Holy Comforter provides a safe, nurturing environment in which to learn, question, and grow. Our program of formation is carefully crafted to meet each of us where we are and invites us to grow in God’s grace. Overall, we seek to involve all parishioners in the four pillars of the Christian life: worship, education, fellowship and ministry.

For more detailed information regarding Christian Formation for the Holy Comforter youth, please see the Youth Christian Formation.

For more detailed information regarding our Parish Life, please see the Parish Life Brochure.

Sunday Nursery
Children through age two are welcomed in the professionally supervised Nursery each Sunday during the 9:00 and 11:15 services as well as the Adult Forum from September through May. During the summer, the nursery is available during the 9:00 and 10:15 services.

Three and four year olds
Imagination and fascination are enormously important for the development of children in pre-school. Children at this age level experience the gospel through their capacity to wonder about the important stories of our faith. Using games, crafts, songs, stories, finger plays and felt boards, children will focus on the wonders of creation and the life of Jesus through Children's Bible Stories.

Kindergarten through Third Grade
This age group has its own age appropriate service of the Eucharist in the Children’s Chapel before returning to their classrooms to explore the inspiring stories of the Old and New Testament. The emphasis is on activities and projects as we use children’s innate creativity to deepen their faith.

Fourth through Sixth Grade
Once children enter fourth grade, they attend the Sunday liturgy with their parents before coming together in classes while their parents attend the Adult Forum. Instruction is geared to the increasing ability of this age to comprehend and examine their faith. We also work to build community through fellowship and outreach events that will hold this group together as they move into junior and later senior high school. All are encouraged to serve as acolytes or sing in the Children’s Choir.

Junior High School
Junior high youth attend Sunday liturgy with their parents where they are encouraged to participate as acolytes, intercessors, videographers, lay readers, greeters, altar guild members and choristers. After church they gather together from 10:00 – 10:45 with their adult teachers for discussion and Bible studies that thematically address the issues and struggles of their age group. Themes include spirituality, vocations, decision making, relationships and success and failure. Throughout the year there are fellowship and outreach activities ranging from lock-in movie nights to volunteering at the Good News Soup Kitchen that foster a real spirit of community among the teachers and the youth.

Senior High School
Senior high students are encouraged to continue their involvement in the liturgy. They gather together on Sunday mornings from 10:00-10:45 with adult volunteers in an atmosphere that acknowledges and supports their mature search for a faith they can call their own. Discussions are open and thoughtful. Fellowship and outreach activities planned by the group are a key part of the effort build strong relationships within their peer group and with the community at large.

Adult Studies
The cornerstone of our adult formation program is the adult forum which meets from September through May after the 9:00 Sunday service. Parishioners gather for 45 minutes in the Great Hall for refreshments and a program presented by Clergy, parishioners or guest speakers designed to stimulate our Christian formation and growth.

In addition to the adult forum the clergy regularly lead study groups that are open to men and women of the parish. A Bible study class meets on Thursday afternoons from September through May. Fathers Myers leads the group and integrates numerous commentary perspectives that bring the benefits of his own years of study to the conversation about the Bible. A more in depth Bible study program is provided by Education for Ministry (EFM) that meets on Monday nights over a four year period. EFM is led by a trained mentor from the parish and is designed through study to help participants truly articulate their faith. The men of the parish gather each Saturday morning for breakfast and Bible study using the upcoming Sunday Propers as the focus of their study and reflection. Other programs such as the Labyrinth, the Shawl Ministry and the prayer guild involve many parishioners in the on-going study and practice of prayer and reflection.