We believe that children and families are important at St. John’s Shaughnessy. We follow Jesus’ example of welcoming and blessing children by including them in our community. We believe that children are a blessing and that the whole community is responsible for nurturing them.
We have a dedicated children’s worship space in one of the side chapels of our sanctuary. Children gather here at the beginning of our Sunday services and worship with the rest of the congregation until the start of our children’s program downstairs. Very young children, toddlers, or babies can enjoy this space with their parents throughout the service. It is stocked with colouring supplies and books.
Godly Play
We are excited about our children’s ministry, which uses the Godly Play curriculum. Godly Play is a Montessori-style approach to spiritual formation. We offer Godly Play for all children who can enjoy the program without needing their parents during the lesson, typically ages 4-12.
The Godly Play approach to spiritual formation fosters children’s sense of God’s presence, introducing them to a life of faith and familiarity with religious language that allows them to worship and express their beliefs. It goes far beyond rote learning facts and memorization. Godly Play challenges the children to explore and wonder. It also provides quiet time in what may be busy lives so that they can practice mindfulness and thoughtful playfulness.
Trained volunteers lead Godly Play during the school year. If you would like to learn more or help with the wonderful ministry of Godly Play, please get in touch with the church office at church@sjs.net