Welcome to Play & Pray, the Kids Soccer & Extracurricular Activities Ministry at St. John Paul 2 Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Cumming! This ministry offers a unique blend of sports, recreation, and faith formation, providing a safe and joyful space for children to grow spiritually, physically, and socially.
Rooted in the mission of our Faith Formation Ministry, Play & Pray combines fun, fellowship, and Christian values to help children not only develop athletic skills but also build friendships, learn teamwork, and deepen their relationship with God. We believe that God’s gifts of creativity and strength are best nurtured when they’re developed alongside a strong foundation of faith.
Our Mission
The mission of the Play & Pray Ministry is to:
- Develop physical, mental, and spiritual well-being through engaging extracurricular activities like soccer and other recreational programs.
- Foster a sense of community and teamwork by providing a space where children can interact, collaborate, and grow together in a fun and supportive environment.
- Incorporate Christian values such as kindness, respect, fairness, and integrity into every activity, teaching children how to live out their faith in everyday life.
- Encourage participation in group activities that strengthen both the body and the spirit, and provide opportunities for children to serve others through outreach and ministry.
- Support faith development by integrating prayer, Scripture, and reflection into each session, helping children connect their physical activity with their faith in Christ.
Key Activities
At Play & Pray, we offer a wide range of activities that cater to various interests while reinforcing our core values. Here are some of the key components of our ministry:
Kids Soccer Program
Our Kids Soccer Program provides a fun, competitive, and educational environment for children to learn soccer skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship while also building friendships. This program is open to children from ages 5 to 12 and is divided into age-appropriate teams, where players get to participate in:
- Skill Development: We focus on basic soccer techniques like dribbling, passing, shooting, and defense, while also helping children understand the rules of the game.
- Teamwork & Cooperation: Soccer is a team sport, and children learn the importance of working together, supporting each other, and respecting their teammates.
- Faith-Based Coaching: Coaches integrate Christian values such as love, humility, and kindness into each practice and match, fostering not only athletic growth but spiritual growth as well.
- Mini Tournaments & Friendly Matches: Children will have the chance to showcase their skills in fun and friendly matches, building their confidence while enjoying the game.
Other Extracurricular Activities
Alongside soccer, Play & Pray offers other extracurricular activities that cater to different interests and provide well-rounded development for the children. These include:
- Arts & Crafts: Creative sessions that allow children to express their faith and creativity through art, including making faith-based projects or preparing decorations for Church events and holidays.
- Music & Choir: Children can explore their musical talents by joining the Children’s Choir or engaging in music sessions where they learn hymns and songs to share at Mass.
- Outdoor Adventures: Organizing trips, nature walks, and outdoor games to teach children the beauty of God’s creation and encourage physical activity in the natural world.
- Community Service Projects: Engaging children in acts of charity and service such as food drives, card-making for the elderly, or helping with parish events. This teaches them the importance of giving back to others.
Why Play & Pray?
In today’s busy world, it’s essential to provide opportunities for our children to learn, grow, and have fun in a safe and nurturing environment. Here’s why Play & Pray is a special ministry:
- Holistic Development: We believe that faith formation isn’t just about what happens in the classroom. By offering extracurricular activities, we help children grow in body, mind, and spirit.
- Building Lifelong Friendships: Through team activities and social events, children develop strong bonds with their peers, creating a lasting sense of community.
- Safe Environment: We are committed to providing a safe, supportive environment for all participants. All activities are supervised by trained volunteers and staff to ensure every child feels secure and valued.
- Emphasis on Faith: Every activity incorporates the Catholic faith, teaching children how to live out the Gospel through both words and actions.
Faith Formation Integration
While the activities are fun and engaging, Play & Pray is deeply integrated with the Faith Formation Ministry at St. John Paul 2 Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Cumming. Here’s how:
- Prayer & Reflection: Every session begins with a brief prayer, and children reflect on a Bible verse that connects to the activity. Whether it’s a reminder of Christ’s love, a reflection on teamwork, or a lesson on the fruits of the Spirit, we connect faith to action.
- Faith in Action: Throughout the year, we highlight how faith can be lived out in everyday life—whether it’s on the soccer field, in the art room, or during a service project.
- Seasonal Celebrations: We celebrate Catholic feast days and significant moments in the Church year with special events, activities, and reflections that bring the season to life for the children.
Safe Environment Policy
The safety and well-being of all children are our top priorities. In accordance with the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Safe Environment Policy, we ensure that:
- Background Checks: All leaders, coaches, and volunteers undergo thorough background checks.
- Supervised Activities: Each activity is carefully supervised to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all.
- Child Protection Training: All volunteers are trained in Protecting God’s Children to ensure proper conduct and response to concerns.
- Zero Tolerance for Abuse: We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for any form of abuse, and all concerns are handled promptly and with care.
Who Can Join?
Play & Pray is open to children from ages 5 to 12. It’s an inclusive, welcoming space for all children who wish to participate in faith-based sports and extracurricular activities. We encourage every child to join, whether they’re a budding athlete, an artist, or someone who enjoys learning new things and making new friends.
How to Register
To register your child for Play & Pray and get involved in our Kids Soccer and other extracurricular activities, please follow these steps:
- Fill Out the Registration Form: Available online or at the parish office.
- Attend Parent Orientation: Parents are invited to an orientation session to learn more about the program, our policies, and how to support your child’s involvement.
- Get Active: After registration, children can begin attending activities and events as scheduled.
- Regular Participation: Consistent attendance is encouraged to help children develop skills, friendships, and spiritual growth.
Contact Us
For more information about the Play & Pray Kids Soccer & Extracurricular Activities Ministry, please contact:
- Ministry Coordinator: [Name]
- Email: [Email Address]
- Phone: [Phone Number]
We look forward to welcoming your child to Play & Pray, where they can grow in faith, sportsmanship, and friendship, all while enjoying a variety of activities that celebrate the joy of being a child of God.