We Welcome Kids at Good Shepherd!
Welcome! We are so delighted to have your family join our parish community. Children are a profound gift to the Church, offering unique and precious contributions to our worship, fellowship, and discipleship. Jesus Himself affirmed the value of children, welcoming them and declaring that the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Their innocence, simplicity, and genuine faith inspire us all to follow Christ with trust and wonder. They are not just the future of the Church but vital participants in the present, reminding us of God’s kingdom at work among us.
As a parish, we are honored to nurture their spiritual growth by teaching them about faith, the Bible, and the ways of Jesus. In turn, their presence blesses us, inviting us to embrace the joy and faith they embody. It is a privilege to walk alongside them—and you—as we grow together in Christ. We celebrate the life and vibrancy your children bring to Good Shepherd and hope to encourage you, as their parents, with smiles of support and grace!
Your Quick Guide to GS Kids
To nurture children’s faith and engagement during Sunday services, we offer the following age-specific classes based on Catechesis of the Good Shepherd:
Nursery: Ages 0–3
Level I Atrium: Ages 3–6
Level II Atrium: Ages 6–9
Level III Atrium: Ages 9–12
All children must be registered and checked in before the service. Our warm and welcoming staff and volunteers are ready to assist you at the GS Kids Check-In Station, located to the right of the steeple entrance, up the ramp.
Nursery-aged children may be taken directly to their class before the service begins and are welcome to remain there until the end of the service.
Children ages 3–12 begin in the sanctuary with their families, joining in the opening worship and songs. After the Collect of the Day, they join together to process out to their classes. Following the Passing of the Peace, parents are asked to pick up their children from their respective classes. Please remember to bring the security ticket you received at check-in, along with a state-issued ID, for pickup.
We’re so glad you’re here and can’t wait to walk alongside your family as we grow together in faith and love!
A Special Note to Parents
Take a deep breath and relax—your children are a blessing! God gave them their wiggles, swiggles, and squeals, and they are welcome here just as they are. If your kids are joining you in the service:
Sit toward the front, where it’s easier for them to see and engage with what’s happening.
Quietly explain parts of the liturgy, like the actions of the priest, deacon, or altar servers, to help them understand.
Sing the hymns, pray aloud, and voice the responses—children learn best by watching and imitating you.
Bring along a small Bible, notebook, or quiet activity to help them focus during quieter moments.
If you need to step out with your child, we offer a dedicated space just outside the sanctuary to the left. It’s a welcoming spot where your little one can move around while you stay connected to the service. Remember, how we welcome children in church profoundly shapes how they see the Church, God, and one another. Let them know they are truly at home and deeply valued, embodying the love and hospitality of God’s Kingdom.
Finally, show yourself grace. Parenting during worship isn’t often easy, even our clergy sometimes have to step aside to help with their kids—you’re not alone! Your effort to bring your children into God’s presence is a beautiful act of faith. We are here to support you and your family as you grow together in Christ.
FIRST-TIME VISITOR?
Sunday check-in is quick and easy, but if you'd like to make your arrival even smoother, you can pre-register your kids below. We can’t wait to meet you and your family!
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (COTGS) is a spiritually rich formation program designed nurture a child’s relationship with God. At its heart is the Atrium—a sacred space that feels more like a small church than a classroom. In this space, children encounter Christ not through instruction, but through hands-on experiences in thought, word, and deed.
COTGS is often called the meeting of two mysteries: the mystery of God and the mystery of the child. Everything in the Atrium is designed to help children develop a deeper, more conscious relationship with God through the work of the Holy Spirit. The Atriums are carefully designed to meet children at their developmental stage:
Level I Atrium (ages 3–6): Introduces children to worship through parables, prayer, and liturgical elements.
Level II Atrium (ages 6–9): Deepens their understanding of scripture, sacraments, and moral formation.
Level III Atrium (ages 9–12): Encourages reflection on salvation history and their personal faith in action.
Overseen by trained catechists, the Atriums offers a calm and nurturing environment where children’s faith can mature guided by the Holy Spirit. Learn more by watching the video below.
“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.”
Good Shepherd Kids FAQs
Can My Kids Stay with Me?
Absolutely! Children are always welcome to remain in the sanctuary for the entire service. We simply ask parents to be mindful of other worshipers, especially during the sermon. For your convenience, we offer a dedicated space just outside the sanctuary to the left, where parents can take their children if they need extra room to move and release their God-given energy. We’re so glad to have your family with us!
What Are Family Sundays?
Family Sunday is a special time on 5th Sundays and other special occasions, designed to help our children in the Level II & III Atriums (ages 6–12) feel at home in the full Eucharistic service. We provide child-friendly liturgies, coloring pages, and activities to help them engage more deeply in worship alongside their families. Children in the Level I Atrium (ages 3–6) will continue to be dismissed before the sermon for their own time of worship and prayer, as usual. Nursery care (ages 0–3) is available throughout the entire service, ensuring that every family member feels supported and welcome.
What Should My Child Bring?
We encourage children to bring their curiosity and enthusiasm! For children staying in the sanctuary, we provide child-friendly liturgies, activity sheets, and crayons to help them engage during the service. If your child is attending the nursery or an Atrium class, you’re welcome to bring any necessary items like diapers, a change of clothes, or a labeled water bottle.
What If My Child Has Special Needs?
We welcome all children and strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment. Here at Good Shepherd, we want to cultivate a space where everyone feels at home, embraced by the love and hospitality of God and our parish community. If there are ways we can support your child to feel more comfortable and included, we would love to explore those possibilities with you. At the same time, we recognize that your child may have specific needs that we may not be fully equipped to meet at this time, and we deeply respect the thoughtful discernment you bring to making these decisions. Please reach out to Dcn. Jacilyn Goodwin, our Director of Child and Youth Formation, if you specific questions or need further assistance.
What About Safety?
At Good Shepherd, your child's safety is our highest priority. We go above and beyond to create a safe and nurturing environment for every child in our care. Every volunteer serving with children is an active member of our parish community, has completed thorough background checks, and undergoes regular abuse awareness and prevention training. We are deeply committed to ensuring the well-being of all our children. To learn more about our Safe Church training and policies, please click here.
Can I Volunteer in Children’s Ministry?
Absolutely! We’re always excited to welcome new “formation partners” onto our team. Volunteering is a meaningful way to serve and be part of the spiritual care and formation of our children. To ensure a safe and nurturing environment, all volunteers must be active members of our parish community for at least six months, complete a background check, and participate in abuse awareness and prevention training. If you’re interested, please fill out the form below. Click here to sign up.