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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.
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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). |
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