Children's Liturgy
The Children's Liturgy takes place during 9.30 Mass every Sunday. The number of children attending the Children's Liturgy group has increased enormously over the last couple of years.
All involved in Children's Liturgy have agreed a common approach to running and improving the Liturgy sessions. We would like to share our approach and answer the key questions raised by parents.
What age groups should attend these sessions and do parents need to accompany their children?
Children are split into two groups each week. Pre-school children (below 5 years) are in one group and children in Primary Education (up to the age of preparation for First Holy Communion) are in a second group. Parents/carers are expected to accompany children in the Pre-school group but no parental attendance is required or expected in the Primary school aged group. Parents who attend the Primary Group do so on condition that they assist throughout the session.
Where should children gather and how should they proceed to the hall from the church?
All children should go directly to the front of the church and gather by the altar when called by Fr. Christopher at the beginning of mass. Fr Christopher will provide the greeting and introduce the theme for the Liturgy session. Children will then file out of the church together with parents at the front middle and back to ensure all children reach the hall safely. Children are not permitted to bring toys to these sessions.
What is the format for the liturgy sessions?
All children will join their respective groups and immediately sit on mats set out on the floor. The theme of the week will be presented, discussed and illustrated and gospel/story read/discussed. The Pre-primary group will receive a very simple message and parents/carers (where appropriate) will be involved in delivering that message. Children will then be given an activity to complete. A closing prayer will be said at the end of the session and children will then be led back quietly into the Church.
If you would like to help with the Children's Liturgy, please contact Fr Christopher or Marie Peters.
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