First through Fifth Grade

We realize you, as parents, you are the first and foremost teachers of our faith.

Various faith formation, and ministry opportunities are offered throughout the year to support you in laying the foundation as your child(ren) prepare for a lifelong faith journey. We value the youth of our Church.

Weekly faith formation sessions

• Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori faith formation program. It is offered Wednesday evenings from 6-7:30 pm for youth ages 3-12 years old. 
• Kingdom Kids is our traditional faith formation program. It is offered Monday evenings at 4:45 and 6:30 pm for youth in grades 1-5.
• We offer different options for preparing your child to receive the sacraments. More information is located on the reconciliation or Eucharist page.
 

Mass tote bags

We realize that children under the age of First Communion occasionally need activities to keep them occupied during Mass. There are bags by each door for your use. Please return the bags when finished.

Children's Liturgy of the Word

Children three years-old through First Communion age leave Mass with a catechist after the Opening Prayer and explore the message further at their own level. with a They return after the homily. There is no fee or registration required. Offered on Saturdays during the 5:15 Mass throughout the year and also at the 9 am and 10:45 am Masses during the summer. We use the Children's Liturgy of the Word curriculum from Pflaum Publishing.

Elementary Youth Ministry activities

• Service - Various service opportunities arise throughout the year. Typically we collect supplies for Birthright in Advent and money for the Catholic Charities rice bowl campaign in Lent.
• Stations of the Cross -  During Lent we host one of the Stations of the Cross 
• Family Bingo Nights - All parishioners are welcome to join us for bingo, typically held on the fourth Saturday of the month during the school year (after the Knights of Columbus spaghetti dinner.) Admission is a $1 prize for the table. 
• Nativity Program - On Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011 at 6:30 pm the elementary children will present a the story of the birth of Jesus in the church. Each grade level has a specific role to play. First graders are star bearers, second and third graders are angels or shepherds, and fourth and fifth graders are wise men and women. Fourth and fifth graders also have the option of putting their name in a drawing to be a narrator, Mary, Joseph, an innkeeper, or the Angel Gabriel.  This simple program, with no lines to memorize and minimal rehearsals, helps us to reflect on the coming of our Savior at an incredibly busy time of the year. We also need pianists of every ability level, from beginner to expert.  To participate, please fill out the registration form which also has dates of  practice. For more information on the program, please see the music list, costume ideas, reflective readings,  and the script. 
• Wooden Nativity Sets - Every year a parishioner generously donates her time, talent, and treasure so each of our elementary youth may have a wooden Nativity set to paint. New pieces are added every year.
  • First grade - shepherd and sheep
  • second grade - Mary, Joseph, Jesus, and the manger
  • third grade - donkey and camel
  • fourth grade - star and angel
  • fifth grade - kings

Painting takes place during our weekly Kingdom Kids faith formation session, but all elementary parish youth are invited. Contact Joyce Lehman to reserve your pieces.

Kingdom Kids Choir

This music ministry is for youth in grades 1-6. We practice on Monday evenings from 5:45 pm-6:30 pm, between the Kingdom Kids sessions. We sing at various liturgies throughout the year. Contact Joe Kelley for more information. 

Summer Camps

• "Come Follow Me" is a camp for youth in grades K-5 (2011-2012 school year) It is always held the last full week in June. This year's dates are June 20-24, 2011. Camp is from 8:30 am to noon and includes daily Mass, songs, games, Scripture, snack, prayer, and crafts. To join us, complete the camp registration form and bring or mail it to the church office. Many volunteers are also needed to make our camp a success. We welcome those grade 6 (2011-2012 school year) and older. Adult help is most needed. 

Click here for the family letter about camp.

• Preschool

Our Children's Ministry Team is composed of parent volunteers who serve and advise the children's ministry staff.

For more information about our team, please see the abbreviated history. To join, contact any member or complete the Candidate questionnaire.

Mission Statement:
In light of the Pax Christi Catholic Church Mission and Vision Statements, namely, “A Eucharistic Community united to continue the mission and message of Jesus”, we, the Children’s Advisory Board of Pax Christi, adopt this to be our Mission statement along with
“promoting and translating the Catholic education and spiritual needs of pre-school through elementary aged children while removing barriers to participation."

Vision Statement of Children’s Ministry:
Getting to know Jesus personally through prayer, community, service, and growing in our Catholic Faith.

Staff supporting this ministry of Pax Christi include: