Grace Church | CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

Nursery | Sunday School | Acolytes | More Information | The GO Project

Grace Church in New York offers a variety of programming for children of all ages. Childcare is available for infants during Sunday services while children in preschool through middle school learn about Jesus' teachings with a structured curriculum. We also offer youth activities for high schoolers throughout the month.

Nursery care for infants through age 3 is provided by a fully trained staff. Childcare begins at 8:45am and concludes at 12:30pm. Childcare is also provided during these major holiday services: Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday. Our nursery facility is easily accessible and located on the bottom floor of the Parish House. It is equipped with changing tables, cribs, and an array of educational toys and books.

Grace Church holds Sunday School classes for kids age 3-11 during both the 9am and 11am services. At the 9am service, children are dropped off at the Sunday School rooms near Tuttle Hall, and return to the service in time to receive Communion with their parents. At the 11am service, children join their parents for the first part of the worship service, and then process to their classes at the time of the sermon. They are pick up from the Sunday School room when the service is over. For further information on our program, contact Maura Hooper, Director of Youth and Family Ministry at mhooper@gracechurchnyc.org or (212) 254-2000 ext.113.

Acolytes assist the Church in worship. By carrying a cross or a torch and by helping the clergy during the Eucharist, acolytes ensure that our worship reverently emphasizes the great symbols of the Christian faith -the cross, the light, the bread and wine- in a way that helps the congregation focus on God. We need crucifers, torchbearers, and eucharistic ministers. We hold training sessions and have many fun outings throughout the city. We also participate in the annual diocesan acolyte festival at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in May. Acolytes need to be at least eleven years of age and may include adults. For more information on acolytes, contact Benjamin Thomas at bthomas@gracechurchnyc.org or (212) 254-2000 ext.103.

If you have questions about our ministry at Grace Church, we'd love to answer them. You can also find out more about our youth group and special events by contacting Maura Hooper, Director of Youth and Family Ministry, at mhooper@gracechurchnyc.org or (212) 254-2000 ext.113.

The GO Project Mission
The GO Project shapes the futures of low-income New York City public school children by providing critical academic, social and emotional support starting in the early elementary years. GO provides year-round educational and family support services to children who are performing below grade level and equips them with the confidence and skills needed to succeed at school, at home and in life.

The GO Project Students
The GO Project serves students who attend over 30 public elementary schools below 14th street in Manhattan. Most GO students may be described as first generation low-income individuals and as ESL learners whose parents speak Spanish, Mandarin or Cantonese. GO currently serves over 300 students.

The GO Program Components
The GO Project offers year-round intensive academic assistance and enrichment programming. Students make a year-long commitment to the GO Project and parents agree to support this pledge. The GO Project model includes:

GO Summer: A rigorous, five-week classroom program with a staff of 40 certified teachers and specialists, 28 enrichment teachers, 30 teaching assistants and numerous volunteer aides. Students attend five days a week from 9AM to 5PM for a full day of academic and enrichment classes. Class size is deliberately kept small with a maximum of 12 students. Each morning, students concentrate on intensive reading, writing and math, with a focus on the specific areas where each student requires improvement. In the afternoon, the students enjoy enrichment classes in subjects ranging from art and music to computers and nutrition. GO's content-rich, varied program helps build self-confidence along with academic performance.
Go School: Previously a Saturday-based tutorial program, GO has strengthened the model by integrating professional teachers into the curriculum. GO School is comprised of two and a half hours of academic instruction and skill building on 22 Saturdays from October through April. Professional teachers lead lessons, support volunteer tutors, and communicate with parents to keep them informed about their child's progress. Volunteer tutors make a full-year commitment to teach, and mentor their students which provides the consistent and individualized help that they need to succeed.
Go Families: A year-round social service program designed to empower parents of participants in creating positive learning environments at home and to address various student learning and behavioral issues. GO Families employs licensed social workers who provide services to students and their parents in three areas: year-round counseling, parent educational workshops, and referral to outside agencies. These services complement and extend GO's academic intervention by providing the emotional support and network of resources needed for families to be constructive advocates for their child's academic career.

To volunteer for the GO Project please email GOPROJECTTUTOR@gmail.com.