Children and Family Ministry provides parents and children, ages 0 – 5th grade, with the tools they need to grow in their faith and become faithful disciples of Christ. Fun and interactive programming throughout the year allows families to deepen their connection with each other, God, and the Saint Michael community.
Featured Upcoming Events for Children
Shrove Tuesday
Tue, March 4 @ 5:30 pm
PANCAKES AND PENANCE! For centuries, the observance of Shrove Tuesday has provided Christians with the opportunity to do two things.
Ash Wednesday Joy! A Children’s Service
Wed, March 5 @ 5:00 pm
Saint Michael Chapel Joy! is a family-friendly service designed specifically for children and families. This service will feature an engaging Ash Wednesday story and Holy Communion. Our services are open …
Palm Sunday Joy! A Children’s Eucharist
Sun, April 13 @ 9:00 am
(Saint Michael Chapel) Join us for a joyous celebration of Palm Sunday, marking the beginning of Holy Week and the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.
Palm Sunday Reception
Sun, April 13 @ 9:30 am
Join us for a joyous celebration of Palm Sunday, marking the beginning of Holy Week and the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.
Good Friday Family Stations of the Cross Service
Fri, April 18 @ 12:00 pm
(Saint Michael Chapel) Join CFM to explore the Stations of the Cross in an interactive and child-appropriate way!
Saint Michael Day of Service
Sat, April 26
Room 212 & Youth Center Get ready for an exciting and fast-paced day of giving back at Saint Michael! Every parishioner is invited to be a part of this truly …
Vacation Bible School 2025: True North
Sun, June 8 @ 5:30 pm
Inviting all children ages 4 (by September 1) through rising fourth graders to join us on this BIG adventure. Registration opens February 1, 2025!
Vacation Bible School 2025: True North
Mon, June 9 @ 9:00 am
Inviting all children ages 4 (by September 1) through rising fourth graders to join us on this BIG adventure. Registration opens February 1, 2025!
Vacation Bible School 2025: True North
Tue, June 10 @ 9:00 am
Inviting all children ages 4 (by September 1) through rising fourth graders to join us on this BIG adventure. Registration opens February 1, 2025!
Children’s Sunday Classes
Join us for CFM Sunday school classes! We have exciting options for children in PreK – 5th grade. All classes meet at 10 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Questions? Contact Meghan Houk, the Director of Children & Family Ministry.
Register for Children’s Sunday Classes
Godly Play for PreK-Kindergarten
Register here
Godly Play for 1st Grade
Register here
Sunday Class for 2nd Grade
Register here
Sunday Class for 3rd Grade
Register here
Sunday Class for 4th-5th Grade
Register here
Early Childhood Nursery Care
Sunday morning childcare is available for children ages 0-3 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. During the 10 a.m. formation hour, children will hear a Bible story and engage in age-appropriate faith-based activities. Please make sure your children’s belongings have their names on them. Children can be picked up at any time.
In addition to offering childcare for after-hours special events, Saint Michael’s Early Childhood Ministry is now offering childcare during the day on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Contact Meghan Houk or Beth Igoe with any questions.
Baptism
Baptism is “the sacrament by which God adopts us as his children and makes us members of Christ’s Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God” (Book of Common Prayer, 858). In the teaching and practice of the Episcopal Church, baptism confers full membership and participation in the life of the Church. Baptism is thus about the community as much as it is about the individual.
Older children seeking baptism are sponsored by members of their families and close friends; infants and younger children are sponsored by members of their families and Godparents.
In keeping with both the Book of Common Prayer and the Canons of the Episcopal Church, all candidates for baptism and their sponsors (parents, Godparents, etc.) are required to attend preparation classes before candidates will be eligible to receive baptism. It is necessary for candidates and sponsors to complete preparation classes before scheduling the candidate’s baptism. Adults serving as sponsors for those seeking baptism attend classes designed for adults; children and youth attend classes appropriate for their age.
Great Expectations
Are you expecting a baby? Do you know someone who is expecting? We want to know!
This is such an exciting time in your life. You are important to us. We would love to make this journey with you. As part of the new Great Expectations ministry, we would like to lift you up in prayer during Sunday services and throughout the week. We would also like to help make connections with the clergy and children’s ministry team to offer love and care during your pregnancy and at the time of birth.
If you are interested in learning more about Great Expectations, please click here to fill out the form or contact Meghan Houk
Does your little one love to sing? Learn more about our choir programs for children below!
Cherub Choir (PreK-2nd Grade)
The Saint Michael Cherub Choir is a fun music exploration time for younger children. Kids are taught the basics of healthy singing, music literacy, and liturgical formation through songs, Bible stories, and crafts. Cherub Choir is for children who are pre-K through 2nd grade.
Two sessions are offered each week. The first session is particularly designed for pre-K and kindergarteners and the second session is primarily for kindergarteners through 2nd graders, but your child is welcome at whichever session is most convenient for your family’s schedule. Children who participate in Cherub Choir quickly develop a love for singing and the skills needed to be successful in Saint Michael Choristers and beyond.
Start Date: September 18, 2024
Wednesdays in the SMES Music Room
2:45-3:45 p.m.: SMES and PreK-K
4:30-5:30 p.m.: PreK-2nd grade
Shelby Hendryx, Director of Early Childhood Music
Want to learn more about this program or have any questions? Email Shelby Hendryx at [email protected]
Saint Michael Choristers (Children & Youth)
Saint Michael Choristers is a fun, comprehensive music education program for children and youth in 3rd grade through high school. Choristers receive training in singing skills, music theory and music history. They sing both as a separate treble ensemble and are regularly integrated with the Saint Michael Choir (adults) so that they can fully take part in helping lead music during worship services.
Treble Choristers
The Treble Choristers comprise of girls grades 3-8th, and boys starting in 3rd grade up through their voice change. Treble Choristers rehearse on Wednesday afternoons from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and generally sing twice a month at the 9 a.m. Sunday service and special services throughout the liturgical year.
Senior Choristers
The Senior Choristers is for high school girls and boys whose voices have changed. Senior Choristers rehearse on Wednesday evenings with the Saint Michael Choir from 7 – 9 p.m. with additional rehearsals on the first and second Sunday of each month from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. They rehearse and sing alongside the Saint Michael Choir at the 9 a.m. Sunday service and special services throughout the liturgical year.
Chorister Rehearsals
Wednesdays
4:30 – 6:30 p.m.: Treble Choristers
7 – 9 p.m.: Senior Choristers
First & second Sundays of each month
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Senior Choristers
Want to learn more about this program or have any questions? Email Catherine Seveney at [email protected].
“Choristers has added structure, knowledge, and responsibility to my life. As I’ve gotten older my chorister responsibilities have also grown and evolved. I now help the younger kids and teach what I know. It’s also really cool to be around people that have different skills but can work together to make something beautiful.” – Layna Girasta, Chorister
Being involved in music ministry is an excellent opportunity for discipleship for young people at Saint Michael. Choristers build friendships and enjoy regular social offerings. No music experience is necessary and new children may join at any time during the academic year.
“Our daughter has loved making new friends through the chorister program. As parents, we think it is so important for her to have a strong peer community that is connected to her faith. We love the opportunity for her to make friends from all different schools and backgrounds.” – Liz Helfrich, Chorister Parent
Several distinct choirs make up this program: the Cherub Choir, the Treble Choristers, and the Senior Choristers.