The Children's Liturgy

The Children’s Liturgy is part of the 10am Family Mass. The Family Mass welcomes children of all ages. The Children’s Liturgy groups aim to bring the Liturgy of the Word to the younger children, starting from around 3 years old, through language, music, and activities suitable to their experience, so they may reflect on God’s Word, and are guided to respond to it with their families and their friends.

All children are part of the Family Mass Liturgy. Children who are preparing for or who have taken first communion stay with the adults, and take a direct part through altar service, readings, the choir, and prayers. The younger children have their own liturgy groups. Everyone initially gathers in the church for the entrance procession, which the younger children joins. They receive a blessing at the altar, before retiring to the liturgy rooms. They return to a welcome between the bidding prayers and the offertory. The liturgies are led by catechists. They prepare the sessions through reflections on the week’s Gospel themselves, and explore with each other ways to bring it to the children. Most of the catechists are parents with children of similar ages, and they draw heavily from their own experience.

There are two groups, one for 5s and under, and one for over 5s. The children for the over 5s attend on their own. They follow the week’s Gospel, and spend more time on reflecting on it. For the younger group, those who are able to are encouraged to attend by themselves. Parents may accompany them to share in the experience. Focus is placed on recognising the Gospel themes in their lives. Parents who accompany the younger children are encouraged to take an active part, and help guide the children to respond.

We welcome feedback from children and adults, regularly review our own approaches, and work with the parish priest and the diocesan catechist for continual training. We are always on the lookout for anyone wanting to be involved. So if you have an interest, or would like to know more, please leave your contact details with the church office.