Christian Children’s Formation
Ages 3–5th grade
Emily von Gal
Director of Youth Formation
Christian Children’s Formation creates opportunities for our young people to build community by worshiping in the Anglican tradition and seeking to live the gospel through faith and action.
New classes will begin Sept. 14, 2025.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a children’s formation approach that has been around for many years. It combines elements of Montessori-style learning with engaging, presentations of Biblical stories, figures and ideas (called “works”). The inherent wisdom of the children is honored as they explore these hands-on works with a balance of independence and attentive guidance from their Catechists.
Level I Atrium — Preschool and Kindergarten ages 3–5K
Our youngest participants learn to navigate the Atrium, engage with the works, and build a foundation of knowledge and curiosity about matters of faith. Here children are introduced to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and deepen their relationship with God through liturgical works and scripture specially selected for the young child.
Level II Atrium — 1st–3rd Grade
Level II builds on the foundations of Level I, including new works that address the evolving spiritual and developmental needs of children as they grow. Level II meets in the Atrium of the True Vine, where children continue to explore their relationship with Christ and their role in helping fulfill God's Plan of Salvation. Scripture studies and liturgical works are tailored to the development of the early elementary-age child.
Level III Atrium — 4th–5th Grade
In Level III, participants are given a greater level of independence and a new selection of engaging, age-appropriate works, designed to encourage deeper exploration of scripture, faith and liturgy. Level III children meet in the Atrium of the Kingdom, where children look to the past to make sense of their place in the Plan of God. Scripture and historical studies lead to greater understanding of the liturgy through its history and development, challenging and engaging the mind of the Level III child.
Become a Catechist
To become a fully trained Catechist at all three levels requires a high level of commitment, typically over the course of a few years. Holy Trinity is blessed to have such gifted and dedicated folks leading our children on Sundays. However, it is possible to be a vital part of this ministry without completing the full training, and we could not do it without these volunteers.
Catechists receive 90–100 hours of training per level from trained CGS Formation Leaders. These courses provide a rich background in scripture, liturgy, and theology as well as essential Montessori teaching theory. If you are interested in being a part of this ministry, please contact our Director of Children’s Formation, Emily von Gal.
Children’s Chapel
Sundays — 9 am service
While we welcome children of all ages at our worship services, at the 9 am Sunday service we provide a special opportunity for the children to receive a more tailored message during the sermon. Just before the reading of the Gospel, one of the children carries the cross to lead the others downstairs for Children’s Chapel. When they return, two of the children have the opportunity to bring the bread and wine up to be blessed for communion — an act of offering on behalf of the whole congregation.
Special Events
Wednesday Night Christian Formation
Christmas Pageant
Easter Egg Hunt
Vacation Bible School
The Sheepfold
The Sheepfold is the weekly communication from Children’s Christian Formation at Holy Trinity. These emails contain virtual formation offerings, helpful links and ideas for formation at home, and information about upcoming Christian Formation events. Sign up here to receive the Sheepfold weekly email. Click here to view past issues of The Sheepfold.
