Last week, the sounds of children’s voices were once again heard in our Formation Room, as Godly Play resumed for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared.

Godly Play looks a little different these days. Participants need to reserve in advance using the Cathedral worship signup, and there is a maximum of 8 children. Face masks, hand sanitizer, and physical distancing are employed, but the liturgical rhythm of Godly Play sessions remains. We'll be offering Godly Play on our usual schedule of the first and third Sundays of each month.

On September 20^th, Cheryl shared the story entitled ‘The Good Shepherd and the World Communion’, which combines the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd from Psalm 23 and John 10 with the liturgical ritual of communion. In the lesson, people from around the world gather around the Good Shepherd's table.

Each Godly Play session, designed for children ages 5-11, involves a story and provides an opportunity for the children to engage their imagination while reflecting on the story. This helps them to explore their faith, gain religious language and enhance their spiritual experience though wonder and play.

Kurt Schmidt, Cathedral Director of Christian Formation, shares, "The key thing overall that's been rich for me in the unfolding of Godly Play is that it's really important that we're remembering that Godly Play is about faith formation over and above faith information, and it's been lovely to see the children involved developing in their life of faith and their language around faith."

The next session of Godly Play will be held October 4^th. Kurt will be sharing the lesson simply called ‘Creation’.  This is particularly fitting as the 4th is the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi and the official end of the Season of Creation.

Learn more about the Godly Play approach, and hear Kurt Schmidt speak about the importance of the program.