Children and families are at the heart of parish life at St Mary’s, St John Bosco and St Edward’s.
The Catholic faith is not simply something children learn in preparation for a particular sacrament. It is a living relationship with Jesus Christ, nurtured through prayer, Sunday Mass, the sacraments, family life and belonging to the Church.
Parents are the first and most important teachers of their children in the faith. Our parish seeks to support them in this responsibility, offering guidance, preparation, encouragement and opportunities for children to grow in their love of God.
Whether your family has been practising the Catholic faith for many years, is returning after some time away, or is only beginning to explore Christianity, you are very welcome.
Sunday Mass and Children’s Liturgy
Growing Together in Worship
Sunday Mass is the centre of Catholic family life.
Children gradually learn to take part in the Church’s worship by coming to Mass, hearing God’s Word, learning to pray, and seeing the faith lived by their parents and the wider parish community.
Families with babies and young children are very welcome at Mass. Children do not need to understand everything or sit perfectly still to begin belonging to the worshipping community.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Our Children’s Liturgy helps younger children encounter the Sunday Gospel in language they can understand.
The resources are intended especially for children aged approximately 3–8 and include Scripture, Catholic teaching, questions, prayer and simple activities.
Parents and grandparents are also welcome to use these resources at home, helping children reflect upon the Sunday Gospel throughout the week.
Preparing Children for the Sacraments
The sacraments are gifts of Jesus Christ through which He gives us His grace and draws us into a deeper life with Him.
Our parish provides personal preparation for children and young people. Rather than requiring everyone to follow a single annual course, preparation begins with a conversation and takes account of the child’s age, circumstances, understanding and readiness.
Parents remain closely involved, supported where appropriate by parish catechists or mentors.
Baptism for Babies and Young Children
Baptism is the beginning of new life in Christ. Parents seeking Baptism for their child are invited to begin with a conversation about the sacrament, their family and the Christian life they wish to share with their child.
BAPTISM FOR BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
First Confession
First Confession introduces children to the beautiful Sacrament of God’s forgiveness. Preparation helps them understand sin, repentance, God’s mercy and the joy of being reconciled with Christ.
First Holy Communion
In First Holy Communion, a child receives Jesus Christ, truly present in the Blessed Sacrament, for the first time.
Preparation helps children understand the Holy Mass, the Real Presence and the importance of receiving Our Lord with faith, reverence and love.
Confirmation for Young People
Confirmation strengthens the grace of Baptism through a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Young people preparing for Confirmation are encouraged to deepen their Catholic faith, develop a personal life of prayer, participate in Sunday Mass and learn to live as faithful witnesses to Christ.
Children Who Have Not Been Baptised or Are Coming into the Catholic Church
Some children begin their journey towards the sacraments later in childhood. Others have already been baptised in another Christian community and now wish to become Catholic.
The parish provides appropriate preparation for these circumstances.
BAPTISM FOR CHILDREN AGED SEVEN AND OVER
BAPTISED CHILD COMING INTO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Growing in Faith at Home
The home is one of the most important places in which children encounter the Catholic faith.
Family prayer does not need to be complicated.
Making the Sign of the Cross, saying grace before meals, praying together in the morning or evening, reading a little of the Gospel, and speaking naturally about God all help children recognise that faith belongs to ordinary life.
Parents teach their children not only through words, but through example: by coming to Mass, forgiving others, showing kindness, keeping God’s commandments and seeking His mercy when they fall.
Our parish offers practical resources to help families develop these habits.
HOW TO BEGIN A DAILY PRAYER LIFE
The important thing is not to attempt everything at once, but to begin simply and allow faith to grow.
When Your Family Is Beginning Again
Sometimes a child’s interest in Baptism, First Holy Communion or Confirmation encourages the whole family to think more seriously about faith.
Perhaps you were baptised Catholic but have not attended Mass regularly for some years.
Perhaps you would like your children to know God but are unsure where to begin yourself.
Perhaps your family circumstances have changed, or you have questions about the Church.
You are welcome to come and talk.
You do not need to have everything sorted out before approaching the parish. We can help you find a genuine way forward.
RETURNING TO THE CATHOLIC FAITH
Children, Young People and Parish Life
The Catholic faith grows through belonging to the worshipping community.
As children become older, there may be opportunities to take a more active part in parish life through altar serving, suitable parish activities, charitable service and other forms of involvement.
Families are also warmly encouraged to join parish gatherings and celebrations, helping children discover that the Church is not simply somewhere we attend, but a community in which we worship, serve and care for one another.
PARISH LIFE – GETTING INVOLVED
Catholic Schools
Our local Catholic schools also contribute to the religious education and formation of children and young people.
Information about local Catholic primary and secondary schools is available here.
All activities involving children and young people are subject to the parish’s safeguarding requirements.
Where Should Your Family Begin?
If you would like your child to receive a sacrament, are interested in becoming more involved in the parish, or simply have questions about helping your family grow in faith, please get in touch.
The first step is usually a simple conversation.
We will help you understand the opportunities available and find the appropriate next step for your family.
St Mary’s · St John Bosco · St Edward’s
Contact: Fr John Owens
Email: john.owens@dioceseofnottingham.uk
A Prayer for Our Families
Lord Jesus Christ,
Bless the children and families of our parish.
Help parents to be faithful witnesses to Your love, and children to grow in wisdom, goodness and holiness.
May our homes be places of prayer, forgiveness, patience and charity.
Keep us close to Your Church, strengthen us through the sacraments, and guide us along the path to eternal life.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, watch over our families.
Amen.
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 19:14
May every child and family discover in our parish a place where they can come to know, love and follow Jesus Christ.
