Building community through children’s liturgy programs

A group of children gather at the front of St Joseph’s Parish Church in O’Connor, and Head of Liturgy Fiona McKenna smiles as they proudly hold up their colouring in sheets.

“It is only the second Children’s Liturgy session we have ever held,” she said.

“But it is already getting more and more popular with families.”

The decision to launch a Children’s Liturgy is a new step in outreach to the parish’s youngest members.

“I saw an increase in young children attending Mass with their families, and I really felt it highlighted the need for a liturgy specifically tailored to engage and educate them,” Fiona said.

“We feel it allows parents to participate more fully in the Mass, knowing their children are engaged in meaningful and age-appropriate faith activities. It also allows parents to focus on their own spiritual experience during the service.”

Fiona said the program enriched children’s understanding of the Gospel.

“The Children’s Liturgy will encourage families to take the liturgy back into their homes, fostering discussions about their experiences during Mass,” she said.

“Hopefully the dialogue might help reinforce the lessons learned and deepen their understanding of the faith outside the church setting. We are hoping children will learn this is something they can really look forward to.”

Fiona said the program aimed to support the whole family unit in their spiritual journey, making Mass a more fulfilling and inclusive experience for all members of the parish community.

“It all starts with creating a vibrant and nurturing environment where children look forward to participating in and learning about their faith,” she said.

“That in itself imbues hope. They make friends and build connections, allowing them to journey through life with kids with similar faith ideals in a loving environment. That is basically the embodiment of how hope develops over time. It does make a difference.”

At Mary Help of Christians Parish in South Woden, the Children’s Liturgy has been running for over ten years.

“I have heard several testimonies over the years about how some children remember the liturgy very well, with fondness, and it helped them in their faith,” Fr Emil Milat said.

“The parents can have a more settled time to hear the Word of God and they often value it. The children do very much enjoy having the Word of God explained to them in a way they can understand more readily. They love the activities and can take them home.”

At St Augustine’s Parish in Yass, the first Children’s Liturgy was held in 2022.

Liturgy leader Jaclyn Green said the children loved getting together.

“They have some really inspiring insights into the readings,” she said.

“There’s a real sense of community, with older children help younger students. We are lucky to have some high school students who regularly come along and help too. I think that sometimes it can feel a little isolating going to Mass as a kid, especially when your friends aren’t going, and it is nice to be able to come together and connect with other people your own age.”

The parish values the ministry so highly that they are fundraising to have a multipurpose room added to the church.

“We process in with the offertory and will put our work in front of the altar. It’s a nice connection to what we’re coming to celebrate. Many parishioners will come up and thank us for what we are doing,” Jaclyn said.

“I think that a church with children fills everyone’s hearts.”