We hope the following will help you understand what we do.

We hope that over the next few months we will also be able to develop these pages so that the children can get more involved online.

So first off all some  information

What is Children's Liturgy?

Well the answer is in the name – it isn't Sunday School and it isn't, as some people seem to think, a creche, it is the Liturgy of the Word for children.  It is part of the Mass, conducted by lay catechists,  in a format that small children can relate to and enjoy. 

The children have to listen to the same Gospel that the adults listen to, have their own penitential rite (the Lord have Mercy)  and then some form of activity to help them understand the issues raised.  This may be some art work or singing or even acting out a play. (There isn't a theological concept left we haven't set to the tune of London Bridge is Falling Down and our definition of the Holy Trinity to the strains of the Bob the Builder has become a legend in certain quarters).

We also aim to use the time to give some instruction in what happens at Mass and in how the children can and should participate. This can range from simply reinforcing the learning of the prayers we all share, such as the Our Father, explaining what things on the altar are called, through to talking about who the people are in our paish community and how the Church family is built up.  We have also used special times in the churchUs year such as Lent to talk to the children about wider issues of Justice and Peace and we even raised money for WaterAid this year. But first and foremost this is part of the Mass.

When does Children's Liturgy take place?

We take the children out after the opening prayers at the 10.30 am Mass and they come back in at the offertory.  This means it isn't a very long session so your children will not get much out of it if they are late, and they will distract the other children if they just wander in after we have started.  We would therefore ask that your children arrive at the start of Mass, as a sign of respect for the rest of the group. 

Who can come to ChildrenUs Liturgy?

The liturgy is structured to be understood by children aged 3+. Ideally if your child has been through the First Communion programme they should remain in Mass with the older children.

Do I have to come with my child?

If you child is 4 or under we prefer you to come in with them.   Small children get more out of the liturgy if you are there to help them  listen to what we are talking about and share the ideas with them.

It doesn't start & end at the church door

We all have a duty to help our children learn and grow in their Catholic faith. As well as bringing our children to church and letting them share in the Children's Liturgy we need to remember and renew the role of prayer in our daily lives.

Only by praying together with their children can parents penetrate the innermost depths of the children's hearts and leave an impression that future events will not be able to wipe out.     Pope John Paul II