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Last week, our younger Faith Formation students focused on gratitude. They shared what they were grateful for, created gratitude leaf scratch-art for a class “Gratitude Tree,” and decorated wooden pumpkin centerpieces to bring home for their Thanksgiving tables. They also made cards for people in the hospital during the holidays as a way to share God’s love. The older Level III students explored gratitude through the lens of Thanksgiving and the Eucharist. They created a “Gratitude Table Covering” by writing and drawing blessings down a long roll of paper, then discussed the Last Supper and how the Eucharist means “thanksgiving”—a holy meal where Jesus feeds us and sends us out to live with grateful, generous hearts. In the refectory, they worked together to make waffles as a fun way to share a meal and reflect on things for which to be thankful.
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Last week in Faith Formation, the students reflected on “The Mystery of the Incarnation: Messianic Prophecies” as a way of preparing their hearts for the coming season of Advent. Together they listened to several Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah—from Isaiah, Micah, and Numbers. The students took turns reading each prophecy card and then shared which words or images stood out to them: the great Light shining in the darkness, the powerful names of Jesus (“Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”), the promise of Emmanuel (“God with us”), the humble town of Bethlehem, and the image of a star and scepter/shepherd’s staff pointing to a shepherd-king who comes for all people. They also reflected on how these prophets appear in our Christmas pageant, reminding the whole church of God’s promises. They also revisited the map of Israel, placing flags on Nazareth, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem to remember that the Incarnation—God becoming human in Jesus—happened in a real place, to a real family, at a real moment in history. This helped connect Advent not just to a “holiday season,” but to God’s long, loving plan to send Jesus into our world and, one day, to complete the Kingdom at the Parousia (Jesus’ coming again). To connect these themes to their own lives, the students created tissue-paper votive jars, layering pieces of color like stained glass and placing a small light inside. These little “Advent lights” reminded them that Jesus is the Light of the world and that we are invited to carry His light and peace to others as we wait for His coming. “Jesus, Emmanuel, Light of the world, make our hearts ready. Help us carry Your peace until You come again. Amen.” Last week, the Level I class celebrated All Saints’ Sunday by learning that saints are friends of God who share Jesus’ love. They heard that in baptism we’re welcomed into God’s family, the family of saints, and learned that we’re called to be saints, too. We discovered that saints can be from long ago and from today, joined a fun “Saint Parade” to the church, and ended the morning with celebratory cupcakes. After Level I learned that we belong to God’s family of saints, Level II deepened the theme with a quiet chapel walk and a brief candle prayer. They paused at the new stained-glass windows, meeting Absalom Jones, the Philadelphia Eleven, and Mister Rogers, as real examples of courage, justice, and everyday kindness.  The Level III class focused on what sainthood looks like today. They heard that saints aren’t perfect heroes but everyday people who let God’s love shine. Using the Beatitudes as Jesus’ “portrait” of saintly living—humble, merciful, courageous—they connected All Saints’ Sunday to prayer and service. The class put faith into action by baking for a NAMI fundraiser, linking their kitchen work to caring for neighbors who live with mental illness, and reflecting on how they can let God’s love show in everyday choices. Last Sunday, the Level I class began preparing for Advent by learning about the places where Jesus lived. They reviewed the liturgical colors and heard that soon we will see purple in church because Advent is coming—a time to get ready for Jesus’ birth. They talked about how Jesus is not make-believe; he was a real person who lived on this earth. The students found Pennsylvania on the globe and then marked Israel, the land where Jesus lived. They looked at a topographical map of Israel and placed flags on Nazareth (where the angel visited Mary), Bethlehem (where Jesus was born), and Jerusalem (where Jesus died and rose again). After learning about these places in the context of Jesus, the children began to ponder the mystery of the Incarnation: that God came to live among us in a specific land, as a real child, whose birth we will celebrate at Christmas. The Level II class enjoyed preparing and packaging dog biscuits for the upcoming Calvary Bazaar. The students measured, counted, and packed the treats as