Our Nursery Ministry is dedicated to supporting and loving our littlest ones and their families. Our Sunday morning and special event caregivers are trained in Safe Church practices, love babies and toddlers, and make time in the Nursery as comfortable as possible for children and parents! During Formation Hour (10–11 a.m., Sept–May), 2 and 3 year olds are invited to move to the other side of the Nursery to hear a Bible story, sing, and create simple crafts. 

A few things to know:

• All caregivers are vaccinated for COVID-19.

• All toys and surfaces are regularly wiped down.

• Snacks will not be provided (you are welcome to pack snacks/water for your child). 

• Caregivers will receive and return children to their parents at the doorway.

• Nursing moms are welcome to nurse in the sanctuary during church or can come to Rev. Serena’s office for a quieter place.

• Families with newborns or newly adopted children are asked if they would like to receive meals from fellow parishioners for several weeks.

Want to know more about the Nursery Ministry? Contact Nursery and Childcare Coordinator, Emily Newton, at nursery@stbs.net

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an internationally-used, Montessori-based method of Christian formation. Children hear and explore the Scriptures, have instruction, time, and space for prayer, and grow in their experience of the Liturgy. At St. B’s, we have three specially prepared classrooms called “atria”, two for our 3–6 year olds (Level 1), and one for our 6–9 year olds (Level 2). Those who guide the children are trained individuals called “catechists” who are alongside the children as the Holy Spirit leads and guides them. Here is a video from the National Association of CGS.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Level 1 (3–6 yrs.)

The youngest children lead us to the deepest mysteries of our faith. The Scriptural centerpiece of our Level One atria is John 10, where we find the parable of the Good Shepherd and the proclamation that we are his sheep, he calls us by name, we know his voice and follow him. We know when the child’s spiritual need is being met because of the joy they display—a peaceful kind of joy that leads them to further contemplation, especially through their personal work with the corresponding material, and to prayer.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Level 2 (6–9 yrs.)

The foundational Scripture for 1st–3rd grade is the True Vine (John 15). At this age, children build on the deep knowing of belonging to the Good Shepherd, and begin to consider the things that God has done throughout time and among us, now. We study the History of the Kingdom of God, marvel at the gifts of Creation, and dig deeply into the infancy narratives, moral parables and pascal narratives in the Bible. We wonder together how God is calling us to live together on the True Vine.

On Sunday mornings, children in 4th–6th grades will begin to make connections between the Old and New Testaments as they study the covenants of God and the Good News of the Gospels. As the children ponder God’s plan, they seek to recognize their role as co-laborers with him. 

On the 4th Sunday of each month, we consider the ways we can reveal the Kingdom of God through acts of love, justice, and mercy. We also stay after church from 12:30–2:30 p.m. for either a group service experience or a community celebration.

We believe that our common worship on Sundays is not complete without our children. We also recognize that it can be challenging for children to sit through an hour long service! At the 8:30 service (9:30 during the summer) we offer a children's homily. 

After the reading of the Gospel, children from 3–12 years old are invited to follow the cross out from their pews into Wallace Hall for a homily on one of the lectionary readings, as well as a chance to respond through art, song, activity, conversation, or prayer. Children return to their families before the announcements.