Children's Sunday Discovery

Level I (3-6 years old):
Level I Sunday Discovery focuses on the relationship between God and children, helping children to have a deeper sense of belonging and safety in God’s love. The materials and presentations are designed to help children deepen their relationship with a loving God through the stories of Jesus’ birth, the Good Shepherd, parables, and the ways Jesus cares for everyone. Children explore and learn about the symbols of the Eucharist, prayer, Baptism and other materials that help young children experience belonging to the Christian family through God. Three-dimensional materials and miniature replicas of our core practices help children explore and reflect on worship and liturgy. Scripture presentations for young children are primarily from the New Testament with a sequence that is designed to encourage the certainty of an all loving God to which children are unconditionally loved.

*Children may enroll in Level I if they have reached the age of 3 prior to September 1, 2011.

Level II (6-9 years old):
With the certainty of God’s love, children begin to want to know more about Jesus’ life and the people who follow Him. They desire a deeper understanding of their relationship with God and with all creation. The Level I, foundational sacred stories are expanded and new ones are added to help children explore and reflect on the Kingdom of God. Level II introduces the Kingdom of God through creation, God’s gifts, and sacred stories with age appropriate moral content. We use stories and maps that reveal the place and time of Jesus’ ministry. Children also continue to explore the Eucharist, prayer, and Baptism. Holy Land geography is added through three-dimensional maps and puzzles. In Level II, children begin to learn how to develop prayer liturgies and engage in outreach ministries.

*Children may enroll in Level II if they have reached the age of 6 prior to September 1, 2011.

Level III (9-10 years old):
By the time children reach Level III, they begin to ask, “Who were the people of God though out time?” and “How are we like (or different from) them?” They continue to deepen their understanding of prayer, Eucharist, and Baptism and begin to explore the history of God’s people and nations. Hands-on and child-led materials such as timelines, maps, interactive charts, and books help children explore the time and place of sacred stories and how God interacts in today’s world. By making decisions about prayer liturgies, outreach projects, and how they can engage in parish life, this age group begins to take an active role in the direction of their learning. Our children’s programs prepare a foundation for children to grow into pre-teens and teens who will move into the next stage of Christian formation.

*Children may enroll in Level III if they have reached the age of 9 prior to September 1, 2011.