Christian Formation for Children

Children are an important part of our life as a community.  Our Christian Formation programs acknowledge that children have an innate sense of the holy, and we seek to nurture their natural inquisitiveness about God and church.  Older children are introduced to ideas about their connectedness with all people and creation.

Our Christian Formation programs for children meet on Sunday mornings from 10:50-11:50am.  Classrooms are located on the upper level of the Office/Education wing.

Calendar for Children’s Programs
 [Fall 2010 Calendar in PDF]

Registration for 2010-2011 Program Year
Registration begins on Sunday, September 12 after the 9:30am service.
All children participating in Christian Formation programs need a new registration form each year.  See the bottom of the page for a PDF form you can download and fill out in advance.  Registrations may also be mailed to the church office (6 Meriam St, Lexington, MA 02420).

For Children birth through age 4 – The Nursery  [Nursery page]

For Children age 3 through 3rd Grade – The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based program which encourages the child to “fall in love with God.”  Click here [Hyperlink the word “here” to http://www.cgsma.org/CGSOverview.htm] to read a brief description of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program.

Children in this age group are divided into two learning groups:  age 3 through Kindergarten meet in the Good Shepherd Atrium, and 1st – 3rd grade meet in the True Vine Atrium.

If you would like more information about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program at Redeemer, please contact church office (office@our-redeemer.net or 781-862-6408).


For 4th, 5th, and 6th Grade
This class bridges between the Catechesis program and the Journey to Adulthood program (our youth program).  In alternate years the group includes 6th grade, along with 4th and 5th grade.  This group uses storytelling, music and games to explore the history of the people of Israel, the liturgy, and Scripture.

If you would like more information about the 4th-6th grade class, please contact church office (office@our-redeemer.net or 781-862-6408).


Forms
[ PDF of Children’s Registration 2010-2011 ]
[ PDF of Permission Slip] for single-use, off-site events

Youth Programs

At Redeemer, we use the "Journey to Adulthood" program which keeps students and mentors together for 2-year segments, with each group incorporating an age-appropriate rite of passage.

Rite 13 (6th & 7th grades) 

Sunday 10:45 am - Rite 13 focuses on forming and nurturing Christian community, helping youth explore and affirm their gifts and creative powers.  The Rite-13 ceremony occurs in Sunday worship around the young person’s 13th birthday. 

J2A (8th - 9th grades)

Sunday 10:45 am -  In J2A young people learn skills for faithful living, blending action and contemplation.  At the end of the 2nd year, youth go on a holy pilgrimage.  

YAC (Young Adults in Church: 10th - 12th grades)

Sunday 10:45 am - The YAC curriculum encourages these young adults, some of whom have been on  pilgrimage, to enter all areas of parish life and claim their status as adults in the church. They are challenged to become good stewards of their time, talent and treasure, to share their knowledge and leadership skills, and to reach out to those in need.

Youth Group (9th-12th grades)

Sunday  5:30 - 7:00 pm - Young people gather to make and eat dinner together each week. They are encouraged to participate in service projects, mission trips, and a celebration of adulthood as they graduate from high school.  


For Additional Information about our Children and Youth Programs, contact The Rev. Sabeth Fitzgibbons at (781) 862-6408