Young Children & Parents
Our church community includes a large number of young families, some of whom have come into contact with the church through our schools, and others who have continued to join in the life of our parish after bringing their children to baptism.
Sundays: Crèche and Sunday School
Rather than having a monthly 'family service', we welcome all members of our church family, whatever age, at all our services. On Sundays during the 10.00 am Mass a crèche is provided for the youngest children (up to three years). This is in the choir vestry (through the double doors to the right of the altar), and can be used as a 'time-out' for church as needed. See also: Children In Church FAQ
There is a thriving Sunday school for children of pre-school age and above. Forty helpers from the congregation take it in turns to run the five classes and the crèche. The pre-school class caters for over 3s who are able to be left unaccompanied, and takes place in the Church Hall alongside Class 1 which caters for rising fives and reception. In the upstairs classrooms, Class 2 is for years one and two, Class 3 for years three and four, and Class 4 for year five and above. Parents and other members of the congregation are very welcome to come to the classrooms (upstairs in the Church Centre) at the end of mass to see the children's work which is on display.
During the past year our Sunday school team have also put on two Saturday workshops for over fives, one in Holy Week and one in Advent - these were both a great success and will hopefully be repeated: watch this space!
During the week
On Wednesday mornings during school term-time we have a short service for toddlers (no minimum age!) and parents from 9.30 am, consisting of songs and simple prayers, followed by a playgroup in the church centre (run by volunteer parents). The church centre is open for coffee as on every morning, and this is a good opportunity for parents to get to know each other - some have even been known to drop in during the school holidays when the playgroup is not running!
The Jigsaw Pre-School takes place in the Church Centre from Monday to Friday (except Wednesday) during term time, 9.15 to 2.50 pm. For more information and to register your child, please call in at the Church Centre when the Pre-School is on and speak to one of the teachers.