Kids are Welcome!
“Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.”
Kids at Good Shepherd
The presence of children is a gift to the Church! They are vital members of our parish community here at Good Shepherd, and a continual reminder that our parish is growing and thriving. Please welcome our children and give a smile of encouragement to the parents!
Kids are often beautiful reminders of the servant heart of the Good Shepherd. In the early stages of our parish, we have implemented age-appropriate spiritual formation program for ages 0 to 11 years old. If you would like to take advantage of this, please follow the signs to the kids drop-off station. For older children, activity packs are available for them as you enter the sanctuary.
If you would like your children to join you during Communion, a great time to pick them up would be either during “the Peace”. Please know, all children are more than welcome to remain with their parents throughout the service.
An Invitation to Parents
Take a deep breath and relax! God put the wiggles, swiggles, and squeals in little children. They are welcome just as they are!
If your kids are joining you in service, sit toward the front where it is easier for your little one to see and hear what’s happening.
Quietly explain the various parts of the liturgy such as the actions of the priest, deacon, altar servers, etc.
Sing the hymns, pray aloud, and voice the responses. Children learn best by imitating.
If you have to leave with your child, feel free to do so, but also feel more than welcome to come back.
Remember the way we welcome children in church directly influences the way they respond to the Church, to God, and to one another. Let them know that they are at home and welcome, embodying for their sake the care and hospitality of God’s Kingdom.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a time-tested and beautiful means of child formation. The atrium— the space where the children gather—is more like a church than a classroom: less a seat of instruction and more a holy space where Christ is encountered in thought, word and deed. COTGS is said to be the meeting of two mysteries: that of God and the child. Everything we do in this space is aimed toward helping the child enter into a more conscious relationship with God through the formation of the Holy Spirit. COTGS guides the child in learning to pray through: 1) creation of a space and a time set aside for listening for God's voice, 2) guided exercises like the silence game and practical life that help to still a child's body and enhance their capacity for listening 3) allowing for spontaneous prayer following a presentation and 4) linking the child's prayer to the prayer of the Church which unites them with the larger community.