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On Easter Sunday, children and families gathered in Calvary’s newly renovated Swan Garden for our annual Easter Egg Hunt—a joyful expression of the Resurrection and new life in Christ. Timed between our morning worship services, the event provided a meaningful and playful way for children to celebrate the Good News that Jesus is risen. Over 50 children participated, eagerly searching for colorful eggs filled with sweet surprises. Volunteers from our Confirmation Prep and older Faith Formation classes helped prepare and hide over 800 eggs, offering their time and energy as a form of Easter service. Rooted in the joy of the Resurrection, this tradition reflects our belief that Christ brings new life to the world. As children ran through the garden, laughter and community filled the air—an outward sign of the hope we share in the risen Christ. He is risen indeed. Alleluia!
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Last week, the younger Faith Formation students were introduced to the events of Holy Week, beginning with Jesus' joyful entry into Jerusalem and ending with Easter Sunday. They listened to the story of the Last Supper and then participated in a simple reenactment of the sacred meal. The class shared bread and juice, remembering how Jesus broke bread and gave it to his disciples, saying, “This is my Body,” and “This is my Blood.” During the discussion that followed, the children were invited to wonder about what it might have been like to sit at the table with Jesus and why he gave us this meal to remember him. The older students explored the events of Holy Week through a lesson on The City of Jerusalem and the Paschal Mystery. Gathering around a detailed 3D model of Jerusalem, the students traced the key moments of Jesus’ final days on Earth—His Last Supper, arrest in the Garden of Olives, trial, crucifixion, burial, and the joyful mystery of His resurrection. The lesson emphasized that each step Jesus took in this holy city was an act of deep love. Through this concrete, visual approach, the children encountered the historical reality of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, and reflected on how His love is made visible in these sacred events. The presentation helped deepen their understanding of the Incarnation and Paschal Mystery, while preparing their hearts for the upcoming celebration of Holy Week and Easter. As part of the lesson, the students baked Resurrection Rolls—sweet dough wrapped around a marshmallow that melts away during baking, leaving the inside empty. These treats symbolized the empty tomb and the glory of the risen Christ. At the end of the class, the students gave a brief, thoughtful presentation to the younger students, sharing the delicious rolls and the meaning behind them: “Like the tomb on Easter morning, these are empty inside—because Jesus is risen!” Last Sunday, the younger Faith Formation students reflected on the mystery of life and death in light of the Lenten season and the approaching celebration of Easter. They heard one of Jesus’ shortest but most profound parables from John 12:24: “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” The class then observed how a seed must be buried in the earth to grow into something new by gently uncovering soil in small pots to see sprouted seeds, and then marveled at a full wheat stalk. This helped the children understand that though the seed changes form, it continues in a new and greater way—just like Jesus, who gave His life and rose with a new, eternal life. The session concluded with a hands-on seed planting activity. Each child planted seeds for vegetables which will be transplanted into the raised- bed garden in the spring. As Lent continues, the children are learning to recognize signs of hope and new life, preparing their hearts to celebrate Easter—Jesus’ victory over death and the promise of eternal life. More about this lesson here. The older students went deeper into this reflection through Scripture, tradition, and action.They discussed the meaning of transformation and how Christ’s death brings eternal life. They then began a new outreach project: launching a vertical hydroponic garden at church. This garden will grow fresh produce year-round, which the children will donate or sell to raise funds for those in need—turning their reflection into meaningful service. To conclude, they prepared Koliva, a traditional wheat-based dish used in Orthodox memorial services, and brought it to share with the younger children. Through reflection, tradition, and concrete acts of service, our Level III students are deepening their understanding of the Paschal Mystery and embracing their call to bring life to others. Last week in Faith Formation, the students explored the image Jesus gave us in the parable of The True Vine. We began by recalling our last story about the Good Shepherd, and then listened closely to the words of John 15:1–11. We discovered that Jesus is the Vine, we are the branches, and God is the Vine grower. The students learned that just like sap flows through a vine to help it grow, the Holy Spirit flows in us to help us bear good fruit like