Our children range from infants to teens. Most of them are in grade school. But, they have always been together as a group -- young and older alike. They have learned by natural exposure to be caring about each other.

We run wonderful training and ongoing discussion groups for parents and leaders of the children's programs. The families of St. Anne's are a nurturing and caring community who have fun learning and being together. We have vibrant, committed leaders.

Godly Play:

This powerful program integrates the Bible stories, uniquely "told" by showing, with experiential learning. Children learn the stories by identifying with the thoughts and feelings that accompany them, always responding to the teacher's question: "I wonder what that was like?" It is about imagination in action, and is a way for the adult helpers and child participants to come to know God. The way the program is structured gives children a sense of liturgy. Our children love this program, which begins at 9:15.

Our older grade-schoolers start Sunday with Godly Play as "buddies" with the younger ones. Then they go off to a separate space to explore the Sunday readings and experientially relate to them by telling their own personal stories, creating craft projects, and writing plays.

Intergenerational Faithful Families:

Open to all, even if you have no children. This event is particularly good for a parent who does not normally attend church with the rest of the family--you will be warmly welcomed. Our families try to have a once a month potluck "dinner party" for families of all ages. Each month has a theme and there are simple family projects, a talent show, and song and ritual that can be taken from this event into the home and used in various ways all month. It is a way for families to be together as a family, and with other families, doing fun, yet meaningful activities tied into the church year. Some examples of events: All Saints Day/Halloween Party, Sleep-over/Lock-in where we made large puppets for the Gospel reading for Palm Sunday, and Valentine's Day Heart Bank Evening.

Pre-Teen and Teen:

We meet one time per month for discussions on values. This group of young people walks the labyrinth together, has sleep-overs in the church, attends a "cosmic Mass" and engages in a variety of other activities.

Acolyte Program:

Children in the fifth grade and up may participate in our acolyte program on Sunday mornings. One to two times a month, they will leave the 9:15 program in time to come to church to worship for the full service and acolyte.

Sacred Music Program for Children:

Several times a year our gifted music director, Giancarlo Aquilanti, prepares the children to sing either alone or with the adult choir during church time. The children also prepare and sing with the adult choir for a concert in June. Giancarlo often writes the music for the children!