Helping Children Listen to the Word of God
Children’s Liturgy of the Word helps younger children hear, understand and respond to the Sunday Gospel in a way suited to their age.
The resources published here are written especially for children aged approximately 3–8, although parents, grandparents, teachers and catechists are welcome to adapt them according to the children they are helping.
Each week we begin with the Word of God and try to help children discover a simple but important truth:
Jesus speaks to us, loves us and calls us to follow Him.
Latest Children’s Liturgy
The latest resources for Sundays and major celebrations are shown below.
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Children’s Liturgy of the Word, 1st November, All Saints
Celebrate All Saints’ Day and discover how God calls us all to be saints in Heaven through His love and grace.
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Children’s Liturgy of the Word, 25th October
The liturgy for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time emphasises Jesus’ two great commandments: to love God wholeheartedly and to love one’s neighbour as oneself. The lesson provides activities and discussions aimed at helping children understand that love is demonstrated through actions and kindness, particularly towards those in need or who feel excluded.
What You Will Find in Each Resource
Our Children’s Liturgy resources are designed to be practical and easy to use.
Depending upon the Sunday, they may include:
- a simple introduction to the theme;
- the Sunday Gospel presented for children;
- questions and conversation;
- Catholic teaching arising from the readings;
- simple activities and actions;
- prayer and moments of quiet;
- ways of connecting the Gospel with the Holy Mass;
- suggestions for living the Gospel during the coming week;
- children’s intercessions;
- short memory verses or phrases;
- optional activities which can be adapted to the group.
You do not need to use everything.
Choose what is most suitable for the children, the time available and the circumstances in which you are using the resource.
The Word of God and the Holy Mass
Children’s Liturgy is intended to help children participate more fruitfully in the worship of the whole Church.
It is not a separate children’s service or simply an activity session.
The same Lord Jesus who speaks to us in the Gospel gives Himself to His Church in the Holy Eucharist.
As children grow, we want to help them recognise that Scripture, prayer, the Holy Mass and everyday Christian life belong together.
Coming to Sunday Mass with their family remains at the heart of their formation in the Catholic faith.
VIEW MASS, CONFESSION & ADORATION TIMES
Using These Resources at Home
These materials are not only for organised Children’s Liturgy groups.
Families are very welcome to use them at home.
You might:
- read the Sunday Gospel together;
- choose one or two of the questions;
- try one of the activities;
- pray the children’s intercessions;
- learn the memory line together;
- choose one practical way of living the Gospel during the week.
Even ten minutes spent talking and praying together can help children discover that the Catholic faith belongs to ordinary family life.
The aim is not to reproduce a classroom lesson.
It is simply to help children know Jesus, listen to His Word and learn to follow Him.
Helping Children Grow in Faith
Children learn the faith not only from what adults tell them, but also from what they see.
They learn when they see parents and other adults:
- coming faithfully to Mass;
- praying;
- making the Sign of the Cross;
- going to Confession;
- treating others with kindness;
- forgiving;
- speaking naturally about God;
- and trying to live as Catholics throughout the week.
No resource can replace that witness.
Children’s Liturgy can support family faith, but the strongest catechesis is a child gradually discovering that Jesus Christ is at the centre of the life of the family and the parish.
Preparing for the Sacraments
Children’s Liturgy can help children grow in familiarity with Scripture, prayer and Catholic life, but it is not itself sacramental preparation.
Preparation for Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation follows the parish’s personal sacramental pathways.
Each child and family is accompanied according to their circumstances and readiness.
EXPLORE THE SACRAMENTS AND SACRAMENTAL PATHWAYS
More Ways to Grow in Faith
Our parish website contains many other resources to help children, families and adults continue growing in the Catholic faith.
Grow in Faith
Explore our wider collection of Catholic formation, Scripture, prayer and practical resources.
Parish Life
Discover ways of becoming involved in the life of St Mary’s, St John Bosco and St Edward’s.
PARISH LIFE — GETTING INVOLVED
New to the Catholic Church?
If you are new to the parish, returning after some time away, or beginning to explore the Catholic faith, you are very welcome.
A Prayer for Our Children
Lord Jesus,
thank You for the children You have entrusted to our families and parish.
Help them to know that they are loved by You.
Open their hearts to Your Word.
Teach them to pray,
to love what is good,
to forgive,
to be generous,
and to follow You faithfully.
Bless their parents, families, teachers and all who help them grow in faith.
Keep our children close to You
and lead them, step by step,
towards the joy of Heaven.
Amen.
