Joy Leads the Way at Family Eucharist

I had the pleasure of attending the Family Eucharist this past Sunday. Cummings Chapel came alive with song, movement, and the laughter of young children as St. John’s Cathedral’s Children and Families Ministry gathered for a special celebration of Holy Eucharist created especially for little ones and their families.

Children and parents entered the chapel singing “This Little Light of Mine,” accompanied by Chris Morris on guitar. Some skipped confidently, others held tightly to a parent’s hand. Some chose to sit on mats on the floor. Others sat in chairs. The cross bearer placed the cross beside the altar, and an acolyte lit the candle. Then the service started with everyone greeting God:

“Hello, we love you!”

During the reflection, Mother Linda Privitera connected the Gospel reading with the Lenten Plastic Fast. Using a wreath covered in plastic recyclables as a prop, she invited children to help remove plastic bags and bottles one by one, revealing beneath them a springtime floral wreath. This visual reminder reinforced the lessons Felicia Bullock has been sharing about recycling and caring for creation.

The reflection was short and simple. Some listened closely while others wiggled or roamed. That, too, was part of the beauty of this service: children are free to be children. 

Next, everyone participated in the Children’s Creed and Prayers of the People, followed by Holy Communion. Each prayer and liturgy was offered in ways children can understand. The service ended with a shared thanksgiving:

“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you, God!”

Family Eucharist is held on the first Sunday of each month. Next month, the first Sunday is Easter Sunday, and the children will participate in the 9 a.m. Flowering of the Cross in the Cathedral. The next Family Eucharist will be on Sunday, May 3. You are invited to join them to see our Children’s and Families Ministry in action.

~Nancy Purcell, Director of Marketing and Communications