Benefits of Worshipping Together

Know that children are welcome at every St. Mary's worship service. Being experiential learners, there is much in our liturgy that can engage their senses.

Intergenerational Experience

Just being in the presence of all sorts of people from many generations is

something that doesn't happen very often in our world. Sitting in a pew andreceiving smiles from the elders, or hand-slaps at the passing of the peace from teenagers, or kneeling at the altar rail next to a man from Liberia provides a rich community experience.

Perhaps your child would enjoy sitting with someone other than you. We have teenagers at St Mary's who could sit in the front with them, help them understand what is going on and encourage their participation. We also have elders who would enjoy this opportunity. You could sit with them, or farther away, whichever you think is best. Speak with LeeAnne or MiaLisa if you think this sounds like a good idea to you.

Leadership Skills Through Participation

As children get older they can participate in the leadership of the liturgy,

which helps develop confidence and public social skills. To increase their participation, we encourage children to sit closer to the front. That way they can see all the action, and the deacon and priest can more easily look them in the eye and try to engage them in the different pieces of the liturgy.

Special Services

Throughout the year we have special services that can be intriguing to children. Of course the children put on a traditional Christmas pageant,complete with angels and shepherds and a babe in a manger. Holy Week also offers a lot for children, with activities like the palm processional on Palm Sunday, foot washing on Maundy Thursday, some creative art event on Good Friday, and the Children's Easter Vigil.

Children's Instructed Eucharist

From time to time we hold special sessions at St. Mary's to help children connect with the Sunday morning experience. Through this special Saturday morning extravaganza, we learn about the different parts of the service, do some crafts, sing some songs, and make holy bread. This is a good activity for children and parents to attend together.