Nursery
Nursery is offered to infants and children through age 4, Sundays from 7:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
We strive to provide a safe, warm, and unconditionally loving environment for the children entrusted to our care. We offer stories, activities, and snacks, and when the weather permits, children will enjoy our outdoor play area.
Our nursery is staffed by Safe Church trained and CPR and first aid certified workers who care about the needs of each child. The nursery is located in Holy Cross Academy, next to our main building. A door code is needed to enter the Holy Cross Academy building. Ushers, greeters, and the Director of Ministry to Youth and Families can provide the code.
Christian Formation Classes
Christian Formation Classes for children in Kindergarten through 5th grade are on Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. We use the Storymakers curriculum. Rooted in the stories of the Bible, Storymakers engages children with age-appropriate hands-on crafts and activities. Christian formation classes are held every Sunday from September through May with a few exceptions. Classes meet at Holy Cross in room 104.
Other Children Ministries
Vacation Bible School is held every summer for preschoolers and children through 5th grade. Children explore God’s love through prayer, music, games, crafts, and snacks. Parents are encouraged to participate, and youth in grades 6 through 12 are encouraged to join in as leaders. Dinner is provided.
First Communion Every year, a priest-led class is offered to help children understand and respond to the Eucharist.
Club 3-4-5 is a fellowship ministry for children in 3rd-5th grades. Meeting once a quarter, this group gathers for activities and fun! Fifth graders have the opportunity to attend the Diocesan Bridge event in late spring at Camp Gravatt. After attending the event 5th graders are welcome to attend the regular youth group meetings.
Children's Chapel for those in K-4 through 3rd grade is offered weekly from September through May. Just before the Gospel reading, the Verger will lead the children to the designated chapel area for a parallel liturgy and story during the Gospel reading, Sermon, and prayers portion of the service. Children are brought back into the service during the passing of the peace. The chapel is located in room 106.
Opportunities to Serve
Acolytes: Children (3rd grade and up) and youth are invited to be trained to acolyte at any of our services. Acolytes are boys and girls who assist with church services, with duties including lighting and extinguishing candles, carrying crosses during the processions, and helping our priests prepare the Eucharist. Training takes place as needed throughout the year. For more information, contact the church ParishAdmin@holycrossep.org
Children and Youth Sunday: For one Sunday service in the spring, our children and youth take on all responsibilities of the service, including ushering, reading, playing music, singing, and even preaching. Sign-up sheets will be posted, and practices are required to participate.
Annual Christmas Program: Children put on an annual Christmas program, typically the Sunday before Christmas. Announcements will be made about this activity so that children can choose to participate and in what roles.
