Families faces more challenges in the 21st century than ever, Christ Church Cathedral Church is committed to providing support and resources for children, youth, and parents.  From our loving nursery staff to preparation for the rite of Confirmation, we invest significant attention and resources in this area of our shared life.

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Christ Church Cathedral wants to be a place where parents of children from birth until they graduate from high school can find support and resources.  Ongoing information will be available on this page, in our weekly worship notes, and in our publications.

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EMAIL NEWSLETTER FOR PARENTS

Sign up for the family ministry newsletter here.  

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Please explore the links below to learn more about each of these areas.

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CHRISTIAN FORMATION REGISTRATION

Please register your child for all Cathedral Children's and Youth activities.  

 

CHRISTIAN FORMATION CLASSES

 

Nursery—Age 3 and under

Our Nursery is a warm, hospitable place for the youngest members of the Cathedral family. Ms. Shameca Williams is the cornerstone of this ministry, who along with local college students, tailors Sunday mornings to the needs of those in her care. A curriculum is utilized when children are age appropriate. The nursery is open each Sunday morning from 9:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

 

Children's Chapel & Sunday School—Age 4 to Grade 4

Students begin with a brief worship experience followed by a lesson from the Workshop Rotation Method.  This intensive Sunday School experience enables students to “go deep” in learning carefully selected stories from the Bible as well as other traditions of the faith.  After 4-6 Sundays children are well acquainted with the selected stories. Lessons are taught appealing to all the senses, auditory, tactile, visual, and even taste, which further enriches the experience. Age groups are divided as needed to enable everyone to learn at their level.   

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Communion Preparation--Sundays, October 6 and 13

This class is for children, ages 10 and under, who currently receive the bread and wine at Holy Communion, as well as those who have never consumed. We use a wonderful book by Jennie Turrell,  an art teacher and wife of the dean of the School of Theology at Sewanee: The University of the South. Through meaningful story and discussion children learn the importance of ritual and connection found in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. If possible please be present with your child on both Sundays.

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​FUN CLUB—Grades 5, 6

Youth come together after worship on Sunday mornings upstairs in the Sunday School room where there are soft drinks, snacks, and other treats. Students enjoy fellowship and conversation with Ms. Monica Beasley, along with a video lesson and workbook activities.  Once a month the group will have a specials gathering.  More information to follow.

 

Episcopal Youth Community—Grades 7-12

Our new Children’s and Youth Team have been working together to prepare for Fall 2024 Formation.  Many thanks to Lissa Watkins and Chambliss Brister, Co-Chairs, and their team members. All of the events and dates can be found on the Cathedral website under the Formation tab.  Groups meet regularly beginning this week.  

 

Please watch our publications to learn of upcoming events and contact us if you would like to help out or to be added to our e-list for announcements and reminders.

 

Affirm—Grades 7 and up

Sunday, September 8, October 27, November 10, December 8 at the home of Kate Watkins

Youth in grades 7 and up are invited to join this monthly Bible Study. This fall we will read 1 Corinthians.

 

Youth Confirmation—Grades 7 and up

for students in grades 7 and up will be held on the Sunday afternoons in Lent 2025. Confirmation will be on Sunday, May 4.  Sign-up will be in January 2025.

 

MILESTONES

We have been intentional in structuring how we celebrate the milestones in our children's lives within the Cathedral family.  Some of the milestones are new and others have been given guidelines so that we are present for our children and young families as they grow.

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BIRTH AND BAPTISM

The purpose of this milestone is to allow the church to be involved in a helpful and significant way in the life of a family and a newborn from the announcement of the pregnancy through the child’s baptism. 

 

WORSHIP READINESS

The purpose of the Worship Readiness milestone is to help children in grade 3 and their families transition the children into the Sunday morning worship service in helpful and meaningful ways that will provide children and families with the tools they need to integrate into the worship service fully. 

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COMMUNION PREPARATION

This class is for children who will take communion for the first time. There are two sessions in the Chapel on October 6 and 13, 2024.  Parents are invited to attend.

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CONFIRMATION

The purpose of this milestone is to engage the 7th graders in the life of the parish in the process of confirmation classes that will ultimately end in the confirmation of the 7th graders on confirmation Sunday when the Bishop has his annual Parochial visit. 

 

GRADUATION

The purpose of this milestone is to celebrate and appropriately send off the graduating high school seniors from Christ Church Cathedral.

 

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NEW TO THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OR TO FAITH?

Adults who are new to the Episcopal Church (or new to Christianity) may wish to attend the Inquirers Class, which may lead to their wishing to be baptized or confirmed.  The Inquirer's Class lead by Dean Gibson will be held during Lent in 2025.  Please email Carolyn Jeffers in the Cathedral office to be added to the class.

Youth Confirmation Class:  Christ Church Cathedral confirms youth in grade 7.  The curriculum is I Will With God's Help.  The next class will begin in Lent 2025.  If you have a youth who would like to join the class, please contact Carolyn Jeffers.​​