Children and Youth

Christmas Pageant

Rehearsals are Sunday, December 3, 10, and 17 during Sunday School time (approximately 10:15 to 11:05 AM) and Thursday, December 21, 5:30-7:30 PM (with pizza dinner!)  The Christmas Pageant will be during the 5 PM Christmas Eve service (arrive by 4 PM that evening).

About Our Program

St. Mary's has an active children and youth program. Key to our programs is the understanding that a healthy faith life contributes to happy, healthy, whole people. Our programs are designed to build healthy faith in our young people. Spiritual health is a key component of overall health. In these times of increased anxiety and mental health struggles, the spiritual foundation and engagement found at St. Mary’s is a tool and connecting point that offers community, stability, and direction.

In keeping with our Episcopal faith, our curriculum is focused on welcoming, honoring, and valuing the image of God in each person. Questions and curiosity are encouraged! Beginning with our nursery, we share the love of God, offering a safe, engaging environment where they are known and loved.

All baptized members are full members of the Body of Christ, therefore, our children and youth are encouraged to participate in the many ministries of St. Mary's, either with their families, or when appropriate, as individuals. We also have several educational and fellowship activities geared towards the various age groups.

Please join us for Sunday School at the end of the 9:30 service. All children are welcome to join at any point during the year.


Our 2023-2024 Program Year


Sunday School at a Glance
Classes start September 17!
St. Mary's offers a comprehensive Christian education program for children and youth beginning at infancy. Our curriculum includes the Episcopal Children's Curriculum and the Journey to Adulthood program. During the school year, children and youth join everyone in church for most of the service and leave at the recessional hymn. While adults stay in the church for the lessons and sermon, the children and youth are in Sunday School until 11:05 AM. Read more about our programs and the year ahead in this letter from the Rev. Ryan Baker-Fones, our Assistant Rector for Children, Youth, and Families.

The 2023-2024 Classes:
Pre-K (final year of preschool) - 1st grade*
2nd-4th graders
5th & 6th graders
Rite 13 - 7th & 8th graders
J2A - 9th & 10th graders
4Ward - 11th-12th graders

*The assumed starting age for this class is students who turn four by Sept. 1, 2023. However, not all children develop at the same rate. If your child is three years old by September 1, 2023, and you think they are ready and that this class would be a positive experience for them, they may join the class with a parent/guardian or a parent/guardian-approved adult in class as a helper for that child.


Upcoming Gather Youth Fellowship (for our 6th-12th grade youth)

  • Sunday, September 24, Gather Youth Fellowship for Grades 6-12, 6:30-8 PM. Meet at church for pizza then head to Level Up for video games; bring your quarters!

  • Sunday, October 22, Gather Youth Fellowship, 6:30-8 PM. Meet at Round One at Valley River Center mall for snacks and bowling; bring money for other games if you want.


Children’s Choirs

Cherub and Joyful Noise Choir rehearsals have begun!

Joyful Noise Choir is for children and youth 3rd grade on up. They sing once a month at the 9:30 service. Rehearsals are from 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM every week, with a once-a-month pizza lunch! Parents of motivated younger children should contact the director, Linnae Eckley, at leckley7@gmail.com, about joining.

Cherub Choir is for our youngest members. It is woven into Sunday School. Our Pre-K-1st & 2nd-4th grade classes each get some music time woven into class time.


A video recap of our 2019-2020 children and youth programming.

A year in review of the 2019-2020 Sunday School Year at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Eugene, Oregon.

3 months to 4 years old: Nursery

9:00-11:00 AM
Our nursery is staffed by professional caregivers who are assisted by parent and youth volunteers. Childcare is also available during the Spanish service. It is our goal to provide a creative and fun first church experience in which children and parents feel comfortable. 

St. Mary's children and youth program