Children & Youth Ministry at St. Matthew's
A Sacred Calling
At St. Matthew’s Cathedral, we joyfully embrace the call to walk alongside children and youth in their spiritual journeys. As Jesus taught, “Unless you become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” We take this to heart, recognizing children not only as learners, but also as spiritual leaders and teachers in their own right.
Our goal is twofold: to nurture their God-given wonder, curiosity, and capacity for prayer — and to learn from them as they experience and share the love of God in their unique ways.
Sunday Mornings During the School Year
9:00 AM – Children’s Chapel & Sunday School
Each Sunday during the academic year begins with a child-focused service in our cozy Children’s Chapel. Children tend the altar, light candles, lead prayers, and serve as acolytes — engaging deeply with the same worship elements found in our main cathedral services.
After chapel, children join one of three age-based Sunday School classes:
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Kindergarten through 2nd Grade
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3rd through 5th Grade
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6th Grade through High School
We currently follow Weaving God’s Promises, a lectionary-based curriculum filled with story, ritual, and reflection.
10:00 AM – Cathedral Worship
Following Sunday School and a brief snack time, children rejoin their families in the cathedral worship service just after the sermon, during the Peace.
Fifth Sundays: Worship Together
On fifth Sundays, Sunday School takes a break so children can participate in the full cathedral service. They often take special roles — reading lessons, singing, ushering, serving as acolytes, or bringing the bread and wine forward. A shorter 9:00 AM prep time allows them to rehearse and reflect on their worship leadership.
Looking Ahead: New Ideas, New Energy
This interim year is a season of listening, learning, and renewal. As we prepare for our next dean, we’re exploring new resources like Godly Play, and seeking ways to connect with young families in both our cathedral and the wider Laramie community.
One exciting idea in the works: hosting thought leaders in children’s spirituality, like Dr. Lisa Miller (author of The Spiritual Child), to help us dream and discern new ways to serve those most precious to God — our children and youth.