a team and discussed how the biscuits will be sold at the Bazaar to raise money to support various community organizations. By making something with their own hands to serve others, they realized that even small acts of kindness can be a real way to love our neighbors. Thanks, Miss Adele, for leading this exciting activity! During Children’s Liturgy of the Word, Mother Bonnie-Marie guided the children through the Books of the Bible using our wooden Bible cabinet and hands-on materials. Together they learned the first five books of the Old Testament and noticed how Scripture from both the Old and New Testaments—and especially the Gospel—shapes what we hear each Sunday. By exploring where the readings come from and how they fit into the liturgy, children discover that the Bible isn’t just a big book—it’s the living story we pray, hear, and carry into our week. After enjoying calming, practical life activities such as silver polishing and flower arranging, the Level I class explored the theme, “God Gives Us Color”. Working with the wooden liturgical calendar puzzle and miniature chasubles, they learned that the Church’s calendar tells the story of Jesus’ life and explored the significance of each of the liturgical colors. The class also enjoyed color-mixing and leaf rubbing while reflecting on color in creation and throughout the Church year. Miss Wendy’s Level II class focused on The Lord’s Prayer. After hearing Matthew 6:9–13, they learned that this prayer is Jesus’ gift and a pattern for talking with God. Using wooden verse pieces, the children translated the prayer into simple meanings, then placed each line on the rug in order and prayed together. They discussed why memorizing can comfort us in fear, sadness, or gratitude, and noted when we say the prayer together in church. To finish, each child created and laminated a Lord’s Prayer card with traditional words on the front and a child-friendly explanation on the back to keep at home in a special place. In the Lord’s Prayer, we pray for the coming of the Kingdom of God and, directly afterwards, for His will to be done. This longing for the fullness of the Kingdom of God and the desire to work with Him in preparing for the moment when God will be “all in all” involves seeking and knowing His will. As we pray today, let us invite Him to open our hearts to all that He has for us both now and for eternity. (Source: The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Inc. 2022)  Last week, the Level I class explored “What is Prayer?” Students shared what they knew about prayer then practiced many ways to pray: words, silence (hand on heart), a hum, open-hand movement, helping, and art. As a creative activity, each child pressed a sand–salt-dough hand print to remember, “These hands can pray!” The Level II class explored prayer as our response to God, “by thought and by deeds, with or without words” (BCP, p. 856). They learned about types of prayer including adoration, praise, thanksgiving, penitence, oblation, intercession, and petition, with simple examples. The book, Sparrow’s Prayer, prompted a discussion about wordless ways to pray. They practiced gentle breath-and-stretch prayers, and then rotated through two stations: tying a fleece prayer blanket (“our hands are praying; every knot is love”) which will be given to a special member of our community and creating artwork as a prayer of adoration and praise. Last week, Miss Elsa’s class explored “Creation & God’s Goodness—You are part of something wonderful!” They began with calm Practical Life work, practicing grace and courtesy—carrying trays carefully, rolling rugs, and returning materials “ready for the next friend.” At circle time, they listened to Let There Be Light by Desmond Tutu. Children shared what makes them special and named beautiful things God made. For creative time, they decorated small birdhouses with simple decoupage to remember that every part of creation and each child is unique and good. Miss Wendy’s class explored “The Holy Bible” as one precious book made of many books. They read What Is the Bible? by Rachel Held Evans, and wondered how stories, songs, laws, letters, and visions each tell truth in different ways. Using the wooden Bible cabinet material, they saw how the Old and New Testaments are organized—Torah, History, Wisdom, Prophets; Gospels, Acts, Letters, Revelation. Miss Wendy then introduced the Episcopal “three-legged stool,” explaining how Scripture, Tradition, and Reason help us understand with balance. While creating scratch-off bookmarks, students talked about what “true” can mean (facts, promises, wisdom, and love) and how Tradition and Reason guide us through hard passages. They closed in prayer with the take-home message: “God speaks through the Bible. In our church we listen with Scripture, Tradition, and Reason.” The Level III class reflected on the life of St. Francis of Assisi highlighting his radical choice of poverty and service to