Our goal for this afternoon of fun and learning is that the children will gain a greater understanding of the sacrament of communion, while keeping a sense of wonder for the mystery of this sacred rite. Since you, the parents, are primarily responsible for your children’s spiritual growth and are the ones sitting in the pews with them each Sunday, we hope that hearing these presentations will equip you to live into the vows you made at these children’s baptism. We anticipate that it will spark conversation in your family, maybe even giving you some reminders for your own spiritual edification!

The retreat will begin after the 10:30AM worship service. Children will act out stories of God feeding us, explore the Holy Things we use during communion, and make a trinket to remember the order of service. 

At least one parent must be present for the whole session.

There will be a small fee for the retreat to offset the cost of lunch. We will collect that money closer to the event.

Here is an approximate schedule for the 1/24/2027 Retreat:

• 10:30am Holy Eucharist in the Historic Church.
• 11:45am Lunch in McKissick (Parish House) for parents and children.
• 12:20pm Bio break and take siblings to childcare if needed.
• 12:30pm The first learning session will be in McKissick.
• 12:50pm-2:30pm Families will be split into 3 groups and rotate around to three 30-minute learning sessions in the Parish House: McKissick, Graham Library, and Markley Chapel. These sessions will be led by Catherine Conger, Donald Duncan, and Cara Horn.

Other details you need to know:

• One parent must stay with each participant for the duration of the retreat.
• Childcare for siblings is available on request. 
• Families must commit to attending a minimum of two additional worship services at Christ Church in 2027 before the February 7 Celebration. January 24 counts as one of those two!

Details of the February 7th Service of Holy Eucharist:

• Rehearsal will be in the church at 9:30am on 2/7. Please be prompt so we can finish before other worshipers arrive.
• This is also a great time for you to save seats for your family. The children will be seated together in the front pews, but families will sit among the rest of the congregation.
• The service will begin at 10:30am.
• Since the celebratory Eucharist is a formal event, we ask that your child dress accordingly. The traditional attire is a white dress or a blazer and tie, but any appropriate church clothes are acceptable.
• Immediately following the February 7 service, there will be a celebration brunch for your family, and any guests you choose to invite, such as grandparents, godparents, or other friends.
• The brunch is optional, but strongly encouraged, as it is a beautiful culmination of our time together! The menu and prices will be on the form when that registration opens.