Let the Little Children Come To Me

Children are normally outnumbered by adults at Mass so it is vitally important that they do not feel neglected and can participate as much as they can. They are as much part of the gathered assembly as anyone else.

The children in both parishes lead the Liturgy of the Word in the Church on the second Sunday of the Month.

At St Pius Xth, we are blessed to have the space and facillity for children aged 4 - 7 to celebrate their own Liturgy on the other Sundays. Please note it is not a Sunday School or creche.

The purpose of the Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) is to mirror the Liturgy of the Word as celebrated in the Mass whilst delivering the Gospel in a form that children will understand and in a way that will help them to relate its message to their own lives and experience.

Once the children have made their First communion they should be encouraged to stay with the adults. However some of them come down to help the children.

The children gather with their families for the Introductory Rites. They are called forward, with their Adult leaders, to receive their own lectionary after the opening prayer and process to their own prayer space in the Alexander Room. After their Liturgy they return to the main body of the Church where they participate in the Offertory Procession and Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Story is a way to everyone's heart and understanding; children especially become involved and enjoy stories of all types. The way which we pass on biblical stories to children will influence the way in which they will hear the message of the scriptures proclaimed in the Liturgy.

Liturgy of the Word with Children Guidelines

If you would like to be involved contact   

                    Joan Harris or Lou Nyakunu through the Parish Office

• Understanding the Scriptures: Consider the readings for Mass and what they mean to you. How do they relate to the season and prayers of the Mass? What is God saying to us?
• How will I speak God's Word to the children: Will they hear only the gospel or others of the readings too? How will I help them to understand what God is saying? What music will we use to greet and respond to the word of God?
• Spending time in Prayer: Who are these children I have the opportunity of serving? What is the life situation of the children and their families? Make time to bring them, and your ministry to God. Pray for all the other ministers at Mass
• Resources: Running a session will require preparation time before the Sunday looking at the Childrens Lectionary and getting together the things needed for their activity eg group collage, individual prayer sheets etc.
• Training: We have a mentoring scheme and there are local and Diocesan formation days that our catechists are encouraged to attend.
• DBS Clearance is required in line with the Diocesan Safeguarding Policies.