St. Bede Young Families Ministry
Mission Statement
Through our faith and Baptism in Christ, the mission of the Young Families Ministry is to instill a moral and value-based foundation within a prayerful framework to the parents and children of St. Bede Catholic Church. The Holy Family will serve as a role model for the ministry in its efforts to foster a sense of community, fellowship, and strength among the many families of St. Bede parish.
The ministry celebrates the Catholic Faith through worship, special events, parent education, and leadership. It serves as a foundation of support and religious counsel to parents and children through age-appropriate programming and event planning in conjunction with the liturgical calendar. The ministry plans for exponential growth by contributing to the overall purpose and mission of St. Bede Church in the following ways:
- Increased visibility through event planning and fellowship.
- Integration with related church ministries as a means of increasing communication and co-sponsoring church-related events.
- Advocacy for young families and children by garnering support and recognition form the larger St. Bede community.
Contact the Ministry at bede_youngfamilies@cox.net
Current Ministry Activities
Noah’s Nursery
Skilled and VIRTUS-trained parishioners supervise infants and toddlers so that parents can attend Mass and be fully present to worship God without distractions. While being cared for, children participate in music, reading, and art programs that focus on liturgical themes. The Nursery can accommodate approximately 40 children and is open at the church for the 9:00a.m. and 11:00a.m. Masses.
For information, email bede_youngfamilies@cox.net.
Mom’s Morning Fellowship
This ecumenical group for Christian women promotes fellowship through a covenant of prayer and reflection with Williamsburg Presbyterian Church. The women read and discuss Christian-based parenting books to garner examples of how best to raise their children and strengthen their marriages. Meanwhile, their children play together in the Nursery. The group meets at 9:30 a.m. on the first Wednesday of the month at St. Bede’s Church and at 9:30 a.m. on the third Wednesday of the month at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church.
For information, contact Susan G. at bede_youngfamilies@cox.net or 757-564-9550.
Infant/Toddler Playgroup
The playgroup serves two functions: 1) a support group for young mothers to discuss issues relating to the spiritual, emotional, and physical development of their children, and 2) a social gathering for children to interact with one another through age-appropriate play. The group meets from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at Noah’s Nursery.
For information, contact Anne N. at bede_youngfamilies@cox.net or 757-564-9172.
Young Families Lecture Series
In conjunction with the St. Bede’s Lecture Series, the Young Families Ministry plans to host various guest speakers to discuss topics related to the lives of the young families and children of the parish. Topics pertaining to child rearing, age-appropriate discipline, strengthening marriages, balancing work and home, and making value-based choices in a secular and media-laden world will be presented from a Catholic perspective. The Ministry will host two events a year, so check back for updates on upcoming events.
For information, contact Heather C. at bede_youngfamilies@cox.net or 757-229-9214.
Wedding/Funeral Childcare
Skilled and VIRTUS-trained parishioners will be available for childcare during weddings or funerals by appointment only. Families of brides and grooms or of deceased relatives will be encouraged to contact a nursery coordinator to determine if that worker is available for childcare during the needed day/time. Families of the wedding parties and funerals are responsible for scheduling and paying for care, so that their children can play in a safe environment while parents participate in these events.
For information, email bede_youngfamilies@cox.net.
Dinners For 6
Young families meet to welcome other new young families to the parish and to discuss their interests and concerns about raising a moral and value-based family in today’s world. Three families (six spouses and their children) meet for brunch or dinner twice a quarter and then rotate groups.
For information, contact Lynne W. at bede_youngfamilies@cox.net or 757-565-7588.
Spring Picnic
Young families meet during the Lenten season to worship and enjoy a potluck lunch as a means of fostering a deeper sense of community and fellowship. The program will serve to continue welcoming new young families to the parish and provide children an opportunity to participate in an egg hunt and make craft projects that center around Lenten and Easter themes. The event usually takes place the Sunday after Easter around12:30 p.m. Please check back for update information.
For information, contact email bede_youngfamilies@cox.net.
Tot Spot at Parish Picnic
Young families worship together and then meet for lunch as a means of developing a deeper sense of community and fellowship. The Tot Spot provides the children of the Parish a safe setting to play together, compete in sporting events, and participate in craft projects. The event coincides with the Parish Picnic sometime in September after the 11:00a.m. Mass.
For information, contact JeanMarie D. at bede_youngfamilies@cox.net or 757-565-1163.
Advent Pot Luck Dinner
Young families gather to celebrate Mass and enjoy a potluck dinner as a means of fostering fellowship. Children will have the opportunity to play together and make friends while participating in art activities that focus on Advent themes. Afterwards, families are encouraged to attend the Grand Illumination ceremonies in Colonial Williamsburg and celebrate the festivities together. This event is tentatively scheduled for the first weekend in December at the St. Bede Parish Center.
For information, contact Sheila L. at bede_youngfamilies@cox.net or 757-259-0193.
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