Children's Volunteer FAQ

Both of our children’s Sunday School spaces will be making use of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd  (CGS), a Montessori-based curriculum that places a high value on the spirituality of children. CGS prioritizes hands-on learning, and creativity in children’s formation. CGS equips children to explore bible stories and the liturgy through questions, joy, and wonder.

The space CGS happens is referred to as an atrium. This language of atrium differentiates from a classroom or playroom, making clear that wonder, curiosity, and prayer drive the space in lieu of lesson plans.

In the CGS space, there are catechists and helpers. Catechists are the lead adults in the room. They invite children to the prayer table each session, introduce presentations (training provided), and function as volunteer team lead for that Sunday’s atrium. Helpers are there to come alongside the work of the children and catechist, being available to help explain works, answer questions or wonder together with a child, and simply be available if a need arises.

During the Sunday School hour, 9–9:50 AM, we will have two atriums in the downstairs ed wing:

  • Atrium 1 will be for children developmental ages 3–6;
  • Atrium 2 will be for children developmental ages 7–5th grade. 

The right atrium for a child will be determined by parent/guardians and catechists.

The CGS atrium introduces children to attentive and prayerful work, from practical everyday work to spiritual exercises. Children may come back to the same “work” repeatedly–and that is welcomed! The priority is to help children in continuing a conversation with God in the way that works best for them. This model makes a space for children with different ways of learning and expressing themselves.

To get a sense of the space, check out this video from an Episcopal Church in Ohio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EY7efKESuFI

Or check out this prayer table video from an Episcopal Church in Texas during the pandemic: ​​https://youtu.be/1SbgESUXoxM?si=XvNnV7RLTC1zXZ4e

  • All volunteers with children must receive a background check and go through Safe Church training, both made available by Ascension.
  • Because we want a solid team of volunteers rather than relying on the same folks in the atria every week, we ask that you commit to a minimum of two weeks of service every month with the understanding that this may not always but regularly be possible. Our goal is that we have a vibrant enough team not to need this level of availability all the time, but we need this level of commitment at the start ot make it work.
  • Sunday School runs from September 15 through June 1 with the following Sundays off: 
    • Oct 20 (MEA Weekend)
    • Nov 24 & Dec 1 (Thanksgiving Break)
    • Dec 22 & 29 (Christmas Break)
    • Mar 23 (Spring Break)
    • Apr 20 (Easter)
  • Initial and ongoing training/resources will be provided. You will be supported along the way!

Email Rachel Toombs, Director of Children, Youth, & Intergenerational Ministries: r.toombs@aechurch.org