St. Simon School

St. Simon Preschool of Religion

Pre-School of Religion is a God-readiness program for 3, 4, and 5 year olds. The love of God and stories of Jesus’ life are taught to the children on a level appropriate to their age. Classes are held during the 9:00 & 10:45am Masses in the school.
If you are interested, please pick up a registration form in the vestibule of the church and mail it to the director of the preschool of religion, Amy Yamamura. Inquiries about the Preschool of Religion may be emailed to stsimon_psr@yahoo.com or phone the Rectory at 650-967-8311.

St. Simon's 9am Nursery
For ages 3 months to 3 years

The purpose of this coop-nursery is to allow parents to attend Mass peacefully knowing that their children are in good hands. The nursery is located in the extended learning center (behind the rectory). Four parents are on duty each week to play with and supervise about 10-12 children. parents are "on duty" once/month. This is an excellent way to meet other St. Simon's families!
For more information contact the Rectory at 650-967-8311.

MOPS - Mothers of Preschoolers Support Group

Come and join St. Simon's MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)! We meet every second Tuesday of the month in Spooncer Hall from 9:15-11:15am. Children are cared for in a program called "Moppets" where they experience the love of Jesus in a preschool setting. Our theme for the year is "The HOME factor: Begin Here...Go There." You can join anytime! For more information, please call Rose Lue through the mops@stsimon.org or by phone through the rectory at 650-967-8311.

Vacation Bible School

St. Simon's Vacation Bible School for Kindergarten-Grade 4 is held for one week in June. The summer 2005 camp was called the K4J Summertime Blast. It was well attended and enjoyed by all. Fifth graders were special helpers this year.
Summer 2006 is being planned now. Please contact Children’s Ministry at 650-968-9952 x38 if you’d like to get involved.
Keep your eyes open for registration which will begin in Spring 2006. Spots fill very quickly!

Children's Catechetical Ministry (CCM)

Children grades 1 to 6, not attending St. Simon School, participate in C.C.M. (Children’s Catechetical Ministry) Grades 1 and 2 offer basic instruction and preparation for First Eucharist and First Penance. Grades 3-6 are on-going catechetical instruction. These sessions are held from 3:45 to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesdays. Grades 7 and 8 are part of our youth program called The EDGE. To register or to get more information about CCM, please call the Children’s Ministry Office at 650 968-9952 Ext. 38.

The Edge is St. Simon’s Jr. High youth ministry program. The Edge serves as the primary catechetical program for public school 7th and 8th graders and it is also open to all St. Simon School 7th and 8th graders. The EDGE meets the first and third Sundays of each month following the 5pm LifeTeen Mass until 8:30pm. To register for the EDGE or to receive more information please contact Val Liberty, Youth Director, at 650 967-8311 Ext. 14.

Life Teen

Life Teen is St. Simon's Youth Ministry for teenagers 13-18 years old. The Life Teen Mass is held weekly beginning February 2nd, at the 5:00 p.m. Mass. Families with Middle School and High School teens are welcome to join in the celebration of the Eucharist. For more information about the activities of Life Teen, call Val Liberty, Director of Youth Ministry at 650-967-1929 or send email to youth@stsimon.org.

Catechetical Home Schooling

When the traditional catechetical programs do not meet the needs of individuals or families we offer catechetical home schooling. Home schooling is available for grades K-8 and includes all the major components of our parish catechetical programs including community building, awareness of social justice issues, prayer and inclusion in the liturgical and sacramental life of the parish. Home schooling involves a textbook and weekly lesson plan, online games and projects and quarterly meetings with the Director of Catechetical Ministry. Please contact Children’s Ministry at 650-968-9952 x38 if you are interested in home schooling.

St. Simon's School

http://www.stsimon.com/

St. Simon School, in partnership with each school family, strives to form a community of faith dedicated to living and teaching the message and mission that Jesus Christ entrusted to His church. The school embraces the educational mission of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the founding Community of St. Simon Catholic School.
It, therefore, commits itself to educating the whole child in a nurturing environment which reflects the Gospel message and fosters each student's spiritual, intellectual, emotional, social, aesthetic and physical growth. In accordance with each child's gifts and abilities, it strives to provide the student with the skills needed to become a faith-filled, respectful, responsive individual and a productive member of his family Church, community and society.

Liturgy of the Word

The Children’s Liturgy of the Word is celebrated at the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Liturgy. After the gathering and introductory rites of the Liturgy, the children are led in procession to the Simon and Jude Rooms. There, the Word of God is proclaimed and “broken open” for them in a prayerful atmosphere. Through the means of the sacred texts of the Scriptures of the day, song, silence, symbol and storytelling, the children celebrate the presence and activity of Christ—in a way they understand. After this, they return to their families and the larger assembly for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. No registration is required for participation in Children’s Liturgy of the Word.

Baptism

Baptisms are usually arranged at least two months in advance. The Baptism link on the left leads to more detailed information about the process.

FIRST RECONCILIATION/FIRST EUCHARIST

The Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist are usually received in 2nd grade. St. Simon School and CCM students receive preparation for these sacraments as part of their regular religious education class. Catechetical Home Schooling students receive preparation in coordination with the Director for Religious Education. There are several mandatory evening sessions for parents. At least one parent of each sacramental candidate is expected to attend. The next parent meeting for First Communion is scheduled for March 23rd at 7pm in the Church.

CHILDREN’S CATECHUMENATE (CIC)

For children from third grade to seniors in high school: The Children’s Catechumenate is modeled on the Adult Catechumenate and looks to fully initiating children into the Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Together with others of the same age who are seeking these Sacraments, they meet during the 9:00 a.m. Liturgy each week. This process is an extension of the Children’s Liturgy of the Word. There are also parental preparation sessions. In keeping with current Church practice, these children receive Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night.

CONFIRMATION

Confirmation preparation is a two-year process in the 7th and 8th grades. There are several sessions throughout the year for students, parents and sponsors. St. Simon School students receive preparation for Confirmation as part of their regular religion class. Public school students are expected to participate in the Edge Jr. High program in both 7th and 8th grades. Additionally there are several class sessions in immediate preparation for reception of the sacrament in 8th grade. The Edge sessions and confirmation prep sessions are scheduled to coordinate with the 5pm Sunday LifeTeen Mass. The process for both St. Simon and Edge students includes regular catechetical sessions, retreats, and service hours.
Please contact the Children’s Ministry Office at 650-968-9952 x38 for additional information or schedule.

Children & Youth Ministry

"Let the Children Come Unto Me"

Luke 18:16