Grow in Faith

For our youngest members, activity sheets are available in the Narthex, along with crayons, books, and toys. These items can be found in the Pray & Play area as you approach the glass doors of the Narthex, providing a space for children to engage in worship while participating in meaningful activities.

Childcare is available on Sunday mornings in the Dance Room for toddlers and children up to 4 years of age. Drop-off begins at 10:00 a.m. so parents can join the 10:15 a.m. service. One of our delightful associate teachers will provide loving care for our littlest members and visitors on designated Sundays. Please check the Calendar for available Sundays.

Children’s Chapel takes place during the 10:15 a.m. service. It is a joyful, child-focused experience featuring liturgy, song, a story, and prayers. After the Collect and a blessing, children process out of the main service and then return during the Peace to join their families for the remainder of the Eucharist. Children aged 5 and older are invited to participate. Our First Communion class is expected to attend all Children’s Chapels. Children who have completed their First Communion year in previous years are also welcome to join and even serve as Chapel leaders.

St. Thomas offers a Faith Formation Program on Sundays for children in our parish school as well as children who attend other schools. This Program aims to nurture the innate spirituality of children and a Christ-centered Episcopal identity. Through fellowship and worship, our Faith Formation Program builds a sense of a larger community beyond the child’s family and prepares families to celebrate the richness of the Sacraments; Baptism and Eucharist (First Communion).

Youth in grades 9 - 12 are invited to sign up today to join our Youth Leadership Council. We will be meeting on Sundays at St. Thomas Parish for Pizza and Planning. This group focuses on creating volunteer opportunities, working with the community and planning youth groups while enjoying dinner and games together. If you are interested in stepping into a leadership role at St. Thomas, please contact our Associate for Youth and Communities Holly Hirshenson at hhirshenson@stepsmia.org to sign up!

Youth who are in grade 6 - 12 are invited to join St. Thomas Youth Groups for dinner, games, and fellowship beginning in August 2025. Keep a look out for the youth group and volunteer day dates coming soon!

All youth are invited to participate in the Acolyte program. Acolytes receive special training, fellowship, and fun by taking an active and important role in our worship life together. Acolytes are to report to the Sacristy at least 15 minutes before the start of the service.

In the Episcopal Church, Confirmation is the rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop. Christians are often confirmed around age 13 or 14, but there is no upper limit. Our Confirmation Class is a process of preparation and discernment for that commitment: learning more about our faith, our church, and our relationship with God. Participants will learn what it means to be an active member of the church and how to strengthen their connection to God through prayer, service, and actions. Classes will meet twice a month from Advent through Easter, and youth attending this class will be expected to attend church services every week as part of the curriculum. Click here to register for our next Confirmation class, which will begin in the Fall of 2025.