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Serving at the Altar of God
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Altar Servers & Children of MaryIt is our hope that children will grow in holiness through this program by:
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This program is based in part on the 25 year Eparchial Mission Statement of the Eparchy of Edmonton. It has three “pillars” of the faith which are: “To Know God”; “To Love God”; and “To Serve God”. Each of these three pillars is broken down into smaller topics (see chart) which can easily become the theme of one (or more) session.
Each “class” or “session” is broken down into a “learning” component, and a “doing” component. In the first “learning” component, the leader would teach about the topic, and in the second “doing” component, the children would put what they have learned into practice. In addition to the “Hagios Program” our children will all have an opportunity to socialize and play at each “Altar Server and Children of Mary” event. To encourage the children to keep exploring the many topics, a reward system, similar to the badge system that is used by scouting groups, is used. Stickers called “Seals” are rewarded to the students who successfully complete a section of the program. These seals are given out at three different levels.
Each “class” or “session” is broken down into a “learning” component, and a “doing” component. In the first “learning” component, the leader would teach about the topic, and in the second “doing” component, the children would put what they have learned into practice. In addition to the “Hagios Program” our children will all have an opportunity to socialize and play at each “Altar Server and Children of Mary” event. To encourage the children to keep exploring the many topics, a reward system, similar to the badge system that is used by scouting groups, is used. Stickers called “Seals” are rewarded to the students who successfully complete a section of the program. These seals are given out at three different levels.
BRONZE SEALChildren who simply participate in class would get a BRONZE SEAL depicting the symbol of the topic. (Children who miss the class, or who are participating in this program at home, may earn the seal by doing a simple assignment that would demonstrate a basic understanding of the topic). The goal of this bronze level reward is to introduce the topic and have everyone participate.
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SILVER SEALA SILVER SEAL would be awarded to those students who do extra or exemplary work in that category. Perhaps such work might include writing a report, participating in the Sunday Divine Liturgy, or providing food to a food bank. The goal of this silver level reward is to encourage the children to become hands on with what they have learned.
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GOLD SEALSGOLD SEALS are awarded to those who go to impressive lengths demonstrate leadership and to live out the theme of the topic. Perhaps the youth would organize an event (such as a clothing drive) to help out the entire community, or they lead singing in their parish on a regular basis, or they make a display for the entire parish to learn about a particular topic. The goal of this golden seal is to encourage leadership in the various areas.
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AGE: Children and Youth who have completed their First Solemn Communion.
DESCRIPTION: ALTER SERVERS: Serving at the Altar during Divine Liturgies and other services.
CHILDREN OF MARY: Participating in Divine Liturgy and other services.
Primary program is during “Faith Fridays”, however special classes will be scheduled.
DATES: At all liturgical services.
TIMES: See Faith Fridays.
LOCATION: St. Stephen Protomartyr Church
4903 – 45 Street, SW, Calgary, AB
COST: Free
CONTACT: Parish Office (403) 249-4818
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: See “Faith Fridays”
DESCRIPTION: ALTER SERVERS: Serving at the Altar during Divine Liturgies and other services.
CHILDREN OF MARY: Participating in Divine Liturgy and other services.
Primary program is during “Faith Fridays”, however special classes will be scheduled.
DATES: At all liturgical services.
TIMES: See Faith Fridays.
LOCATION: St. Stephen Protomartyr Church
4903 – 45 Street, SW, Calgary, AB
COST: Free
CONTACT: Parish Office (403) 249-4818
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: See “Faith Fridays”