the poor, his love for animals and nature, and his joyful praise of God’s creation. Outside, students harvested vegetables before pausing at the St. Francis statue in Swan Garden. Back in class, they learned how St. Francis staged the first Nativity at Greccio and linked that tradition to Calvary’s annual pageant considering details that help people feel God’s love. Our Level I children continued the Parable of the Good Shepherd by hearing Psalm 23 in child-friendly language. After a calm practical-life work time, they gathered to remember that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, knows each of us by name, leads us to what we need, and stays with us when we feel afraid. The children also made scented comfort warmers to take home as a reminder: “When I feel worried, Jesus is with me. I am not afraid.” Miss Wendy’s class celebrated Michaelmas, the feast of St. Michael, Calvary’s patron, by learning who St. Michael is and what angels are: God’s messengers who help, protect, and praise God. Students reflected on how St. Michael models courage and justice, and how God helps people choose what is right. They explored the church on a St. Michael scavenger hunt, spotting images in windows, statues, and symbols throughout the sanctuary. Back in the classroom, they created “Shields of Courage,” adding brief prayers and intentions about where they need bravery this week and how they can act justly at school and home. The Level III group observed Michaelmas by reflecting on the themes of courage, inner strength, and justice. After sharing brief examples of when they needed courage, they discussed how St. Michael represents God’s protection and justice and how the dragon symbolizes evil and chaos, reinforcing the takeaway that evil does not prevail and the church is called to faithful courage. They then enjoyed a fun activity, crafting St. Michael chocolate candy cupcake toppers to contribute to the parish picnic. Last week, Miss Elsa’s class focused on Jesus the Good Shepherd. After calming practical life work, the children gathered to hear the Parable and reflect on the Good Shepherd who knows each sheep by name, loves them, and gives his life so they may have “life to the full.” They considered how his sheep recognize, trust, and follow his voice, and that one day there will be one flock and one shepherd. The class then explored the sheepfold material and pondered who the sheep could be. They finished with craft activity, decorating wooden sheep with their names as a reminder that they are personally known and cared for. Miss Wendy’s class explored God’s creation and our place in a vast, good story. The students shared what they know, think, and wonder about the universe. Taking advantage of the beautiful September morning sunshine, they headed to the garden and playground and harvested vegetables from the beds they planted in the spring. This reflection on creation and God’s goodness led into how we practice peace and kindness in our classroom and carry those habits into the wider world. Our Level III class celebrated creation relating Rosh Hashanah, the “birthday of the world”, to our work with the History of the Kingdom of God. We cut apples and ate them with honey while talking about their symbolism (gratitude, renewal, and making the world “sweeter”). We also revisited the History of the Kingdom of God, recalling last year’s ribbon/Blue Unity Strip noting how Jesus unifies the vast history and where we fit in and have a special and unique part to play. What a joy to reconnect with familiar faces and welcome new friends as we kicked off a new year of Faith Formation last Sunday! Our classrooms and atria are buzzing with curiosity, prayer, and creativity as children settle into their routines, exploring Scripture, practicing silence, serving one another, and discovering God’s presence in everyday life. May God bless our children, families, and leaders with wonder, wisdom, and peace—for another year of joyful learning and growth in Christ’s love. Last Sunday, we celebrated the end of the Faith Formation year by taking advantage of the beautiful spring morning outdoors. Before heading outside, we reflected on the lessons we’ve learned over the past year, then made our way to the church to see the Paschal Candle near the altar—a powerful reminder that we are still in the Easter season, continuing to celebrate the risen Christ. It was also the perfect day to plant the seedlings which we started indoors back in March. The students marveled at how those tiny, lifeless seeds had transformed—now full of life, sprouting leaves and roots, and ready to glorify their Creator by bearing much fruit. We look forward to watching the growth of our vegetable plants and sunflowers throughout the summer! Last Sunday, the Faith Formation students took part in a beautiful celebration known as the Liturgy of the Light. If you’ve ever attended the Easter Vigil, you may recall that the service begins