kindness, love, and peace. After our discussion, the children helped plant a real grapevine which we will care for throughout the year. It was a special reminder that we are all branches connected to Jesus. For a creative activity, students decorated small grapevine wreaths with flowers and symbols of new life. These wreaths serve as a reminder that we are always part of Jesus’ love. Enjoying the Gift • In what ways do you experience the gift of being part of the Vine? • How have you seen and enjoyed the beautiful fruits of the branches? • What helps you to remain on the Vine and continue to be filled with life-giving sap? • What sort of fruit does this sap help you to bear? • When you examine your branch and see that there are blocks to the fullness of sap that God desires to give, how could you ask for his help in removing those blocks in order to remain even closer to him and bear, once again, the most beautiful fruit? Last Sunday, the younger Faith Formation students continued their Lenten journey by reflecting on how much Jesus loves us and seeks to be close to us. We explored a new parable that helps us understand who Jesus is by listening to Luke 15:4–6 in which Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine sheep to search for the one that is lost. Using the Good Shepherd materials, the children helped set up the sheepfold and acted out the parable. They watched as the shepherd gently searched for the lost sheep, carried it on his shoulders, and celebrated its return. The children responded thoughtfully to wondering questions such as how the sheep might have felt when it was found and what this story tells us about Jesus’ love for each of us. The students also enjoyed making Easter cards to send to people who are in the hospital this Easter season. This hands-on activity allowed them to express the joy and love of the Good Shepherd by reaching out to others who may need comfort and encouragement. The older Faith Formation students explored the Parable of the Leaven by making pretzels from scratch. The class learned about the biology of yeast and its power to change flour and water into rising dough, connecting this process to the hidden but powerful work of God’s Kingdom in our lives. They also learned about the Lenten tradition of pretzel-making, a practice begun by monks as a prayerful, simple food during a time of fasting. As they shaped their pretzels into the form of praying arms, students reflected on how Lent invites us to slow down, pray, and prepare our hearts. Once the pretzels were baked, the kids shared them with the younger children during Children’s Liturgy of the Word. It was a great reminder that God’s Kingdom is something we’re meant to grow and share with others  Last week, the younger Faith Formation students explored The Parable of the Leaven as part of their ongoing lessons about the Kingdom of Heaven. To bring the lesson to life, the children observed a hands-on demonstration, comparing two cups—one with yeast and one without—to see how yeast transforms flour. They then helped mix and knead dough, watching as it began to rise, reinforcing the idea that something small and unseen can create a powerful transformation, just as God works within us. After observing and discussing the effects of yeast, they enjoyed freshly baked bread, noticing its warmth, texture, and smell. The lesson ended with a prayer of gratitude, reminding them that even when we cannot see it, God's work is always present and active in our lives. The older students spent time preparing a demonstration of the History of the Kingdom of God ribbon for the Pandemic Remembrance during the 11 AM service. This was a wonderful opportunity for them to actively participate in this special liturgy while also showcasing some of the meaningful work they have been doing during Faith Formation. Well done, everyone! Last week, the younger Faith Formation students explored Lent by thinking about what it means to "make space" in their hearts and lives. They talked about how clearing out distractions can help them focus on kindness, prayer, and growing closer to God. As an activity, the group painted rocks with words or pictures representing things they wanted more of this Lent, like love, peace, and friendship. Some decided to keep their painted rocks as reminders, while others planned to share them as small acts of kindness to spread joy. They also enjoyed designing buttons that reflected Lent’s important ideas—prayer, preparation, and starting fresh. The class wrapped up by sharing what they hoped to make space for during Lent and closed with a short prayer and quiet reflection, asking God to help them along the way. The older students continued their exploration of the History of the Kingdom of God through the lesson "The Gifts." They gathered in the refectory around the History of the Gifts timeline and explored various tangible examples of God's abundant gifts appreciating the opportunity to see, touch, and examine real objects closely, including rocks, minerals, fossils, plants, flowers, animals, seashells, and photos of planets and stars. Students reflected thoughtfully, sharing which gifts they felt most connected to and discussing