Children's Group - September 2009
The parish provides catholic instruction for children aged 3 to 11 years under the guidance of Elizabeth and her assistants, as the majority of
our children do not attend Catholic Primary schools.
It is pleasing the groups have grown, and the children who attend several different schools, have benefited from the friendships formed and the development and understanding of their faith from Wednesday sessions.
This has contributed to their spiritual growth too as they learn to take part in parish liturgies and share in the relevant preparation for receiving the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion.
The children's spiritual lives develop over many years, and the understanding and growth they achieve with their friends is a vital part of our parish.
We also see them continue to develop after the
"big occasions", as the sacraments become established
in their daily lives.
It is gratifying to know that the majority of children, in comparison to their peers, when taking part in Religious Studies in secondary school, have a greater knowledge and understanding of the Christian and Catholic faith, and don't feel inhibited to express their views.
Parish Angels, Parish Pelicans and Parish Doves – who are we?
The following is a brief explanation of our Group names.
- Parish Angels – (pre-communion) - God's Messengers
- Parish Pelicans - (First Holy Communion) – the pelican mother, when food was scarce, would pierce her breast to feed her young, symbolic of the sacrifice of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.
- Parish Doves - (post-communion) – the Holy Spirit leading them to the Sacrament of Confirmation.
On Saturday 26th September 2009, we came together for the first time since July for a retreat day.
The theme "I am special" was explored in the morning through making foam name hats and playing the game "Chair for a crown", similar to musical chairs, there was never a "loser" because Jesus' love makes everyone special.
Everyone had the opportunity to sit in "the chair", tell us their name and something special about themselves.
Following delicious packed lunches provided by the children’s parents and some fun outside games, the afternoon theme "Caretakers of God's Creation" was explored with Phil Williams.
We were reminded that in the beginning God created the world and we are here as caretakers of God's beautiful creation.
Sometimes we forget how to take care of it and become greedy and selfish. 
Phil reminded us of our responsibility and together we thought of lots of useful tips and ideas of how to look after God’s creation and how to influence the "grown-ups" to change their ways. The children looked at different artefacts from the Amazon Rain Forest. They were amazed to discover which natural resources are used to produce the items.
The afternoon ended with the Lord’s Prayer and very tired children and equally exhausted adults! Now you have learned a little about our Groups hopefully you are interested in your children joining us.
Group sessions run throughout the school term on a Wednesday afternoon, to find out more please contact Elizabeth Hughes (01446) 774 212 for further details.
