Special Program Offerings
At certain times during the year, we offer special programs meant to enrich community connections, support families in their faith-at-home practices, and provide insight about children’s spirituality.
Faithful Families
Our Faithful Families program invites all members of the parish to participate in seasonal programs that emphasize the development of a “treasure box” of faith practices. Together, we explore prayer practices, gather the materials for creating worshipful spaces at home, and help parents and caregivers to better understand how to build rituals and talk about faith at home. What happens at home is the number one determinant of adult faith – but it’s okay to need help finding the right place to begin.
Feast of St. Francis Blessing of the Pets
While we may not see them in worship, pets (and animals of all sorts) are an important part of our families and community. That’s why, each year, on the Sunday closest to the Feast of St. Francis (October 4th), we invite community members to bring their pets of all sorts – furry, feathered, scaly – for a brief outdoor liturgy and blessing.
In honor of St. Francis’s care for all creatures great and small, we also mark this day through acts of service, such as pet food drives, supporting local rescues and pets in need.
Advent Tree Lighting
Our annual Advent Tree Lighting takes place on the evening of the First Sunday in Advent and is a treasured gathering here at Christ Church and in the wider community. Using a few songs and a brief liturgy, we gather around the large tree in front of the office doors and turn on the lights as the sun goes down.
Following the Advent Tree Lighting, the community returns inside for hot chocolate, Advent Wreath Making, and other activities. This event helps us prepare for the coming of the infant who would be King – but not like any kind of King we’d ever seen before.
The Sacred Order of Acoltyes
Young people in 4th grade and up are invited to participate in the Sacred Order
of Acolytes, a program that not only trains acolytes, but supports their faithful leadership by helping them mark and visualize milestones in their emerging ministry. Acolytes participate in training, support each other, help lead the community in worship, and grow in faith and fellowship through this program. (Plus there are badges!)
Acolytes may also participate in Diocesan or Provincial gatherings with other young people to further explore this ministry – so don’t be surprised when they start lobbying for the return of incense!
