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,
I hope you have had a chance to rest and refresh yourself over the last couple of months. I’ve been busy getting my eldest ready to start secondary school, but there has also been lots of sunshine and fun as we enjoyed some family time together.
As September approaches, I would like to take this opportunity to share our children’s liturgy resources for the coming month with you. They explore forgiveness, how we can follow Jesus in our daily lives, and how God’s fairness is about what we need, rather than what others think we deserve.
I hope you will find them useful as you plan your liturgy in this new term.
Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time (30 August)
Jesus tells us that it is not always easy to follow him, but it is always worth it in the end.
Download the accompanying illustration.
Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time (6 September)
When we meet together in Jesus’ name, he will be there with us. When do we gather in Jesus’ name and how can we listen to him?
Download the accompanying illustration.
Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (13 September)
God is always ready to forgive us when we are sorry. We reflect on the times we need to say sorry, change our ways, and encourage others to do the same.
Download the accompanying illustration.
Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (20 September)
Jesus tells a story about some workers who all receive the same wages, even though some worked all day and some just worked for an hour. We reflect on what is fair.
Download accompanying illustration.
Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (27 September)
Two sons are asked to help their father but respond differently. We consider how we listen to what God is asking us to do and answer that call.
Download accompanying illustration.
| With very best wishes, |
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Christ Jesus, +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ |
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