Cathedral Kids
Cultivating Christ’s Likeness among Charleston’s Children
We believe children are full members of the Church. Our goal is to form young hearts and minds in Christ’s likeness by cultivating spaces for kids to orient their lives around the Gospel story through worship, teaching, prayer, and practices.
Sunday Mornings at 10:30
We love kids and are committed to being a safe place where all ages can worship and cultivate Christ’s likeness together. Our form of Sunday school is age-appropriate formation class during a portion of the regular Sunday service.
Newborns–3 Years
Nursery & Toddler Care
All kids spaces are located across the courtyard in the parish hall (second floor). Newborns and infants through 3 years may receive nursery care beginning at 10:15a and should be picked up during the Peace just before Communion. When you bring your child for drop-off, a trained volunteer will help you check-in your child at a kiosk. You and your child will receive matching stickers with a code that you will use at pick-up.
4K - 5th Grade
Cathedral Kids
All kids spaces are located across the courtyard in the parish hall (second floor). 4K-1st grade classes begin at 10:30a and end at the Peace just before Communion. 2nd-5th grade children attend the first part of the main service with their households before attending their own formation classes during the sermon. All 4K-5th grade children are escorted back to the service by their adult leaders during the Peace before Communion.
Serve With Us
It Takes a Church to Raise a Child
In God’s family, we know that we belong to each other, no matter how old or young we are. Our Kids ministry exists because of the faithful service of trained volunteers who serve on a regular rotation. If you are interested in joining the Cathedral Kids Team, we would love to hear from you.
Get the Parent Newsletter
Want to stay in the loop on what your kids are learning, upcoming events, and resources for household faith formation? Sign up for our Parent Reader newsletter.
Baptism
An Outward Sign of God’s Grace
Baptism is a sacrament and signifier of reception into God’s family, the Church. We typically only baptize the children of church members, as parents and godparents vow to immerse their child in full involvement in the life of the Church. If you desire for your child to be baptized, or want to learn more, please reach out to our Canon for Children’s Ministry.
Cathedral Kids Ministry FAQs
What to Expect
Is there only childcare available at the 10:30 am service?
Yes, nursery care and 4K-5th grade classes are only available during the 10:30a service. The Cry Room and play area in the sanctuary are available during all services.
Kids spaces are located across the courtyard in the parish hall on the second floor. Kids 1st grade and under must be checked-in there in the kids area by their caregiver before attending class. 2nd-5th grade kids may be checked-in by their caregivers before the service in the sanctuary. 4K-5th grade children walk back to the main service during the Peace with their adult leaders. Kids in the nursery must be checked-out by their caregiver with the coded sticker.
All of our children’s ministry volunteers are nationally background checked, vetted, and have completed extensive child safety and abuse prevention training. Additionally, no adults are allowed in the classroom unless they have been trained and screened. If you’d like you to walk into the classroom with your child, we’d be happy to walk in with you. Email the Canon for Children’s Ministry if you have any other questions.
Short answer: yes! Intentional formation for kids ages 4 and up happens in age-appropriate classes during the 10:30 am service’s sermon. They begin the service in worship with their households and return to the service during the Peace to participate in Holy Communion. Nursery check-in for newborns through age 3 is available starting at 10:15 am and lasts throughout the service (unless you’d like to pick up your young one before Communion).
Of course, this is up to you. We have a couple resources for you. There is a play area in the back corner of the sanctuary where young children may quietly play during the service. There is also a designated “Cry Room” in the back corner of the sanctuary behind the play area. There is a changing station, comfortable seating, and a live-stream of the service.
While all baptized children are welcome to receive, we encourage parents to prayerfully consider the timing. Some choose to begin as soon as they’re able, while others wait until they feel their child has begun to understand the gospel more and the weight of the sacrament. All children are welcome to come and receive a blessing during Communion. If you have questions, email our Canon for Children’s Ministry.
We love to host fun events outside of Sunday mornings! Check our events page for things like a seasonal movie night or vacation bible school.