Sunday School runs each week concurrently with the 10:30 Mass.  Children gather in the church for the start of the service with their parents and caregivers.  Following the Collect of the Day, the children and teachers process from the church to the parish hall.

Our Sunday School programs follow Montessori principles.  There are currently 3 separate Sunday School classes as well as, for younger children, a nursery near the entrance of the church, where you will find books, toys, and a nursing chair.

The Sunday School classes are as follows:

1. Little Lambs Nursery

The nursery is located near the entrance to the church, a few steps away from the congregation, where you will find books and toys and a nursing chair.

Above: Godly Play by Jasmin, designed for children aged 5 to 9.

2. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

A 'Montessori' inspired programme, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is for children aged 2-5 years. This Ministry provides the following:
•    An opportunity for children to fall in love with Jesus, the Good Shepherd, in a child-friendly space called an atrium – located in the church hall.
•    Guided play to aid meditation on Bible scripture and the mysteries of the Christian faith facilitated by trained adults (catechists).
•    That each child's unique spiritual needs and abilities are respected and nurtured.

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is recognized as a ministry offering religious formation for children by the Anglican and Catholic Churches of Canada.  For more information, please click here.

3. Godly Play

St. Barnabas offers Godly Play for children 5-9 years of age.  Another Montessori-inspired program, Godly Play teaches children the art of using Christian language - parable, sacred story, silence and liturgical action - helping them become more fully aware of the mystery of God’s presence in their lives.  Godly Play connects the stories of the Bible, the stories of God’s people, with the child’s own experience and relationship with God. Godly Play encourages curiosity and imagination in experiencing the mystery and joy of God.
St. Barnabas is pleased to offer a fully equipped Godly Play room upstairs in the hall.  For more information on Godly Play, please view the above video or contact Jasmin at familylife@stbarnabaschurch.ca

 4. 'Suns of Encouragement'

For 10-13 year-olds, The 'Suns of Encouragement' (the name is a play on the name ‘St. Barnabas,’ which literally means 'Son of Encouragement').  This group works on creative engagement with the scriptures and traditions of the church.  Past projects include illustrating and ‘illuminating’ their own self-made Bibles, and working on scripts and acting in videos of the stories of the Bible. 

5. Confirmation Preparation

For teens preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation, or those testing the waters, we run a breakfast-and-Confirmation preparation class in the lead-up to Lent on Sunday mornings before the start of the 10:30 Mass.

Don’t forget Sundae Sunday!

The Sunday School year kicks off in September with Sundae Sunday.  Registration takes place at this time – and there is ice cream and chocolate sauce in abundance!

 

Sundae Sunday.