Children and Youth: A Place for Everyone
At St. James the Less, children and youth are cherished members of our church family. From birth, each child has a unique relationship with God, and our role is to nurture and celebrate that bond. Their questions often mirror the ones we all carry throughout life, reminding us that faith is a shared journey. Worshiping and learning together strengthens our connection to God and to each other.
Here, everyone has a place at the table—whether that’s worshiping as a family, joining age-based programs during the 10:00 a.m. service, or participating in special events throughout the year.
Here, everyone has a place at the table—whether that’s worshiping as a family, joining age-based programs during the 10:00 a.m. service, or participating in special events throughout the year.
Children in WorshipAt St. James the Less, we welcome children and youth wherever they are at: Some children may want to stay with their parents instead of attending the Nursery or Drop In Sunday School, and we honor that decision! In the Narthex (which is the foyer of the church), we always have books available for kids to peruse, as well as our brightly-colored Activity Bags which include colored pencils/crayons and pages to color.
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Children & SacramentsBaptism
Baptism is a sacred celebration of joining the Christian faith. We walk with families through preparation, offering guidance, community support, and a joyful welcome into parish life. First Communion (Grade 1 and up) This three-session program invites children in Grade 1 and above to explore the meaning of the Eucharist, the structure of the Mass, and how to receive Communion with reverence. The program leads to a spring celebration of First Communion. Confirmation (Grades 7–8) Our two-year Confirmation program begins in September and meets monthly. Combining scripture study, service projects, retreats, and mentorship, the program helps teens deepen their faith and discover how to live it out in daily life. |
Serving in WorshipAcolyte / Crucifer (Grades 4 and up)Children serve by lighting candles, carrying the cross or torches, and assisting at the altar. These roles build confidence, teach responsibility, and deepen understanding of worship.
Lector / Intercessor (Grades 7 and up) Youth may read scripture or lead the Prayers of the People during services, strengthening public speaking skills and scriptural knowledge while actively leading worship. |
Our Programs
Nursery Care (Under 5 years old)Our nursery is open from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. every Sunday. Parents are welcome to use the nursery while they attend worship at 10 am as well as Coffee Hour afterwards. Feel free to bring children back for communion, or relax and enjoy the service while your children experience God in the Nursery. Christy Sherman, our Nursery supervisor, is a professional childcare provider and educator that has been nationally background checked and trained in Keeping God’s People Safe, a child protection program devised for and mandated by the Diocese of Chicago.
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Sunday School (Ages 5–Grade 3)Children ages 5 through Grade 3 are invited to Sunday School during the 10:00 a.m. service. Using a blend of Spark Activate Faith curriculum and custom lessons created by Jane Evans, Director of Family Ministries, Bible stories come alive through fun, hands-on activities. Children return to their families for Communion, carrying with them new lessons, fresh perspectives, and joyful excitement in their faith.
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Middles (Grades 4–6)Middles meets once a month during the 10:00 a.m. Led by parishioner Maureen Burke, the program combines Bible study, hands-on activities, discussion, and games to help children connect faith with daily life. Middles begins at the start of the service and children return in time for Communion.
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Special Events for Children and Youth
Alongside our weekly programs, St. James the Less hosts seasonal events that invite children, youth, and families to grow in faith, build friendships, and share joy together. From festive celebrations and creative activities to opportunities for leadership and service, these gatherings create traditions and memories that shape our parish life year after year.
September 7 – Let’s Fiesta Program Kick-off & Backpack Blessing
Celebrate the start of our program year! At the 10:00 a.m. service, students and educators of all ages are invited to bring backpacks for a blessing. After worship, enjoy a taco bar, kids’ activities, and time to reconnect with friends.
October 26 – Soul Mass Costume Parade
During the 10:00 a.m. service, children and youth are invited to wear Halloween costumes for a joyful parade, followed by a fun scavenger hunt.
November 30 – Advent Wreath Activity
After the 10:00 a.m. service, families can create their own Advent wreaths to take home. Materials and guidance are provided to help you prepare for the season of waiting.
December 21 – Advent Cookie Decorating
Stay after the 10:00 a.m. service to decorate Christmas cookies with friends. Cookies, frosting, and toppings are provided—bring your creativity and enjoy the fellowship.
