Children In Church FAQ
We are always delighted to welcome children and their parents to any of our Church services. We do however appreciate the difficulties that many parents have in coping with little children during a Sung Mass, which typically lasts for a good hour and a quarter. What follows are some (hopefully) helpful and honest answers to the questions that parents often ask...
1. Where is the best place to sit?
The best place to sit is near to the front of the Church on the right hand side (near the entrance to the Church centre). Not only will children be able to see better, but it is nearer to the toilets and the choir vestry, where a crèche is available for 'time out'.
2. How can I occupy my children during mass?
If your child is aged three or over they can join our Sunday school, which has a pre-school class and four more classes for older children of primary school age. A dedicated team of over forty volunteers take it in turn to lead the classes. For more information speak to one of the clergy or the Sunday School coordinator on duty.
If you have a baby or toddler under three, please bring along a few of their favourite quiet toys or books. We also have a selection of books for children to borrow, kept in a box near the Church Centre entrance. Please try to avoid bringing noisy toys, however, as they tend to distract those around you!
3. What should I do if my child gets restless?
Please feel free to bring your child out into the crèche (through the Church Centre door) for a 'time out' as necessary - it is essential that you stay there with them as there is no supervision, but it is a good space within which to allow your child to 'let off steam' before rejoining the service. Toilets and nappy changing facilities are also available in the Centre.
4. How tolerant are older members of the congregation towards children in Church?
Generally speaking, all members of the congregational are very welcoming to children but obviously they have come to Church primarily to worship God. Therefore most can only cope with a certain level of distraction before worship ceases to be possible - a noisy child can make it difficult to concentrate on the service. We therefore ask parents to be sensitive to this, and take their children out before the level of noise or distraction becomes to high. And occasionally we have to remind the grown ups of the need to set a good example by not talking during the service! We are also aware that it can be difficult for you as a parent to worship when you are looking after children. Some parents like to come by themselves to the quieter 8 am mass from time to time, where they find it easier to engage with what is going on.
5. Do you have any services specifically for children?
On Wednesday mornings during school term-time we have a short service for toddlers and parents, at 9.30, followed by the Toddler Group (more information).