what it means to receive the gift of each other and how the gift of Jesus shapes their lives. Being able to engage directly with these physical examples deepened their understanding and appreciation of God's generosity and the interconnectedness of all creation, as they continued their exploration of the Kingdom of God. What a wonderful time we had at the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner! Thank you to everyone who helped prepare this special gathering before we enter the season of Lent. It was a night filled with laughter, community, and festive fun. Kids enjoyed a pancake decorating contest where creativity ran wild with toppings. We also had a great time decorating crowns and masks in the spirit of Mardi Gras. The duck pond game brought smiles and excitement to the little ones, making it a memorable evening for everyone. This event is a wonderful way to bring families together and start a meaningful annual tradition of sharing joy and fellowship before the reflective season of Lent. We look forward to celebrating with you again next year! Learn more about Shrove Tuesday and why we eat pancakes here: Thanks to the generous support of the Episcopal Church Women (ECW), Calvary’s Cooking for a Cause ministry is able to continue providing consistent, high-quality meals to the residents of the East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) Shelter. A $3,000 grant from the ECW is being used to cover the cost of food for one year, removing the burden of fluctuating in-kind donations and allowing our team to focus fully on the heart of this ministry—serving others with love and dignity. This grant is already making a powerful impact. Most recently, Calvary’s Confirmation Class put their faith into action by preparing and serving a meal for the EECM Shelter. The class began by learning about the mission of EECM and then reflected on the call to serve through donations, volunteering, and advocacy. Their experience was a powerful expression of Christian love and a meaningful reminder that ministry nourishes both body and spirit. We are deeply grateful to the ECW for enabling us to continue this essential work. Their support reflects a shared commitment to hands-on ministries that meet the physical and spiritual needs of our neighbors, and we thank them for investing in the mission of Cooking for a Cause. Last week, the younger students continued exploring Jesus' parables about the Kingdom of God, building on the previous week's lesson on the Precious Pearl. We reflected on the Parable of the Mustard Seed, listening to Mark 4:30-32. After examining the type of mustard seeds found in Israel, which are impressively small, we pondered the deeper reality that God’s great strength and power are at work in even the smallest things, bringing forth life and transformation. As an activity, the class explored different types of seeds, examined photos of the plants they grow into, and planted seeds to observe in the coming weeks. We also had fun creating seed-inspired art. The older students discussed the significance of Lent, its traditions, and practices, focusing on Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, and the three pillars of Lent: prayer, giving, and fasting. The class reflected on how they could personally engage with these Lenten practices and created themed buttons as a tangible reminder of their Lenten commitments. To wrap up, they shared insights on what they had learned and how they planned to observe Lent this year. Last week in Faith Formation, the students began exploring the Parables of the Kingdom of Heaven with the first lesson: The Merchant and the Pearl of Great Price. We present these parables to young children because they speak to the deep spiritual truths that children can grasp in a way that is unique to their stage of development. For young children who learn through concrete experiences and rich imagery, these parables plant seeds of faith that will grow as they mature. By presenting these parables before Lent, we prepare to enter into the season with hearts open to the themes of repentance, renewal, and the deep love of God that is central to the season. The students listened to Matthew 13:45-46 and shared their thoughts on what makes the Kingdom of Heaven so precious. We considered the merchant’s joy in giving up everything for the pearl and how we, too, are invited to seek God wholeheartedly. The class also enjoyed hands-on activities, including examining pearl-like beads, creating a pearl-in-shell craft, and making beaded bracelets to remind us of our own search for God’s Kingdom. Last week, the Faith Formation students continued their lesson on What We Do in Church, with a special focus on Holy Communion. The younger classes explored the events of the Last Supper, when Jesus, on the night before he died, shared his final Passover meal with his friends. During this meal, he spoke new words over the bread and wine, saying, "This is my Body; this is my Blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many." Jesus gave his whole self—his Body and Blood—at the Last Supper, instituting the Eucharist as a memorial of his death and Resurrection. The children spent time