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It’s been a real blessing to see (and hear) the presence of so many more young people at Mass these days, especially as the severity and impact of the pandemic has lessened over the years since I’ve been here. Now, especially at our 11am Mass, we tend to have quite a few young ones roaming about with their parents doing their best to reign them in.
Last year, I had a young parent approach me about the potential for organising and running a Children’s Liturgy of the Word during our Sunday Mass. With a young one herself, Jennifer was also beginning to notice other young ones with parents who might appreciate having something for the young ones at their level for Mass.
A Children’s Liturgy of the Word happens during Mass, where the children who are of a certain age can be sent to another room or place to hear a reading or two from that Sunday and reflect on them in their own way. After some time, they then come back to rejoin the rest of the liturgical assembly for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
We are looking at starting up a children's Liturgy during the 11 o'clock Mass, which currently has the most young people. The children's Liturgy will be aimed at children 6 years old and under. Those children would be invited to gather in the library for the first part of Mass (Liturgy of the Word) where we will read a passage from the children's Gospel, sing songs and make connections. We would then be rejoining the rest of the congregation after the Prayers of the Faithful, during the offertory, for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Once we get started this would likely run every other Sunday (about twice a month or so).
We have an organiser (Jennifer), but are looking for others who would like to be part of the team and help run the program. Any adult who is interested in volunteering can let the church office know and you will be put in touch with the organiser for more information. We would also like to hear from parents if they think their children would appreciate or benefit from something like this. Contact the parish office at 204-949-3760 or info@st-timothy.ca. We look forward to hearing from you!
“Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” (Matt 19:14)
Fr. Brian Trueman
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