
Childrens liturgy …. what is it?
The Liturgy of the Word for Children (to give it its full title) allows young children to experience the
Mass in a different, child-friendly way. It takes place during the first part of the parish Mass, when the
children are taken out to the sacristy to hear a children’s version of the gospel story. There is also a
drawing activity, a song and a prayer. We aim to engage the children in the gospel story, so that they
are attentive to the Word of God, and have a chance to respond to it in their own way. The children
return to the main church at the Offertory, and remain by the altar for the remainder of the Mass.
When is it held?
Children’s Liturgy now takes place in the parish of Christ the King twice a month. At the 10:00am
Sunday Mass, it is held on the 3rd Sunday of every month except August. At the 6:30pm Saturday
Mass, it is held on the 1st Saturday of every month except August. Occasionally, these dates clash
with some other parish event, which make it inappropriate for us to hold Children’s Liturgy on that
day. In these cases we will postpone it to the next week if possible. Any changes to the dates will be
announced in church and in the parish newsletter.
Who can come?
Children’s Liturgy is most suitable for children from about 5 to 9 years, who have not yet received
their First Holy Communion. Younger children may come along if their parents feel they are ready to
benefit from it. It is a good idea, in the case of younger children and also older children who lack
confidence, if they are accompanied to Children’s Liturgy by their own adult. Otherwise, most children
come on their own and they all enjoy taking part in something a little bit different.
Whilst Children’s Liturgy is very suitable for children who are preparing for their First Holy
Communion, it does not take the place of the preparation itself which is provided by the parish
Eucharistic Programme. Details of this may be obtained from Father Gerard and from this website.
Many children who have made their First Holy Communion choose to become altar servers, and will
thus participate in the adult liturgy each week. Some children who do not altar-serve continue coming
to Children’s Liturgy and their services as helpers to the younger children are very highly valued.
Any other questions ….
There are leaflets at the back of the church with further information and a registration form. We ask
that all children who attend Children’s Liturgy be registered, in order to fulfil the diocesan
requirements for Child Protection. You may also download the leaflet from this website. Alternatively,
just come along to the next Children’s Liturgy !
Ela Yates (Children’s Liturgy co-ordinator)
Click on the picture to enlarge