reflecting on Jesus' words and discussing how we continue to celebrate this memorial every Sunday during church. They then practiced setting the model altar and learned about the preparation of the cruets and lavabo. As a creative activity, each student made a banner depicting symbols of Holy Communion to take home as a reminder of the day's lesson. The older students in the Level III class enjoyed a special lesson on Holy Communion led by Mother Cameron. They discussed the different parts of the service and had the unique opportunity to see the high altar up close. Cameron led a discussion on the meaning of Holy Communion and how, as baptized members, they are invited to fully participate in this sacred sacrament. The class also had a chance to see the aumbry, a small cabinet used for the reservation of the Blessed Sacrament. Cameron also showed them the piscina, a special sink that empties directly into the earth rather than a sewer. The piscina is used for the reverent disposal of consecrated wine from the Eucharist, blessed water from baptisms, and water used in washing sacred vessels. Cameron concluded the session by answering questions and encouraging students to continue deepening their understanding of the liturgy. She emphasized that their participation is not only welcome but a vital part of our community of faith. When is My Child Old Enough to Receive Communion?Any baptized person is welcome to receive Communion in the Episcopal Church—including children and even infants.
When we gather for the Eucharist, we come together as a family to be fed with the spiritual food of Christ. Just as we nourish our children at the family table, we also welcome them to be nourished at God’s table. In the Episcopal Church, as in the ancient Christian tradition, Baptism is the only requirement for receiving Communion. Through Baptism, a person is fully incorporated into the Body of Christ and welcomed to participate in the sacraments. No additional rite or requirement —such as First Communion, Confirmation, or reaching a certain age – is needed. Faith is a lifelong journey, and we continually grow into our Baptismal vows, deepening our understanding of Christ’s real presence in the bread and wine. To support this journey, instruction about the meaning of Communion is woven into the Faith Formation curriculum at various points, helping children engage with this sacred meal in age-appropriate ways. Additionally, the clergy and I are happy to meet one-on-one with families who would like to learn more about Communion with their young children. These conversations offer an opportunity to discuss the nature of the sacrament, what happens during the Eucharist, and why this meal is so special. If you would like to learn more or schedule a time to talk, please contact Vicki Rispoli, Director of Children's Faith Formation, at [email protected] The Level III students have been exploring the History of the Kingdom of God using materials that provide a tactile and visual understanding of its vastness and unity. One of the most exciting presentations is the Fettuccia, (Italian word for ribbon). This 150-yard-long grosgrain ribbon offers a tangible sense of the immensity of time, each rib symbolizing 1,000 years. The class took the long ribbon into the church and unrolled it from the Narthex (very back) all the way to the High Altar. As the ribbon stretched through the Nave, they were able to see and feel the immensity of time—from the beginning of creation to today and into the unknown future. As the students stood before the long, unrolled ribbon they reflected on the vastness of history and the closeness of God’s promise. They left with a deeper sense of purpose, knowing that they are a unique and indispensable part of God’s great plan, a story that will one day be fulfilled when Christ comes again and God’s love fills all creation. The ribbon is marked by these sections:
After experiencing the Fetuccia lesson, the students began work with another material called the Blue Unity Strip, which they will continue exploring in the coming weeks. Both materials help deepen their understanding of Salvation History but with different emphases. The Blue Unity Strip shifts focus to the fulfillment of God’s plan, representing the ultimate unity of all creation at the Parousia. Unlike the Fetuccia’s expansive timeline, this simple blue strip highlights history’s purpose—God’s desire for all to be one in Him. Together, these materials help children grasp both the scope of history and its divine purpose, inviting them to live as active participants in God’s Kingdom today. The Blank PageWhile God is clearly the author of this plan for creation, we see that throughout history he has invited humans to collaborate with him from the beginning of their existence. Adam was given the task of naming the animals (Genesis 2:19), Noah built an ark for himself and all living creatures (Genesis 6:18-19), Abraham followed God’s call (Genesis 12), and Moses spoke for God to the Egyptians as he advocated for their freedom (Exodus 5-12). Mary’s “yes” to all God was asking brought forth the gift of Jesus, whose “yes” opened a new way of living, filled with risen life, to all.
