospects of change are not good. Such situations are always a judgment call, and will be handled by the adult caregiver.Checking–in and Checking–out: Everybody seems to come at the same time — the last minute. After all, getting the whole family dressed and ready for church is not easy. Please help us keep track of the children and get every child off to a good start. Simple rituals and procedures for coming and going are important to us all.
- Sign in on the room clipboard with first and last name. If you are not sure which group your child should be with, just ask the adult caregiver.
- Put a name tag on your child’s back where he/she is less likely to take it off.
- Mark your child’s gear with his/her name.
- Introduce your child to a caregiver.
Crying: It happens! Young children can be distressed at separation times and do miss their parents. That is a sign of healthy development. Sometimes children cry just because someone else is crying. We will come and get you if we think your child is inconsolable and we feel the prospects of change are not good. Such situations are always a judgment call, and will be handled by the adult caregiver.
GAP KIDS
Grade
6
This
is a sixth grade class that meets on Sunday mornings during the
academic year. Rite 13 is the first of a segmented two-2 year
education program of segment of the Journey to Adulthood.
program. Because of the two-year nature of the program, there
is
an occasional “gap year” when 6th graders have
their own
class — Sixth Grade Sunday Morning. On these alternating
years,
6th graders continue their spiritual journey with their peers. In
addition, fun activities and events are planned occasionally and called
Gap Kids — it’s a casual way for the 6th graders to
get to
know each other before they become the next Rite -13 class.Occasionally on Sunday afternoons, 5th and 6th graders meet for fun and fellowship — a casual way for the two grades to get to know each other before they become the next Rite 13 class.
JOURNEY TO ADULTHOOD
RITE
13 - Grades 7 & 8
As
part of the Journey to Adulthood program, Rite 13 focuses on forming
and nurturing community as youth participants and leaders explore the
Bible, the Episcopal Church and other aspects of the Christian
faith. Classes also help youth explore, affirm and prepare
for
adolescence. At the end of two years, the class moves on to
J2A. An important part of the program is the Rite 13 liturgy,
which takes place once in the fall and once in the spring.
The
Rite 13 class meets on Sunday mornings during the academic year.RITE-13 P.M.
Rite 13 PM meets once a month in the early evening for fun, fellowship, service and learning on a wide variety of topics in the company of your fellow “Rite 13ers.” Additional fun activities are scheduled throughout the year, and include such activities as field trips to Six Flags, ski trips, movie nights and lock–ins.)
JOURNEY
TO ADULTHOOD
J2A-PILGRIM - Grades 9 & 10
J2A
is the second 2 year portion of the Journey to Adulthood
program.
Its focus is on continuing the community built in Rite-13, and on
learning the skills of active listening, negotiation, assertion,
research/information management, partnership and leadership.
Participants explore the Bible, society and faith to gain an
understanding of Christian living.PILGRIM P.M. usually meets the second and fourth Sunday of the month for fun, fellowship, service and learning on a wide variety of topics in the company of your fellow “J2Aers.” Additional fun activities are scheduled throughout the year including field trips to amusement parks, ski trips, movie nights and lock–ins.
Future J2A classes will meet on Sunday mornings during the academic year. There will also be a P.M. program and with the collaboration of senior youth and their leaders a schedule will be set and specific activities will be chosen. This program will include outreach activities. as well as fellowship. At the end of the second year of J2A, youth go on a holy pilgrimage. After this experience, as they plumb the depths of their own spirituality and their relationship to the church, the class moves on to Young Adults in Church (YAC).