December 24 – Christmas Pageant
On Christmas Eve, children and youth of all ages bring the Nativity story to life through acting, narration, and music. Costumes and direction are provided, with music led by Josh Langhoff. This beloved tradition is both sacred and joyful.
January 4 – Epiphany Party
Celebrate the end of the 12 Days of Christmas at the Rectory. Bring your wreath, tree clippings, or greens for the Epiphany “Feast of Lights” bonfire. Enjoy a kid-friendly dinner, Three Kings Cake, and a Magi treasure hunt.
February 17 – Mardi Gras Pancake Supper
Youth volunteers help prepare our annual pancake supper by flipping pancakes and leading kids’ activities. Supper begins at 5:00 p.m., followed at 6:15 p.m. by burying the Alleluias and burning palms in the Krogman Courtyard. Optional ashes are offered at the end.
April 3 – Children’s Stations of the Cross (9:00–11:00 a.m.)
On Good Friday, children ages 4+ are invited to an interactive, age-appropriate Stations of the Cross in the Parish Hall, led by Mother Megan and Jane Evans. The morning begins with pretzel-making, then moves through the Stations, ending with warm pretzels shared together.
April 5 – Easter Egg Hunt
After the 10:00 a.m. Easter service, children are invited to a festive egg hunt on the church grounds. Bring a basket and join in celebrating new life together.
May 10 – Youth Sunday & Mother’s Day Flower Activity
Children and youth lead the entire 10:00 a.m. service—reading scripture, leading prayers, greeting, ushering, and sharing music. During Sunday School, kids create flower bouquets to honor mothers and caregivers. Youth Sunday is a joyful celebration of leadership and faith.
September 7 – Let’s Fiesta Program Kick-off & Backpack Blessing
Celebrate the start of our program year! At the 10:00 a.m. service, students and educators of all ages are invited to bring backpacks for a blessing. After worship, enjoy a taco bar, kids’ activities, and time to reconnect with friends.
October 26 – Soul Mass Costume Parade
During the 10:00 a.m. service, children and youth are invited to wear Halloween costumes for a joyful parade, followed by a fun scavenger hunt.
November 30 – Advent Wreath Activity
After the 10:00 a.m. service, families can create their own Advent wreaths to take home. Materials and guidance are provided to help you prepare for the season of waiting.
December 21 – Advent Cookie Decorating
Stay after the 10:00 a.m. service to decorate Christmas cookies with friends. Cookies, frosting, and toppings are provided—bring your creativity and enjoy the fellowship.
December 24 – Christmas Pageant
On Christmas Eve, children and youth of all ages bring the Nativity story to life through acting, narration, and music. Costumes and direction are provided, with music led by Josh Langhoff. This beloved tradition is both sacred and joyful.
January 4 – Epiphany Party
Celebrate the end of the 12 Days of Christmas at the Rectory. Bring your wreath, tree clippings, or greens for the Epiphany “Feast of Lights” bonfire. Enjoy a kid-friendly dinner, Three Kings Cake, and a Magi treasure hunt.
February 17 – Mardi Gras Pancake Supper
Youth volunteers help prepare our annual pancake supper by flipping pancakes and leading kids’ activities. Supper begins at 5:00 p.m., followed at 6:15 p.m. by burying the Alleluias and burning palms in the Krogman Courtyard. Optional ashes are offered at the end.
April 3 – Children’s Stations of the Cross (9:00–11:00 a.m.)
On Good Friday, children ages 4+ are invited to an interactive, age-appropriate Stations of the Cross in the Parish Hall, led by Mother Megan and Jane Evans. The morning begins with pretzel-making, then moves through the Stations, ending with warm pretzels shared together.
April 5 – Easter Egg Hunt
After the 10:00 a.m. Easter service, children are invited to a festive egg hunt on the church grounds. Bring a basket and join in celebrating new life together.
May 10 – Youth Sunday & Mother’s Day Flower Activity
Children and youth lead the entire 10:00 a.m. service—reading scripture, leading prayers, greeting, ushering, and sharing music. During Sunday School, kids create flower bouquets to honor mothers and caregivers. Youth Sunday is a joyful celebration of leadership and faith.
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If you’d like to learn more about our programming for children and youth, please contact Jane Evans, Director of Parish Life, Family Ministries, and Operations, at jane @stjamestheless.org
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