with the blessing and lighting of the new Paschal Candle, the singing of the Exsultet, and the lighting of individual candles from the Paschal flame. Celebrating the Liturgy of the Light with children offers them a meaningful and age-appropriate way to enter into the joy of the Resurrection and experience the gift of Christ’s light firsthand. Our celebration began in the dimly lit classroom, reflecting the darkness before Christ’s Resurrection. Mother Cameron helped the children prepare the candle and explained the meaning of each symbol before leading a procession upstairs into the bright, sunlit Refectory. The service included portions of the Exsultet—a beautiful proclamation of Christ's resurrection—and a Gospel reading from Mark, recounting the miraculous discovery of the empty tomb. Each child was then invited to have their own candle lit from the Paschal Candle, symbolizing the personal gift of Christ's light shared with all. With song and prayer, we reflected on the meaning of Easter: Christ’s resurrection and the triumph of God’s Light over darkness. The celebration concluded with students processing back to their classrooms, where they decorated their individual candles and reflected on the joy and peace of Christ’s everlasting presence.  This week, we will hear the parable of the Good Shepherd proclaimed at Sunday liturgy. This Fourth Sunday of the Easter Season is lovingly referred to as “Good Shepherd Sunday”. Because Christ is the fullest manifestation of God, we center on the person of Jesus when speaking with the children about God’s love. We focus especially on Jesus as the Good Shepherd and use two parables, in particular. The Parable of the Good Shepherd, John 10: 3b-5, 10b-11, 14-16 The theme of the shepherd who calls and the sheep who are listening to his voice, introduces the child to the reality of the covenant relationship. The covenant theme is central to the Bible: God in search of us and our response to God’s initiative. The element of the parable that most strikes young children is the fact that the shepherd knows and calls each sheep by name. This reveals in an explicit way that the Good Shepherd has a personal relationship with each of us. The Parable of the Found Sheep, Luke 15: 4-6 The image of the shepherd who searches for his sheep that was lost has a great impact on children. For the little child this parable offers yet another proof of the Good Shepherd’s infinite love. In the parable of the found sheep children find the uniquely personal and intimate relationship for which they hunger most. It is especially when children are in a situation of suffering that they identify with the sheep the Good Shepherd embraces in his arms and rests on his shoulders.  Exploring the Parable of the Good Shepherd at Home You might enjoy spending quiet moments together exploring the parable of the Good Shepherd. Consider reading just a few verses each night as part of your family’s evening prayers.
 Source: The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Inc. (2014, May). Parent pages. CGSUSA. https://www.cgsusa.org/parent-pages/
This past Sunday, our Faith Formation students gathered to celebrate the joyful message of Easter with a special lesson called The Empty Tomb. At the prayer table, the children noticed the white cloth and Alleluia card, reminding us that we’re still in the Easter season. Using the liturgical calendar, we talked about how Easter is more than just one Sunday—it’s a 50-day season of joy called Eastertide! The children were excited to learn that we continue celebrating because Jesus spent 40 days with his friends after rising from the dead, followed by 10 more days before Pentecost. We then listened to the Resurrection account from Matthew 28:1–7. As the scripture was read, we used figures, a model tomb, and candles to bring the scene to life. At the words “He is not here; He has risen,” we lit a second candle to celebrate the light and hope of the Resurrection. The class reflected thoughtfully during our time of wondering, asking questions like “How did the women feel?” and “Why is this such Good News?” They made beautiful connections and remembered other times in scripture where we hear the words “Do not be afraid.” To finish our time together, we made Alleluia butterflies. We talked about how “Alleluia” means “Praise the Lord!” and how butterflies are a powerful symbol of new life. The children decorated their butterflies with bright colors and joyful designs—reminders of the transformation and hope we find in the Resurrection. In addition, our older group designed and assembled pin-back buttons featuring joyful Easter messages and imagery. These buttons were made to share with others as a way of spreading the Good News and reminding us that Easter joy is meant to be shared. 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! 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! |
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