Sunday School Programs for Children

OLG Sunday School programs are available to ALL children, regardless of religious background or which school they attend.  They include the following:

• “Little Lambs” Babysitting Program (ages 6 mos. – 3 years old):  This program is mostly play-centered and may include story, prayer, song and snack.  It is offered during the 11:00 Mass on Sunday mornings.  Babysitting is located in the lower level of Our Lady of Guadalupe School-in the preschool classroom.  Parents/guardians enter through the school's main doors.
• “Lord’s Lions” (pre-school):  Children learn about God’s love for them so they can “roar with love”.  Classes involve play stations, including art and/or a craft, learning about Bible stories, sharing, prayer, song and snack.  Parents/guardians need to bring their child(ren) to the school at 10:45 AM, before attending the 11:00 Mass. 
• “Good News Bears” (Kindergarten):  Classes involve play stations, including art and/or craft, learning more about Bible stories, sharing and celebrating the Good News of Jesus, prayer, song and snack.  Parents/guardians need to bring their child(ren) to the school at 10:45 AM, before attending the 11:00 Mass. 
• Sacramental Preparation Year One: This is the first year of a two year preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion.  Classes take place on Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:45 AM in the school where children will learn more about the Bible, particularly the stories of Jesus and his disciples.  They will also learn more about the Sacraments and their significance in our Church and in their lives.  Children will also attend the 11:00 Mass with their families where they will participate in the Children’s Liturgy of the Word, deepening their understanding of the Sunday readings in their everyday lives.
• Sacramental Preparation Year Two:This is the second year of the two year preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion.  Children not attending OLG School will participate in our Sunday morning classes from 9:30-10:45 AM.    [OLG School students receive preparation in their classroom].  In addition ALL children will attend the 11:00 Mass with their families where they will participate in the Children’s Liturgy of the Word, deepening their understanding of the Sunday readings in their everyday lives.  Parents/Guardians are also required to participate in our Family Faith Sundays programs which include preparation classes for parents/guardians,  Family Learning Centers prior to each sacramental celebration, and a Saturday Morning of Reflection prior to the celebration of First Communion.  There is a separate Orientation meeting that families are required to attend in the fall which will provide additional information specific to this program.
• Adventurers (3^rd-5^th grades):  Students will have opportunities to reflect on the Sunday Scripture readings and learn more about what they mean, how they relate to the Catholic faith, and how they connect to their everyday lives.  Particular focus will be given to the Catholic Church, introduction to morality, and sacraments.  Classes take place on Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:45 AM in the school.  Third and fourth graders are also invited to participate in the Children’s Liturgy of the Word at the 11:00 Mass, deepening their understanding of the Sunday readings in their everyday lives.
• Visionaries (6^th-8^th grades):Students will have opportunities to reflect on the Sunday Scripture readings and learn more about what they mean, how they relate to the Catholic faith, and how they connect to their everyday lives.  Particular focus will be given to the Bible and the mystery of God.  Classes take place on Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:45 AM in the school.

• CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD  (1^st-4^th grade): To make Sunday Mass a more positive and meaningful experience for children, we provide a “Word” experience that is designed to meet the developmental and spiritual needs of the elementary-aged child.  Children come to the 11:00 am Mass with their family and are dismissed at the beginning of Mass and return at the Offertory.  During the children’s “Word” service, we focus generally focus on one reading—usually the Gospel reading.  This is followed by a child-oriented reflection that often includes an activity to help the Scripture stories have more meaning in their young lives. 

•  FAMILY FAITH SUNDAYS  In addition, there are monthly opportunities to gather as families for a variety of service projects both within the parish community and with the community at large.  Sessions take place generally on the first Sunday of the month (October-June) from 9:30-10:45 am in the Walmesley Center followed by a family Mass at 11:00 am in the church.