Our focus as a parish is to help families to discover a personal relationship with Jesus. Once that relationship comes to life, we support ongoing formation so that members of the family can engage in that relationship and grow in love of Christ and His church.
What we offer for children is.
A time during every Sunday Mass when they can actively engage with the Sunday readings in an age-appropriate way.
Every month we have Family Masses, the children take up roles like welcoming, singing, altar serving and reading at Mass.
At Christmas and Holy Week the children spend time preparing for these celebrations in a very active way.
We don’t yet have a creche for very little ones (but if you would like to help with that you would be very welcome) however there is a children’s space at the back of church with toys for little ones to play with. Never worry if you child cries during Mass, every parent has been there and it shows the church is alive.
The Parish also has two parish schools and the children have daily times of prayer, the teaching of RE has been classed as ‘outstanding’ and each school has regular class Masses and whole school Masses. If your child is not in a Catholic school we can help fill in any gaps in their understanding, just come and talk to us.
For children in Yr 6 we would like to invite children to enrol in the ‘Faith in Action Award Scheme’ and hopefully we can develop this later this year.
For children in Yr 8 we have deanery-based confirmation preparation and celebration.
What we offer for parents is
Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the basics of the Christian faith. Each session looks at a different question that people can have about faith and is designed to create conversation. It’s an open, informal and honest space to explore and discuss life’s big questions together. During this time there is a special evening and Saturday that helps you in a prayerful way with your relationship with Jesus. These sessions are in small groups and are a great way to meet new people.
Is it open for non-Catholics? Yes! We love to see you take part.
We love to have family’s sharing together.
We offer throughout the year a Family Treasure Hunt around church, Night of Light, Family Fun Nights, monthly Family Masses, a session on, ‘Who is Who in our Church?’ A Summer Family Fun Day. We would love to hear your ideas of other things families could share in together, perhaps day trips or social times.
Sacramental formation
Once a relationship with Jesus comes to life we would love to support you in your role as a Catholic/Christian parent. Sacramental preparation is not based on year groups or is a programme for many different reasons families are ready at different times. Our goal is to have dynamic and engaging formation based on the age and developmental level of your child. Sacrament preparation helps you and your child(ren) to prepare for life in the church.
We encourage you as a family to share your time, talent and treasure with God and the parish community.
I don’t know anyone at Our Lady’s church but I am interested, what do I do now?
We are here every week just turn up, it would be great to see you. You can sign up to engage with our Family Ministry which takes place throughout the year. You can speak with one the Children’s Liturgy Catechists at Mass or Fr Stephen.