What is children's liturgy?

The children’s liturgy service runs through term time only. The children leave the mass following a blessing from Father Jeff and go to the church hall where they are split into two groups. This liturgy is just for the children. It is where they can listen to a child friendly Gospel reading followed by a discussion of what they have heard and how it applies to their day to day lives.

If there is time, we also do an activity to reinforce the message related to the Gospel and our discussion. The sessions are an interactive experience where the children are encouraged to share their thoughts on the Gospel reading, ask and answer questions in a relaxed environment.

The children are expected to attend the liturgy unaccompanied by an adult and they are split into 2 group’s ages 3-6 years and school years 2, 3 and 4. The discussions and activities are appropriately pitched at the different ages.

The children are reminded that they are still participating in the Mass and they are encouraged to sit and listen quietly. We prefer that the children do not bring toys with them and if they do they are asked to put them to one side until they return to church.

We return to church before the offertory procession which some of the older children will take part in and 2 children are chosen each week to share with the congregation what the groups have been doing.

In addition to the weekly Mass, we are also involved in other events during the year, last year we organised our first Christmas carol Service for the children which was a great success and we are looking forward to the next one!