Parishes of Our Lady of the Assumption, Stainforth
and Ss Joseph and Nicholas, Moorends

Childrens' Liturgy

I stopped coming to mass when Jordan was three, because he used to get so bored in church and I found it so embarrassing trying to keep him quiet, and I was concentrating so much on him that I couldn't concentrate on what was happening in the mass

I am sorry to hear that, what a pity that there wasn't a childrens' liturgy then.

What's a childrens' liturgy?

It is a special liturgy which looks at the gospel theme in a much simpler way for young children.

But doesn't that upset the old people?

No, not at all, because the children's liturgy takes place in the presbytery, and the children just come back for the last part of the Mass.

Oh, I see, what do they do there?

Well, each week there are activities based on that week's gospel. The story is told simply, then they talk about it and have a practical activity, like drawing a picture

Do they enjoy it?

Usually! Then they take their work into church before the end of Mass

Do the parents stay in Church, or with the children.?

That depends entirely on the parents. At first it can be a good idea to attend the Childrens' liturgy with the child, until they feel secure and at home.

Do you have problems with disruptive children?

Fortunately not yet, but if we do then it will be the parent's responsibility to intervene.

Is it a creche for babies and toddlers too?

No, it is not a creche but a place for children of any age to learn about the gospels, so we cannot cater for very young children, unless their parents attend too and take full responsibility for them.

You know, I think I might give it a try

Great, it would be wonderful to have you back - see you next Sunday?

You too?

There is a childrens' liturgy every Saturday at Stainforth, and during the 11 a.m. Mass at Moorends.

One of the main concerns in the Parish of Moorends is the decline in the number of young people attending Mass. We recognise that there are many reasons for this, many of which are outside our control, but we can certainly help by making the church more child friendly. We decided to make a positive step forward by introducing a special liturgy for children, and, after much behind the scenes work, the Childrens' Liturgy was introduced at Pentecost 2003 in Moorends.

The children show off their completed projects

Shortly after the beginning of the Mass children taking part leave the church for a specially designed liturgy in the presbytery. This consists of a short prayer followed by a simplified version of the Gospel reading, followed by a discussion with the children. There is then a related practical activity and the children then go back into the Mass, taking their work as an offering.

Showing off the loaves and fishes

We have four leaders and a pool of adult helpers, so that there is a minimum of 2 adults present in the liturgy, and parents are very welcome to attend if they wish. All leaders and helpers are registered under the parish Child Protection Scheme.

Numbers of children attending are still small, but are increasing, and enjoy the experience. If your children would like to participate then come along next Sunday. There is no need to book, any children up to age 11 are eligible.

Alternatively if you would like to help then you would be extremely welcome.

The children prepare to offer their work

 
This is an example of the format of the childrens' liturgy

Seventeenth Sunday of the Year

Jesus feeds the people

INTRODUCTION

Jesus loved and cared for his followers; one day with only five loaves and two fish he was able to feed a crowd of five thousand people.

SIGN OF THE CROSS

LIGHT THE CANDLES    

Light the candles and sing the Candle Song together.

SORRY If we have wandered away from God’s friendship and love, let us tell him that we are sorry and ask for his forgiveness as we sing Sorry Song 4.

GLORIA

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (All) Alleluia, alleluia. (Reader) May we listen to your word, Lord and carry it in our hearts. (All) Alleluia.

GOSPEL (cf John 6.1-15) Jesus crossed the Sea of Galilee, and seeing that a large crowd had followed him along the shore, he turned to Philip and asked, ‘Where can we buy some bread to feed these people?’ Philip answered, ‘Master, it would cost a fortune to give each person even a small piece of bread!’ Then a small boy, with five loaves and two fish was brought to Jesus. ‘This is all the food we have!’ the disciples said. ‘Tell the people to sit down,’ Jesus said, and taking the bread and fish, he gave thanks to God, then he gave the food out to as many as five thousand people, and there was plenty for everyone. When they had finished eating, they filled twelve baskets with the scraps that were left! These people saw and believed that Jesus was indeed the Son of God.

DISCUSSION Last week we talked about Jesus as the ‘Good Shepherd’ who takes care of the needs of his flock. What did the people on the hillside need that day? — The people had walked many miles that day to be with Jesus, and they were tired and hungry. It was miles to the nearest town, and even then, Jesus and his disciples did not have enough money to buy food for so many! The people needed food, and Jesus provided it for them. How many people were in the crowd that day? — The Gospel tells us that as many as five thousand people needed to be fed that day. The exact number does not really matter, because normally five loaves and two fish could not possibly feed them all. Have you ever shared a meal with a large number of people? — At certain times of year perhaps at Christmas or a birthday party, many friends and relatives gather together to share a meal. Usually a lot of planning and preparation takes place, to make sure that there is enough for everyone to eat and drink. Imagine how the disciples must have felt when Jesus suddenly decided that they should feed this huge crowd of people! What did Jesus do with the loaves and the fish?, He thanked God for his goodness, blessed the food and then shared it with the people. When does Jesus feed us? — Jesus said, ‘I am the Bread of Life. If you eat this bread, I will live in you and you in me.’ At the Eucharistic meal, Jesus shares himself with us in a very special way, so we can grow in God’s love and be filled with joy and goodness.

ACTIVITY Ask each child to draw a picture of a basket and then glue two cut-out fish and five loaves into place on their picture. After colouring, help them to write, ‘Jesus feeds his people’ on their completed picture. loaves and fishes

CREED

CLOSING PRAYER Lord Jesus, you fed the hungry crowds that day, and you feed us with the bread of life. Through the gift of yourself help us to become more like you.

 

Home