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by a group of parishioners who felt that Sunday Mass needed to make a special outreach to children, to engage their interest and attention.
The aim of the children's liturgy at the Family Mass is to make the Gospel message more accessible to children. There are two age groups: 4-7 and 8-12. Children and parents are invited and led by members of the Family Mass team to leave the church after the Opening Greeting. They go to two rooms in the parish office beside the church. Here children have a simple Penitential Rite, greet the Gospel and then hear the Gospel reading of the day in a simplified form. They then have the opportunity to discuss the Gospel message and its relevance to them in their own lives. Colouring/ drawing/ puzzle activities follow while some children prepare a Communion Reflection.
The children, parents and team return to the church at the Offertory, carrying their banner with the theme of the Gospel and their activity sheets. The children join in the singing led by the Folk Group and use actions for the Our Father. After Communion there is an activity or short reflection which the children have prepared. Parents and children find their attention and interest in the Mass is stimulated by their special activities. Adults and members of the congregation find the children's Communion Reflection highlights the Gospel message in a simple yet very effective way.
The Family Mass team meet once a month to prepare Gospel readings, Communion Reflections and to evaluate and plan. New members for the team are very welcome and much needed. For more information on the Family Mass, please phone the Parish Pastoral Office on 8353098.
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