Traditionally, the parish catechists would lead little children at the start of 10:30am Mass into the parish centre. The children would spend the first part of the Mass (Liturgy of the Word) there. Children would sing children’s hymns and catechists would present that Sundays readings to the children in a simpler language. The Gospel reading would be solemnly shared and in place of the Homily, the children would have one or more activities (art/craft, acting, singing, watching a video, etc.) to internalise the Gospel message. The children would then return to the church at the Liturgy of the Eucharist and join their parents for the rest of the Mass.
As the number of parishioners grew, the frequency of the Children’s Liturgy reduced. This tradition stopped altogether during the pandemic. It has not resumed, primarily due to the large numbers of Mass attendees makes movement of the children in and out of the church unsafe. The need for seats for the large numbers mean that children often have no place to sit upon return to Mass.
Until it becomes possible for us to resume Children’s Liturgy, the parish offer online resources for parents who wish to share the Sunday gospel with their little children at home. Immediately below this message are the resources provided by CAFOD for children’s liturgy.
Further below, one will find links to other online resources and at the very bottom, one will find linked videos from the Mark 10 Mission to show your children.
Dear parent,
It feels like my children have only been back to school for a week, and yet here we are in the half-term holidays already!
This month we explore how we can come together despite our differences, how we are one body in Christ and how we can be rocks of faith like Simon Peter.
As we approach Corpus Christi my daughter, Pippa, will also be making her First Holy Communion. I will be praying for her and for all others who are receiving the Eucharist for the first time this year. I hope you don’t mind me asking you do the same.
Seventh Sunday of Easter (1 June)
We hear how Jesus prayed to God for all those people, like us, who would come to believe in him, that we may be one.
Download accompanying illustration.
Pentecost (8 June)
Jesus tells his disciples that if they love him then they will keep his commandments and that once he has left them he will send the Holy Spirit to guide and protect them.
Download accompanying illustration.
The Most Holy Trinity (15 June)
We think about how God is made up of three persons: God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Download accompanying illustration.
The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (22 June)
Jesus performed a great miracle with bread for five thousand people. We reflect on what this means for us as his followers.
Download accompanying illustration.
Saint Peter and Saint Paul (29 June)
Jesus gives Simon a new name – Peter – and promises to build his church on this rock. We consider how we can follow Peter’s example of faith today.
Download accompanying illustration.
| With very best wishes, |
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Christ Jesus, may we be inspired to serve others both locally and around the world. May we always speak up for what we believe. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ |
The below are links to online resources to help families follow the Liturgy of Mass on Sundays and to pray with your children at home.
- Children’s Liturgy Resources from CAFOD – CAFOD
- Diocese of Westminster Resources for Children’s Liturgy.
- General Resources for Families – Catechesis at Home.
- The Mark 10 Mission
This page will be updated with the dates of the Children’s Liturgy programme in the parish as soon as it is available
If you would like further details, please email Lionel at: hounslowcat@rcdow.org.uk