The mission of the Children’s Abbey is to teach the children ages three to twelve the Judeo-Christian tradition through religious ritual, story telling the medieval arts and exploration of the sacred spaces of the Cathedral.
Children's Abbey Resumes this Fall:
Welcome back to Children's Abbey! We hope that all of you have had a healthy, happy Summer. Our first day/registration for the 2005-2006 school year will be this fall. Please email us for opening dates. We will meet in our usual place (the ACT room behind the Medieval Arts Workshop in the Undercroft) at our usual time (10:45am.) ALL children must register, even if they attended last year. New Abbey volunteers are very welcome, too. If you have any questions (about registering a child or volunteering as an Abbey assistant) call 212-316-7483 or email at childrensabbey@stsaviour.dioceseny.org
Children's Abbey is not merely a "Sunday School" but a full-fledged Christian community for children (age 3-12) and their families. The program provides a traditional Christian education, with an emphasis on the Jewish roots of Christianity as well as respect for all faith traditions. Many children are from interfaith and non-traditional. families. Our teaching staff, have committed to maintaining a safe space in which all may feel thoroughly welcome! Volunteers are needed and welcomed.
Each Sunday begins with a Worship Service and the
ringing of the Abbey Bell, allowing the children to enter into a
sacred space. There is hymn-singing, a candle-lighting ritual and prayers
(formal and spontaneous!) After prayers, a Bible story is read, followed by a
creative response utilizing the visual arts, writing, music, dance, drama or a
service project. Free play, conversation and fellowship over the snack table
foster the friendships that make Children's Abbey a genuine community and not
merely a "class."
Children join the adult congregation for Communion and are free to sit with
their parents or remain in the special, reserved Children's Abbey seats with
their teachers.
Abbey
History The Children's Abbey innovative program was the collaborative effort
of then Vicar, Canon Susan Harriss, Cathedral School instructors and
curriculum writers of the program, Karen Prager and Todd Johnson, Gina Bria
Vescovi, Abbey Director and the Education committee of the Congregation of Saint
Saviour. The program had its debut in September of 1997. It is a unique
adventure in children's Christian education with an emphasize on building a
community of children who would be well prepared to enter fully into their
Christian life. The aim was to create a sacred space utilizing the unique
elements of the wonderful Gothic environment of the Cathedral.
We look forward to seeing you!!
The Children's Abbey is a program of the Congregation of Saint Saviour and under the direct guidance of the Cathedral Pastor, Rev. Storm Swain and the Education Committee
Any additional questions regarding the program can be directed to The Reverend Canon Storm Swain swain@stjohndivine.org or Committee Chairs, at 212-316-7483, E-mail address; education@stsaviour.dioceseny.org.
Volunteers are welcome and needed.