So what about us? Have we also been invited to collaborate with God? Yes, in each and every moment of our own lives. In the Atrium we call every next second, every hour and day between now and Parousia, the blank page. Why is it blank? We can look back and read history. We can hear about the way our ancestors have lived their lives. But tomorrow has not yet been written. God has a plan for tomorrow and part of his plan is to write through us, through our words and actions. What “yes” is he inviting of us? Who is in need of a kind word or gesture? In what way can we help to share his goodness with that person? How does he desire his light to be spread each moment of every day through our choices and actions? How can we collaborate with God in his great plan to bring all of creation to fullness of life? Last week, the younger Faith Formation students explored what we do in church as part of their preparation for the upcoming lesson on Holy Communion. Miss Elsa’s class practiced making the Sign of the Cross, participated in a small procession with a processional cross, and explored a model altar by learning about the chalice, paten, cross, altar cloth, and candles. They also decorated their own Church Journals, which they can bring to church to draw or write about their experiences during worship. Miss Wendy’s students took a deeper look at Episcopal worship and the structure of the Eucharist. They arranged wooden Order of the Liturgy cards in sequence, learning about key parts of the service, from the Gathering to the Dismissal. Like the younger class, they created personalized Church Journals to use during worship, encouraging them to observe and reflect on their experiences. The students in the Confirmation Class helped prepare and serve a meal for the residents of the East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) Shelter as part of their commitment to service. Before serving, they heard about the mission of EECM, which provides food, shelter, and support for individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. Through this experience, the students reflected on ways they can continue serving their local community, including donating food, volunteering their time, and advocating for those in need. Their participation reinforced the call to live out their faith through acts of love and service.  Last week, the younger Faith Formation students learned about the Feast of the Presentation. They listened to the story of Jesus being presented in the Temple and discovered how Simeon and Anna recognized Jesus' light with joy and faithfulness. Using wooden figures, they reenacted the story, moving Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, Simeon, and Anna through the scene. To celebrate Jesus as the Light, the children enjoyed a hands-on candle-making activity, rolling beeswax candles to take home as a reminder of sharing Christ’s light in the world. The older students explored the connection between art, spirituality, and architecture at Calvary. They learned about Ralph Adams Cram’s vision and the three natural laws of church architecture—verticality, permanence, and iconography—and how these elements shape the sacred space of Calvary. During a guided church tour, students observed the towering ceilings, intricate stonework, and stained glass windows, discussing their spiritual significance. They also reflected on the new stained glass project and its role in Calvary’s legacy. To deepen their understanding, students participated in a gold foil embellishment activity, applying gold leaf to a Good Shepherd icon as a reflection on Christ’s divine light and the role of sacred art in faith. For more on the awe-inspiring art and architecture of Calvary, check out the digital guide book here (hard copies available to purchase in Calvary bookstore). Last Sunday, the younger Faith Formation students explored The Holy Bible and the Books that Comprise It, deepening their understanding of the Bible as one sacred book made up of many books, all revealing the history of the Kingdom of God. The lesson began with a discussion about how the Bible is a “love letter” from God, containing His covenant in two great phases: the Old and New Testaments. The children were introduced to the Bible as a collection of various types of writings—history, prophecy, wisdom, and the life of Jesus—through hands-on exploration of a divided Bible cabinet. They sorted and identified miniature model books from the Old and New Testaments, reinforcing that the Gospels are central to the Christian faith as they reveal the life and teachings of Jesus. The session wrapped up with a fun craft, decorating wooden bookmarks with