Children & Families

Children and youth are integral to parish life at St. Martin’s. Our children nourish our communal faith through their sense of wonder and awe, and challenge us to grow through their inquisitiveness and even doubt. We, in turn, strive to nourish their faith by welcoming them into worship, inviting them into leadership roles, and providing them with formation opportunities rich in biblical storytelling, spiritual exploration, liturgical instruction, and real-life integration. We also offer opportunities for parents and caregivers to be nourished, alongside and separately from their children!
Minister for Children, Youth, & Families 215 247 8716 Anne Alexis Harra (she/her) was born and raised in Wilmington, DE. She and her beloved partner, Cole (he/him) currently live in Manayunk. Anne Alexis graduated from Washington College in May 2019 with a B.A. in English and a minor in Philosophy. Anne Alexis has served on the Diocesan Council in the Episcopal Church in Delaware, as well as the Racial Justice & Reconciliation Commission, and the Diocesan Assessment Committee. Since moving to Philadelphia in January 2021, she has served on the DioPA Youth Leaders Team and the DioPA Dismantling Racism for Youth Leaders Team. She is passionate about children's spirituality and using education as a force for good in their spiritual lives. Beginning with the waters of baptism, Anne Alexis has devoted her life to serving God in the Episcopal Church. Raised on Godly Play in Sunday school and moving into a tight-knit youth group, she is aware of the positive impact that the Church’s presence can have in the life of a young person. She is passionate about encouraging children and youth to explore their faith on a personal level while also committing to a community-centered effort to enact change for the greater good. Anne Alexis is passionate about racial justice and healing, as well as advocating for the rights of children in the context of the Christian faith. She hopes for a church where all of God's beloved are welcomed, heard, and included. She seeks and envisions a church where every member feels the true love of God in Christ. Anne Alexis is deeply aware of the profound impact of Jesus' unyielding love for all, including the most tender and vulnerable in our society: children. Hopeful for a day when all marginalized peoples are treated with equity, she continues "to seek and serve Christ in all persons." The Baptismal Covenant and Sacrament of Eucharist guide her ministry. Anne Alexis’ father owns and is president of a local funeral home in Wilmington. Some of her earliest childhood memories include observing him engage with bereaved families in a way that can only be described as ministerial. Her mother is a hospice nurse who guides her patients and families through a dignified palliative care stage. Anne Alexis’ parents have left a huge impression on her heart. A ministerial goal she has at St. Martin’s is exploring the often taboo topics of dying and death in the hopeful context of the gospels. In her free time, she enjoys weightlifting, reading, spending time with her family (notably her godson, Will), and watching new shows with her beloved cats by her side. She and Cole enjoy trying eclectic restaurants in their neighborhood -- observing COVID restrictions, of course!Anne Alexis Harra
Upcoming Children & Youth Events
Baptism is our response to God’s free gift of love. Our response comes in the form of vows; vows to live our lives respecting and enhancing life before God. Confirmation and reception are mature commitments to the Body of Christ as a member of the Episcopal Church. On page 412 of the Book of Common Prayer, confirmation is described: "In the course… First and third Sundays of the Month at 12:00 p.m., noon Youth Ministry is for our high school youth, grades 9 through 12. The Rector, the Rev. Jarrett Kerbel, leads the group via Zoom at noon on the third Sundays of the month. The Chorister program of St. Martin-in-the-Fields offers children from the second grade upwards a thorough and enjoyable musical education in a safe and effective learning environment. In line with the Royal School of Church Music’s Voice for Life program, Choristers learn not only about music and singing but also about music theory, history, languages, maths, science and much more.Baptism
Confirmation and Reception
Youth Ministry
The Children's Choir Chorister Program
Articles
Women's History Reflection: Anne Alexis Harra
Anne Alexis on the BibleLove podcast!
The beautiful mystery of Pilgrimage
Grace and COVID
Reflections on Outdoor Worship
Photos
A one-week blast through the liturgical year in song and games.Choir Camp 2019
Our annual Shrove Tuesday pancake dinner hosted by St. Martin's youth.Pancake Dinner 2019