Children & Youth
We are an intergenerational, inclusive community that loves God and serves others. Come join us!
Christian Formation classes for all ages start at 8:45 am on September 18th!
Read on for more information about specific class offerings and our community of faith.
Children & Youth Christian Formation November 2023
Now Open: Camp Allen 2024 Summer Camp Registration
Children's Resource Bags Available during Worship
All Saints' is an inclusive community that encourages the exploration of faith. We welcome you and your children in our worship services, programs and activities designed to help us live into the Biblical teachings of Jesus. Whether you are new to Austin or new to church, there is a place for you at All Saints’, and we look forward to getting to know you and your children.
In the Episcopal Church, the cornerstones of our faith and sources of authority are scripture, tradition, and reason. Our Christian formation programs for children, youth, and adults encourage spiritual growth so individuals and the church community become more like Christ. At All Saints’ a variety of creative, safe, and loving programs help children from birth through grade 12 become Bible-literate, but not Bible-literal, and come to know a loving, liberating, and life-giving God.
We’re glad you’re here! We
consider it a sacred privilege to minister to you and your children. For
more information, contact the Reverend Kendrah McDonald, the Associate
Rector for Children, Youth, and Families at 512-476-3603 or
[email protected]. We’re here for you!
Sundays in Gregg House
Nursery through Age 4 8:45am – 12:00pm
A safe and nurturing environment is provided for children birth through age 4 during Christian Formation for Children and Adults and during the Worship Service. Please provide labeled bags with diapers, bottles, and any other items your child may need.
Sunday Christian Formation 8:45 am – 9:45 am
Godly Play for PreK – Grade 2
Children study and explore Biblical stories and concepts using storytelling, wondering, and objects.
Production Company for Grades 3 – 5
Children explore their faith and Bible stories through performance and art centered around a spiritual theme. They plan and host a “Bible Theme Park,” write and produce two short Biblical films and perform a “Bible Time Machine” play to recap their learnings.
Junior High Grades 6 – 8
Youth move from concrete thought to abstract thought at these ages. They will engage the Bible stories, characters, and themes through questioning, discussion, and exploration to discover how their stories relate to God's story in order to grow in knowledge, love, and faith.
High School Grades 9 – 12
Youth think more critically about the world around them and what life is about at these ages. They will engage the Bible stories, characters, and themes with an analytic eye to explore what the Bible and authorities say or have said to answer their deep and growing questions. The goal is to make their faith their own and to ideally grow in understanding, love of God and others, and in faith.
EYC (Episcopal Youth Community) Grades 6 – 12
Youth gather on the first and third Sundays from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm for fellowship, activities, games, devotions, and community service. If you are able and remember, bring $5 for lunch and know that friends are always welcome!
Acolytes
Youth ages 9 – 18 share their time and talent by assisting the clergy in worship by processing with the Cross, Torches, and Gospel Book, (and at special occasions the thurible), serving at the Altar, and growing in leadership and knowledge of the Episcopal Liturgy & tradition.
EYC - Episcopal Youth Community
EYC is a special fellowship group for those in the 6th through 12th Grades. EYC meets twice monthly for fellowship, fun, and growth in Jesus’ spirit. Youth eat, laugh, take awesome mission and field trips together, and help around the church. The goal is simple: have as much fun as possible and be excellent to one another! On a typical EYC outing, bring $5 for lunch, and know that friends are always welcome.
EYC is a core part of our youth program. We believe that youth groups can be one of the most important groups a young person belongs to. For six years we travel together through the challenges of middle school and high school. We create a safe space to talk about our lives, enjoy spending time together, consider spiritual matters, or live out our baptismal covenant. Our youth community is a place for a young person to grow into themselves in Christian community. Some of our events are devotional; some are just for fun; but all are in the company of others on the Christian path.
Acolytes
Acolyting presents a visible and tangible way that the youth serve the parish as well as a way that they participate in stewardship by offering their time and talent. The acolyte program at All Saint’s is philosophically part of our youth ministry. Acolytes rotate among four acolyte roles at Sunday services. Acolytes have an opportunity to serve as Crucifer/Altar Server, Gospel Server, Gospel Torch, and Epistle Torch. With this approach, we seek to instill in the youth that all roles at the altar are important and that serving your parish when it needs you represents true service.
We do just-in-time on-the-job training. New acolytes review and rehearse their roles 20-30 minutes before their Sunday morning service, focusing on what to do and how to serve with the appropriate decorum and posture.
Our acolytes work together to fundraise and take an annual trip to the National Acolyte Festival. We take advantage of our location by offering the church parking lot for the UT home football games asking for freewill donations.
We welcome all parishioners to become involved with the Acolyte ministry, especially youth of acolyting age (9+ years old) and their parents. We are ready to help you serve in this ministry.
Policies and Safety
Policies – All volunteers working with children and youth are certified in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas Safeguarding God’s Children Training and comply with Policies for the Protection of Children and Youth.
Covid-19 Safety – All Saints’ is committed to health and safety for all. We are following the latest public health, CDC and diocesan guidance for sanitation and gathering safely, and are adjusting as needed to fit changing conditions. We ask everyone’s flexibility as we navigate this time of change.