The Church of the Holy Trinity

Sunday School

2009-10 Sunday School Calendar (pdf file)

Everyone at the Church of the Holy Trinity contributes to the faith formation of children and youth, yet the teachers of the Sunday School care especially about nurturing children and teen’s knowledge and love of God and their lives as Christians. Here, children and teens learn the sacred stories, history, and traditions of Christianity, grow in their relationship with God in Christ, and explore how to be faithful Christians and loving neighbors in today’s complex world. Newcomers and visitors are always welcome!

If you wish to learn more about classes and activities for children and youth, we will be glad to tell you!

Mary Ausman, Director, ext. 246
sundayschoolatholytrinity@gmail.com

On Sunday Mornings

During the school year, Sunday morning classes take place from 9:30 A.M. to 10:15 A.M. Below you will find a description of the kind of learning and formation that happens on Sunday mornings.

After classes, children and youth are then invited to join in the 10:30 A.M. Eucharistic celebration. outh often serve in worship as acolytes. For younger children,Holy Trinity offers special children’s activities during the service. After the Gospel reading until the Peace, younger children may join the children’s preacher in the Children’s Chapel for storytelling and prayer. Children who prefer to remain in church may choose to draw―crayons, colored pencils, puzzles, and blank paper are available on the church’s information tables. Finally, children who might like to read during the sermon may borrow picture books available in the Memorial Chapel.

At Holy Trinity, children and youth are honored and welcomed as full members of the Christian household and may participate fully in the parish's sacramental life. As soon as children ask for bread and wine, for example, they are welcome to receive communion. If you wish special preparation for your child before baptism, confirmation or communion, please speak with the Rev. K. Jeanne Person, kjeanne.person@holytrinity-nyc.org.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Ages 3 to 5)
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a religious formation program for children rooted in the bible, the liturgy of the church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. The hope of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is not so much to impart knowledge, although this happens, but rather to invite children to fall in love with God. Even before children begin to grasp tradition and doctrine, they have a rich interior life and an enormous capacity to know and love God. The Atrium, located in the Cloister Walk between the church and parish hall, is a beautiful, sacred place where young children can both discover and express their faith.

Friends (Grades 1-3)
The Friends class invites children to explore Christianity by reading and telling bible stories, singing, praying, doing puzzles, creating art, and more! The children also talk about ways of loving both God and their neighbor: Even at a young age, the children are encouraged to relate their Christian learning to their lives at home and school.

Seekers (Grades 4-6)
The Seekers class goes a bit further: inviting children to learn and practice the art of theological reflection. Children explore Christianity in traditional, fun ways, but they also ask deeper questions: How is God present in their lives? Who are they in their relationship with God and others? How does God wish them to act? What does church, its stories and worship, have to do with it all?

YouthWay (Grades 6-12)
Formation draws from the stories and traditions of Christianity as youth explore their identities and core values. Youth learn to name what is important to them, examine why they make certain choices, and develop an ability to empathize with other people’s perspectives. Youth also explore contemporary topics such as the Millennium Development Goals through a Christian lens and begin to emerge as leaders in the worship and outreach of Holy Trinity. In addition to Sunday classes, special youth activities happen throughout the year, including overnight lock-in’s, movie nights, ice skating, and service projects.

Special Events For Children and Youth

• Cooking and Serving The Neighborhood Supper, Fifth Saturdays
• Blessing of the Animals
• Advent Crafts Night
• Greening of the Church
• Christmas Pageant
• Burying of the Alleluia Banner
• Lenten Seder
• Easter Egg Hunt
• Easter Trope
• MayFair Children’s Carnival
• End-of-Year Picnic