WHAT IS LITURGY?
​Liturgy comes from the Greek work, Leitourgia, which means, "public work or work done for the people on behalf of someone else."
Children's Liturgy is a form of Christian worship.
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Scriptures and service go hand in hand. When scripture is read, the Liturgy unites us to Jesus' mission. Jesus offered himself to complete the "work" of salvation. Therefore, everyone shares in the "work" of salvation whether they are a messenger of the Word or a participant in the Word. What we receive in the Liturgy is God's Grace.
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The Children's Liturgy runs from October until the end of May during the 11:00 a.m. Mass, each Sunday, in the parish hall, at St. Gertrude's Church.
No registration is required and we welcome children of all ages. However, infants, toddlers, and children under 4 years of age require a parent or an older sibling in attendance.
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Each week, different children are chosen to carry the cross and the children's bible and/or picture bible. At the beginning of mass, after the greeting, Fr. Michael or the celebrant welcomes the children to the front of the altar and briefly introduces the main point of the Gospel. The children are then blessed and while they proceed to the parish hall to hear the Word, a children's hymn is sung such as, "Jesus Loves Me" or "I Want to Walk as A Child of the Light" . The lesson lasts until the General Intercessions and then at the Offertory, five children are chosen to carry the cross and the gifts. The rest of the children are supervised back into the Church to sit with their families.
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Colouring/activity sheets and a craft that relates to the main theme of the Gospel are introduced weekly based on the Gospel. We encourage children to take everything home and not leave their work behind in the parish hall. If any of these activities do not get completed during our time in the parish hall, we encourage the children to bring the Liturgy lesson home. This enables parents and family members to continue Liturgy at home as well as being aware of what their child has learned earlier in the day.
Based on Gospel readings, we enjoy giving our children awesome nicknames, such as Kingdom Kids, Jesus' Littles, Jesus' Loves and Little Fishers!
Children's Liturgy Offering
In the past, families were asked to send a small offering with their child every time they participated in the Liturgy. This offering is optional and can range from a nickel to a toonie or whatever you feel comfortable giving. The purpose of this offering is an encouragement for your child to save and to give. When the children put their own money in the money jar, all donations are used to help with some craft supplies expenses and/or the end of year party in May!