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,
Happy New Year! I hope that you have enjoyed the festive celebrations and had a very peaceful and holy Christmas.
The special Jubilee Year, Pilgrims of Hope has also just begun. This is an opportunity for us to come together as we respond to God’s call for a renewal of faith and a commitment to a fairer world.
As 2025 gets underway, I hope that you will find these resources for the Sundays in January useful.
The Epiphany of the Lord (5 January)
We hear about some wise men who followed a star and came to visit Jesus. We think about how we can follow God each day.
Download accompanying illustration.
The Baptism of the Lord (12 January)
Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit after his Baptism. We reflect on the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Download accompanying illustration.
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (19 January)
Jesus changed water into wine at a wedding in Cana. What changes can we make in our life and in our world?
Download accompanying illustration.
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (26 January)
Jesus says that he has come to bring good news to people who are poor. We consider what this good news could be and how we can also share it with others.
Download accompanying activity sheet.
| With very best wishes, |
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Loving God, you sent your Son Jesus to share the good news of your love for everyone. Help us to share this good news through all that we do. Amen. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ |
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