We love children at St. Paul’s, and want children and their parents to feel at home with us. Children are welcome at all services and, if you need it, our staffed Nursery is available for children through age 5 every Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  The Nursery is on the 1st floor through the Atrium, near the restrooms. Many parents of infants prefer the rear of the church with its space for standing and bouncing, and the left front is a good area for older kids because of its unobstructed view of the choir and sanctuary—and its easy access to the Nursery and restrooms directly through the double doors to the right of the Lady  Altar. The ushers can supply coloring books and crayons for children on request. The sound of children is the sound of a growing church!

(Photo: Kate Eikel)Children, including infants, who have been baptized are welcome to receive Communion at their parents’ discretion.  Infants have the cup bearer dip his or her finger into the chalice, which is then placed in the child’s mouth.  Older children may receive either the bread or the cup or both, at their parents’ direction.  They may also intinct by holding the host out for the cup bearer to dip in the chalice and place on the child’s tongue. Children who are not receiving communion are welcome to receive a blessing, which is indicated by having them cross their arms over their chest. If your child is not baptized, feel free to speak with a member of the clergy.

(Photo: Kate Eikel) St. Paul’s offers a complete program of children and youth formation from pre-K through high school. The Fidelitas group for newly married couples includes many parents of young children and offers an opportunity for parents and tots to meet each other. For more information about programs for children at St. Paul’s, please contact Fr. Humphrey at humphrey@stpauls-kst.com or 202-337-2020 ext. 11.