CORPUS CHRISTI CHILDREN'S LITURGY  
On Sunday January 13th 2002, Children's Liturgy was celebrated at the 10.30 Mass for the first time. There had been much discussion in the preceding months but with the support of the parents, Fr Pete and Fr. Des, and after three preparation meetings we were ready to launch this new initiative on time.
 
The Liturgy, which consists of a penitential rite, the reading and discussion of the Gospel of the day, an activity and prayers, takes place in an area at the entrance to the church. It is conducted in a calm, reverent and relaxed atmosphere and always with an element of fun, thus giving the children an opportunity to hear the word of God and praise him. The children now arrange themselves for the Offertory Procession with great eagerness!
 
The support and enthusiasm of the parents has been the driving force of this new venture. Equally important is their willingness to take their place on the Leaders' Rota so that together with four other Leaders, the children benefit from a variety of approaches to each Sunday's Liturgy. Also playing a pivotal role is Louise who liases with the Group Leader and the Priest and ensures that everyone and everything ends up in the right place!
 
After three months, the Children's Liturgy is an established part of our Sunday worship. Many things that happen on the day are spontaneous but behind each Liturgy lies much preparation. The children's ages range from 3 to 9 years and our group numbers vary from 5 to 10 children, so each session is challenging We have been greatly encouraged by the supportive comments of our adult parishioners and welcome any suggestions they make. The children themselves are now very much 'at ease' in their own church. This is how it should be. They are, after all, the Church of the future.
 
Mary Lavin April 2002