St. Andrew Catholic Community

Children's Ministry

Children's Liturgy of the Word

Children's Liturgy of the Word is offered for children ages five through twelve at all of our weekend Masses, except the Life Teen Mass. Children hear the readings proclaimed in simpler language and are able to talk about the meaning of the readings in their lives. This is a program of "liturgical catechesis." The readings of the day are the content. No registration is required. Children are dismissed directly from the Mass.

Nursery

We offer nursery service for toddlers during the Sunday morning Masses at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. This service is provided by high school students. Parents are able to take a pager so they can be contacted if needed. There is no charge for this service.

Our preschool program is for three, four and very young five year olds. Preschool is offered in the Outback, the building behind the Church during the 10:30 a.m. Mass every Sunday September through July. The only exceptions are Christmas and Easter. The preschool curriculum is based on the Church liturgical year so the children hear the same Scripture stories each Sunday as our adult assembly. In addition, they learn prayers, sing and create works of art, play / work in our parish garden. Please come to the Outback any Sunday 10:15 a.m. to meet the teachers, Bev Tulip and Rayanna Miller; both have completed Archdiocesan Certification and have extensive experience working with young children.

Elementary Faith Formation Classes, Kindergarten through Fifth Grade

Elementary age children, kindergarten through fifth grade meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.  We are using the religious education series called "Blest Are We." Our elementary program is full of excellent content taught by truly inspirational volunteer catechists. The building is full of life and love. Please come and see us any Wednesday evening! Registration is required for this program as our building space is limited. Please call Susan Atkinson, at the Parish Office if you are new to the Parish.

First Eucharist and Reconciliation

Preparation for these sacraments takes place as a complimentary program for children in the second grade. Sacramental preparation for children and parents is required for each of the Sacraments. Our Reconciliation preparation takes place in January and our Eucharist preparation takes place in April. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated on a Thursday evening in a service especially designed to be "child friendly." It is followed by an ice cream social. First Communion is celebrated the last Thursday evening is April. If your child is enrolled in our Faith Formation program you will Professional pictures will be taken, followed by a potluck supper. If your child is enrolled in our Faith Formation program, you will automatically receive information about preparing for these sacraments. We require that all children preparing for First Sacraments be enrolled in one of our Faith Formation programs or be enrolled in a Catholic School.

Children's Choir

Children's Choir is open to all children who love to sing. The choir meets in the church from 5:30 p.m. - 6:20 p.m. on Wednesday evenings immediately preceding Faith Formation classes. All children who attend choir on a regular basis will receive a schedule of rehearsals and times when they will be singing for one of our weekend Masses. The choir sings at weekend Masses on a rotating schedule and at special celebrations including Christmas, Easter Season, Family Masses, and other St. Andrew's parish celebrations. Children's choir is "fun" Formation. Although all children are welcome, rehearsals are necessary to sing with the choir in church.

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School is usually offered the first week of August. We seek to purchase the most fun bible adventure program available. Vacation Bible School is fast-paced, spirit-filled, and great fun. Vacation Bible School is a wonderful family week here at St. Andrew. We have a nursery, a preschool, a k-5 program, junior high and senior high, adults, parent helpers and grandparents. It is a fabulous way to get to know people. If you are new to the parish get involved! VBS is limited to 150 children and fills up fast. Registration forms will be available in June.

Please send comments to: St. Andrew Parish Sumner, Washington