This ministry teaches our young preschool children the Gospel message through age-appropriate lessons and stories.
Each weekly gathering focuses on a Gospel theme - such as 'Jesus is Risen' and 'Jesus Tells Us to Love One Another'. Activities such as storytelling, singing, acting and arts 'n crafts make each Story come alive for the children. Recently, the EASTER STORY unfolded using brightly-colored, plastic RESURRECTION EGGS, each of which contained a metal figure which advanced the story … such as a donkey which opened discussion of Christ's entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday … a Chalice which segued into the happenings at the Last Supper … and coins which represented the betrayal of Jesus.
Outreach Programs are planned to complement classwork, as appropriate. This year, the children donated a Flock of Chicks to a needy family through Heifer International which works to end hunger and poverty by supplying families with livestock, thereby providing food and a source of income. The children also packed a Shoebox with personal items for a homeless person.
Children also learn simple Prayers and the Sign of the Cross. At year's end, they are given Rosary Beads along with a Prayer Book on Mary and the Rosary.
"I believe our children leave our class knowing that they have a
FOREVER FRIEND in JESUS. They learn about how He lived
and especially how very much He LOVES them and
IS ALWAYS there for them."
~ Ellen Moretti
Jesus Story Time meets on Sunday morning, 9 - 10:15am in our School, October through April.
The Ministry has a strong Team: Ellen Morretti, Leader; Kathy Keegan, Co-Leader; Helen "Happy" Ashley, the San Roman Family (Adrian, Joyce, Gabby & Grace); Nicole Brindisi; and, Anna Vitale.
However, ADDITIONAL HELP is needed in assisting the Ministry Leaders. Volunteers can select their own schedule (e.g., once monthly, bi-weekly) to assist with
Greeting the children; helping them with their name recognition in finding their name tags; acknowledging and rewarding their attendance with stickers
Reading bible stories and age-appropriate gospel/scripture messages
Assisting in music and exercise activities
Assisting in our prayer time
Helping plan and carry out the current Sunday gospel message activities via arts and crafts, etc.
The main teaching aid is the "Seeds" Religious Education Program - a creative, 4-page booklet.
Serving refreshments and cleaning up.
If you would like more information, or are interested in helping, please contact Ellen Morretti.
Reflections:
We remember Ellie saying, 'Why wouldn't Jesus just save himself?' (from being crucified). This is an example of the opportunities we have to teach the children more about many different topics, such as, in this case, the passion of Jesus. There were many moments like this which were opportunities to enhance their learning about our religion from a very young age. The children are sweet, well-behaved, and willing to learn, because the lessons are easy for them to understand, which keeps them interested." - The San Romans
"I have found so much joy in volunteering for Jesus Story Time. Helping has been such a pleasure. Ellen and Kathy are warm and caring teachers who have a wonderful way of showing their love or Jesus. The children learn so quickly and I am amazed at how much they absorb from the lessons. It is hard to tell who have more fun - "the volunteers or the children - Helen "Happy" Ashley
"Our youngest parishioners … they are OUR HOPE and OUR FUTURE CHURCH. They come to class each Sunday with WIDE eyes and WIDE smiles. They are like sponges and absorb the lessons and stories. One great example is from our youngest member. We were learning about Jesus' miracles. I asked if anyone remembered, from the previous week's lesson, the blind man that Jesus healed and … .this child jumps up and in a loud, proud voice says nonchalantly "Bartimaeus"!!!!! He is 3 ½ years old…remarkable. They are always listening…" - Ellen Morretti
