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,
This coming month, the Church’s year draws to a close.
Here in England and Wales, if the feast of All Saints falls on a Saturday, it is moved to the Sunday, so we will be marking that instead of the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed on 2 November. All Souls will be celebrated on Monday 3 November.
Other resources this month cover themes of God’s presence with us, even in the hardest of times and the kingship of Christ.
I hope that you will find the resources helpful in your ministry.
All Saints (2 November)
We remember the saints, who have lived their lives really well. We think about how we can follow their example and live our lives as God wants us to.
Download accompanying illustration.
The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica (9 November)
It was important to Jesus that the Temple should be a place of prayer and worship. We consider how we can avoid being distracted and focus on God, who helps us to stand up for what is right.
Download accompanying illustration.
Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time (16 November)
Jesus warns us that life will be difficult, but we mustn’t lose hope. We are called to trust in God who will guide and save us.
Download accompanying illustration.
Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (23 November)
We hear how Jesus is laughed at on the cross. We reflect on the type of king Jesus is and how we can share his love with others.
Download accompanying illustration.
| With very best wishes, |
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God of all, 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