Spiritual Formation

In keeping with our mission that each child may grow in grace, St. James offers age appropriate spiritual formation classes and Chapel services to all scholars. Chapel services are led by the Church of the Good Shepherd clergy, the St. James Headmaster, and the Church of the Good Shepherd Children’s and Youth Ministries staff. All parents are invited and encouraged to attend Chapel services at any time.

Chapel services are held in the Sanctuary, where the tenets of our Christian faith and Episcopal heritage are shared. Primary School Chapel is held on Mondays at 8:55 a.m. for Pre-Kinder and 9:20 a.m. for PrePrimary and Primary levels. Middle School Chapel is Tuesday mornings at 8:10 a.m.; Lower School Chapel is Tuesdays at 8:45 a.m.; and All School Chapel is Thursday mornings at 8:10 a.m.

The Church of the Good Shepherd Children’s and Youth Ministries staff facilitates and teaches the following Spiritual Formation Classes at St. James Episcopal School:

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Preschool Spiritual Formation Classes
Our youngest students are introduced to Spiritual Formation through age appropriate Bible stories, activities, and songs.

Lower School Spiritual Formation Classes
The Spiritual Formation program in Jr. Kindergarten through 4th grades leads scholars through a two-year cycle of the Old and New Testaments. In addition, the scholars will learn about the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, as well as seasonal celebrations in the Episcopal Church.

Middle School Spiritual Formation Classes

Middle School scholars begin more serious and thematic reflections through the study of Scripture (Genesis to New Testament Letters), Church History, the Sacraments, Prayer, and the basic tenets of Christian Theology. With these concepts, scholars investigate other world religions and have the opportunity to compare and contrast them with Christian doctrine, developing a respect for diversity and differing views.