Christian Formation for Children and Youth
On Sunday mornings early childhood professionals, with whom you can entrust your precious infants and toddlers, staff our nursery. Nursery care for children under 3 is available from 9:15 a.m. through the conclusion of the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Our nursery is located in the church building.
Next to the nursery room is our “sky box,” a soundproof, glassed-in area where you can stay with your youngsters and still hear and see the Mass. Also, there is a “soft space” on the chapel side of the church with rugs and quiet toys that is just the place for younger children. Just ask an usher to direct you to any of these options.
St. Stephen’s Youth Activities and Events
We have an active group of Nursery Families who gather quarterly for social events.
Sunday School and Youth Group meet at 10:15 a.m. each Sunday. At 11:00 a.m. the children in Sunday School are escorted back to church to receive Holy Communion with their families.
Each December the children and youth of St. Stephen’s participate in the annual Christmas pageant presented on Christmas Eve.
Children in third grade or older are invited to join the Acolyte Corps and serve as torchbearers, thurifers, boat bearers, and crucifers at the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Training is provided.
Family outings and social events such as trips to the Everglades National Park or the Frost Science Museum in Miami are scheduled monthly. Children in fourth through eighth grades are invited to take part in the social and service projects of the Intermediate-Middle School Youth Group.