Godly Play

Ages 4-5, Preschool/Kindergarten

Curriculum:

Godly Play is a method of spiritual practice exploring the mystery of God’s presence in the lives of the children, utilizing key events of the Old Testament, the parables of Jesus, and the Christmas/Easter events.  In addition, we help the children connect to the liturgical seasons.  At the heart of the Godly Play methodology is the belief that children already have an innate sense of the divine in their lives. What they may lack is the necessary language to express their experiences of God, so the sessions allow for the children to develop their faith vocabulary, both in verbal sharing as well as through creative expression, i.e. artwork, play time, etc.


With this in mind, we will provide a nurturing and safe environment for the children to expand their religious vocabulary and faith. A typical session last for 60 minutes, during which time the children will participate in a presentation of a Biblical story, engage in creative play to help them further develop their faith, and share in a communal meal that somewhat mirrors our experience of gathering around the Eucharistic table.

Family Support:

Weekly family pages will be sent home/e-mailed to support the weekly scripture story and overall lesson, along with links to suggested online videos and supplemental curriculum.  

Communication:

 Flocknote will be the primary mode of communication for all participants. You will receive these communications via e-mail.

Formation of Groups:

Groups will be formed based on room capacity for social distancing and the number of available catechists.  Godly Play leaders will need to be recruited and trained and will receive a leader guide along with on-going weekly support.  

Needs:

Adult leaders (2 per group). All families that provide a catechist for one of our programs will receive a full tuition break for the entire family.

Family Faith Formation Program

In an effort to support and encourage families to grow in their faith together, as well as offer alternatives for families that already have busy schedules, we are offering a new family-based program. This program will meet on once a month Sunday mornings or Wednesday evening depending on which session the family registers for.  The sessions will begin with a large-group catechetical session, followed by participation in the Eucharistic liturgy. These liturgies will be “teaching masses” that will help the participants gain a deeper understanding of what we do when we celebrate the Eucharist. Following mass, we will offer additional youth ministry programming for middle and high school youth.

Non-Baptized children and youth participating in the Family Faith Formation Program that are also preparing to receive sacraments in the Spring of 2025 will have additional gatherings focused on preparation for those celebrations. 

CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW)

Ages 4-years-old through Grade 3

Offered during the 9 and 11 Masses

The Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) ministry enables children to participate in the weekend worship experience, to nourish and guide their spiritual growth, and to immerse them in the Word of God in ways that are understandable to them. All children ages 4 years old through 3rd grade are welcome to participate. They enjoy the Word of God on their level, shared prayer, singing, and activities. There is no prior registration or fee for participation.

For more information about the Elementary Program, please contact Reneé Dignan at 952-405-7212 or rdignan@paxchristi.com, or call the parish office at 952-941-3150.