Education
Nursery Cooperative
As soon as children can walk and be away from their parents, they are invited to the Nursery. This group provides parents of young children an opportunity to attend Mass without distraction on some Sundays in return for cooperative caregiving on other Sundays. Parents are required to participate on a rotational basis.
Pre-school Liturgy Cooperative
In this program, parent facilitators offer social time and play along with simple projects to connect our younger children with the themes of the liturgical readings of the day and the church year. Designed for 4 and 5 year olds, any child old enough to leave their parents and/or siblings and who can sit for stories and participate in group projects is welcome. The Pre-school Liturgy Co-operative is held during the entire Mass. Parents are required to participate on a rotational basis.
Liturgy of the Word for Children
Liturgy of the Word for Children is conducted for children in Grades 1 - 6 during the 11:15 Mass. After the opening blessing, children leave Church to listen to the Scripture Readings for the day and to discuss them in their own terms under the guidance of an adult presider from the Community. There are three groups of children, established by school grade. At the end of the homily children rejoin their families at Mass. Parents are asked to provide various types of administrative and operational support. For further information, please contact Kathy Weigel at 718-596-3465.
The Oratory School of Discipleship
The Oratory School of Discipleship was formed to provide the youth of our Community with a context of Catholic tradition and history from which they can explore and deepen their faith. The School is available to students in grades 1 - 8. Sessions for each grade meet once a month. Parents are expected to work with their children on the monthly themes between sessions, and are required to assist the program through various administrative duties on a rotational basis. Since preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation is supported by the School of Discipleship curriculum, candidates for sacraments must be enrolled in the School.
Junior/Senior Youth Group
During their teenage years, our children make the transition to full participation in the Community. Youth groups support fellowship among these young adults. Through weekend retreats, social activities and community service they develop a bond with the Community and a sense of Catholic identity. For further information, please contact Fr. Joel Warden at 718-875-2096.