dried flowers to remind us of the beauty of Scripture. It was a wonderful way to help the children feel more connected to the Bible and excited to explore it at home. Last week, the Faith Formation students explored the theme "We Belong" in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The lesson focused on unity, diversity, and how each of us is uniquely created by God for a special purpose. The session began with a prayer of thanksgiving, celebrating the uniqueness of each child and the unity of God's family. The students reflected on 1 Corinthians 12:12-20, discussing how the many parts of the Body of Christ work together in harmony. They also learned about Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and mission, emphasizing his message of love, equality, and belonging. The students engaged with these ideas by reading When God Made You and sharing what makes them unique and how they can show love to others. Finally, the class worked on a collaborative paper quilt project, where each child decorated a square to represent themselves. The completed quilt symbolizes how their individual gifts and differences come together to create a beautiful, unified community, mirroring God's big plan for all of us. Last week, the younger Faith Formation students discussed the Baptism of Jesus by John in the Jordan River and heard how the heavens opened, the Holy Spirit descended like a dove, and God’s voice proclaimed Jesus as His beloved Son. Afterwards, they reflected on how the sacrament of baptism in our church marks us as beloved children of God. They explored the symbols of baptism through hands-on activities, practicing pouring water with a seashell and learning about the oils used in the sacrament. The highlight of the lesson was the trip to the baptistery where Mother Cameron pointed out the beautiful wood carvings and gleaming copper interior and discussed how the story of Jesus’ baptism relates to the sacrament of baptism they had received or may one day receive. The morning concluded with an art activity in which students decorated paper doves symbolizing the Holy Spirit, reminders of the Spirit's presence in baptism and in their lives. The older students worked in the kitchen helping Miss Adele prepare chicken noodle soup and prepare dry soup mixes for the annual Soup Group fundraising event in February. It was a perfect activity for a cold, January morning. Thank you for leading this activity, Miss Adele! Last week, the Faith Formation students celebrated the continuation of the Christmas season and learned about the Visitation of the Magi and the meaning of the Feast of the Epiphany. The lesson began in the classroom with a discussion about how Jesus was revealed as God’s Son to people everywhere, around the world. Using a globe, the children traced the Magi's long journey from the East to Bethlehem and reflected on the significance of the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The children were invited to wonder about what they might bring as gifts to Jesus and why the Magi brought such meaningful offerings. The children also created star-shaped scratch-off art, decorating their stars and writing ways they can follow Jesus in the new year, such as showing kindness or helping others. Their stars will be displayed in the classroom as a reminder of their commitment to follow the light of Christ. The highlight of the lesson was a walk around the church along with an adaptation of the Montessori Silence Game as "The Magi's Journey." Each child was called by name (e.g., Magi Henry, Magi Ayla) using a chime and walked silently from the stained glass window of the Nativity to the westward window featuring Jesus and the Magi. At the westward window, they paused for a brief reflection before sitting in the pews for a moment of silence. This activity nurtured a sense of awe, wonder, and homage toward Jesus, mirroring the Magi's journey and devotion. The emphasis on silence was especially meaningful following the busy holiday season. The stillness provided the children with an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and be present with God. Silence is a powerful tool for children, fostering inner peace, focus, and a deeper connection to their faith. The quiet moment in the sanctuary allowed the children to experience the beauty of stillness, mirroring the reverence and quiet anticipation of the Magi as they followed the star to Jesus. Click here to to learn more about how silence helps children grow. Thank you to everyone who made this year’s Christmas Pageant such a fun and memorable event! Video recording available here. |
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