Children are very welcome at St. Chrysostom’s church. We are guided by Jesus’ invitation to children: “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Mark 10:14-15)
Adults have much to learn about God from children. Little ones often express an openness to God and a sense of wonder that adults struggle to regain. Not only do we hope to serve children, but we need them to teach us all. St. Chrysostom’s brings children into the life of the parish with both year long and seasonal events, including Sunday School, special formation programs or simply the chance to play together in the church gym.
Many families first experience the church through the rite of Holy Baptism. Rooted in Christian community and borne out by a commitment to Christian discipleship in the world, baptism is, at heart, the entrance into a way of life.
St. Chrysostom’s celebrates baptism during a weekly Sunday worship service, publicly with the congregation present. The congregation celebrates the baptized, welcoming them into the community of faith and asking God to give them an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love God, and the gift of joy and wonder in all God’s works. (See the “Book of Common Prayer”p.308) Baptized children are considered full members of the church, and all sacraments are open to them as appropriate to their age.
For more information on baptism or confirmation, contact Rev. Chana Tetzlaff, Associate for Children, Youth and Families, at chana@saintc.org.
Youth entering the 7th - 8th grades are invited to confirmation where they will take on the promises made on their behalf at baptism as their own walk of faith, and will be confirmed by the bishop as members of The Episcopal Church.
St. Chrysostom’s Youth Confirmation Cohort meets weekly on Sundays for spiritual exercises from The Episcopal Church curriculum as part of a two-year program geared toward community development and confirmation. They explore the intersections between self, society and spirituality as they learn and serve together. They may also serve in a variety of ministries, including cooking and serving meals at St. Leonard’s Ministries, assisting with worship, Advent wreath making, and assisting at St. Chrysostom’s Day School Holiday Faire.
During the season of Lent, St. Chrysostom’s has offered family-friendly, intergenerational activities so that children get to know and connect with others in the wider community.
For more information on baptism or confirmation, contact Rev. Chana Tetzlaff, Associate for Children, Youth and Families, at chana@saintc.org.
