CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD AT ST.FRANCIS DE SALES

“People brought little children to Jesus for him to bless them. The disciples turned them away, but Jesus said, “Let the little children alone, do not stop then coming to me; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” Mt.19:13-14

The aim of Children’s Liturgy is to present the gospel in a way that makes it more understandable to children and allows them to discuss their interpretation of it. The liturgy follows a very similar format to what is happening in church with prayers, music and activities being used to reiterate the message of the gospel.

Although the children are in a separate room, they are still very much part of the mass. We start by giving children the opportunity to reflect on their week and to say sorry for anything they have done wrong. The alleluia is then sung, and is often accompanied by musical instruments. The gospel is read and afterwards the children are able to discuss their interpretation of it. A shared activity may then take place, if it is appropriate. The Liturgy is then concluded with the Creed being read together and prayers offered.

One of the additional benefits of the Children’s Liturgy is that the children become aware of the role they have to play in their church community and in the wider community - their families, friends, schools etc.

WELCOME: Our Children’s Liturgy takes place at St.Francis De Sales every week during term time. We welcome children from a few months old until the age of ten.

HELP REQUIRED: We are always looking for more volunteers. We meet about every two months to organise who’s doing what Sunday, to discuss any themes we would like to introduce and generally support each other.

You do not need any teaching experience, as the Children’s Liturgy is more about “leading” the children rather than teaching them about the gospel. You could help in two ways:

• By actually leading the liturgy.
• By being of a rota of volunteers who can attend the liturgy on a certain Sunday and help out, if help is required. For example, if a child needs to be brought back to church.

If you would like to help with the Children’s Liturgy you can speak to anyone on the team or phone the parish office on 40332. The Children’s Liturgy team is Teresa Dykes, Ann Haynes, Kate Lefever, Shany Middleton and Hilary Wilton.