Children’s Sunday School: 8:50 am, September-June
Christ Church, Shrewsbury is a kid-friendly Episcopal parish offering families a comprehensive Christian formation program in a safe, nurturing environment. At Christ Church your children will have opportunities to experience Christian service, fun, and fellowship.
Our Church School offers three levels of classes – Lower Church School (Grades K-4), Middle Church School (Grades 5-8), and Upper Church School Grades 9-12). The program kicks-off with Rally Sunday in early September and concludes with a Youth Sunday celebration in June. All classes meet on Sunday mornings, and Lower and Middle Church School participants rejoin their families for Holy Eucharist after class.
Family Sundays: Last Sunday of Each Month!
On the last Sunday of the month, we celebrate in a very special way–with our WHOLE church family! The kids join us for the entire church service, which features a Children’s Sermon, Children’s Blessing, and an invitation for all children to join Mother Susanna at the altar for the celebration of Communion. It’s a great way for our families to learn and worship together!
Family Communion Workshops: Twice Yearly
Twice a year, we have Family Communion Workshops designed for parents and children ages four and up. The Class is open to everyone – those who are currently receiving Holy Eucharist, those who are getting ready, those who have attended already, and those for whom this will be their first time (and we’ve had adult learners too!). The Class is held on a Saturday from 10:00am until 2:00pm. Included is a series of lessons, games, songs, and lots of hands-on activities. Lunch is provided. Children learn basic theology of the Sacraments and “church etiquette” as well. Children may attend as many times as they wish; each time brings something new! We are always looking for adults to help. Check the Parish Calendar or call the Church Office for more information.
Youth Group (Middle and High Schoolers)
In addition to Church School, our Middle and High School students meet throughout the year for a variety of activities including Outreach, Worship, and Fellowship. They help organize CROP Walk, assist with our Graveyard Events (what teen doesn’t love that!), spend time keeping vigil during Holy Week, and provide many other services to the church. Please contact the Church Office for more information. We also hold Confirmation classes for youth and adults who want to deepen their commitment to the Episcopal Church.
For those wishing to be confirmed, Upper Church School culminates with Confirmation. Performed by the Bishop about every three years, in this ceremony our youth publicly proclaim their life-long commitment to deepening their personal spirituality while striving to understand the relationship of their Christian beliefs to other religions. Symbolizing their transition to spiritual adulthood, with Confirmation our youth begin their journey to truly appreciate Christ in all persons.
The Sacrament of Confirmation usually takes place when the Bishop visits our Parish or is visiting another local Parish. Confirmation Preparation is an ongoing process; it combines what our students are learning in Church School and Youth Group along with special sessions with the Rector. All persons (Grades 9 – 12) are encouraged to participate and learn about their faith and prayerfully consider receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Studying the Faith is only part of the journey; confirmands participate in a series of outreach programs, recreational field trips and church service-related activities as part of their commitment.
