In the parish
Children at Church
Learn what to expect at Mass, find our children’s corners and family services, and register your child for parish activities.
Visit Children at Church →
“Let all who come be received as Christ”
Welcome · Worship · Wonder
Children & Families
A place for little hearts and growing minds, where children are welcomed into the worshipping life of the Church and families can grow together in the love of Christ.
Growing in faith together
Your family belongs here
Children are not simply the Church of tomorrow: through Baptism they are members of the Body of Christ today.
Whether you worship every Sunday, are returning after time away, or are beginning to explore Christian faith with your children, you will receive a warm welcome at St Mary’s and St Matthew’s.
Bring the wriggles, giggles, crayons and questions. We do not expect family life to be silent or perfectly organised; we hope instead to help every generation encounter Jesus in prayer, Scripture, the Sacraments and the love of the parish family.
Where would you like to begin?
Two ways to explore
Find practical information about attending church with children, or discover simple ways to make prayer part of everyday family life.
Every day
Faith at Home
Begin with short family prayers, child-friendly devotions and gentle ideas for helping faith take root in ordinary life.
Explore Faith at Home →Come as you are
Children at Mass
Mass is the heart of our common life. Children learn that they belong by worshipping with the whole Church.
Fully welcome
Babies cry and toddlers explore. You are welcome to remain in the pews, move around when necessary or use a children’s space.
Children’s corners
Both churches provide books, quiet activities and age-appropriate resources to help children participate at their own pace.
Join in together
Children may listen, sing, watch the liturgy and learn simple responses. Participation grows naturally through familiarity.
Rooted in Catholic faith
Encountering Christ together
Our family ministry is centred on Jesus Christ, present in the Scriptures, in the gathered Church and above all in the Sacraments. We want children to know the rhythm of the Christian year, the friendship of the saints, the beauty of prayer and the joy of belonging to Christ’s Church.
“Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”
— Matthew 19:14
Through the Christian year
Special worship for families
Children are particularly encouraged to take part in these accessible celebrations, while remaining welcome at every parish service.
Epiphany
Follow the wise men to Bethlehem and celebrate Christ revealed as light for the whole world.
Candlemas & Christingle
Share the light of Christ through candles, prayer and the much-loved Christingle celebration.
Stations of the Cross
A gentle, child-accessible journey with Jesus through the story of his Passion and saving love.
Easter
Rejoice in the Resurrection with the whole parish as we celebrate the heart of Christian faith.
Pentecost
Discover the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birthday of the Church through colour, prayer and praise.
Harvest Festival
Give thanks for God’s creation and share generously with neighbours through our harvest gifts.
All Saints
Meet faithful friends of Christ from every age and remember that we are called to be saints too.
Christmas Crib Service
Gather at the crib for carols and the story of Jesus’ birth in a joyful service for every generation.
A warm invitation
Would it help to speak with someone first?
If you have questions about attending with children, accessibility, additional needs or what happens during Mass, the Parish Office will be pleased to help.
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