What is the Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)?

If you are visiting us with young children, you might hear an invitation for them to join the Children’s Liturgy during Sunday Mass. This is a warm and welcoming space designed specifically for our younger parishioners, usually of primary school age.

Making the Gospel Accessible

This session takes place during the Liturgy of the Word – the part of the Mass dedicated to the Bible readings and the Gospel. While the adults listen to the readings in the main church, the children are invited to explore the very same themes in a separate, supervised space. The aim is to make the message of the day more accessible for children using age-appropriate language, storytelling and interactive discussion.

Rejoining the Congregation

After the readings and a short activity – such as a craft or a song – the children rejoin their families in the main church for the rest of the Mass. It’s a wonderful way for them to grow in faith and feel like a valued part of our parish community, all at their own pace.

Everyone is welcome! If your child is a little shy or it’s your first time visiting, parents are more than welcome to go along with them to see what it’s all about.

Sacred Heart Church – 9.15am to 10.15am

There are currently three Little Church groups

1. Children of pre-school age and their parents
2. Children at school but pre-First Holy Communion
3. Children who’ve made their First Holy Communion

Clifton Cathedral – 9.30am to 10.30am

Children’s Liturgy of the Word is part of the 9.30am Mass for children of primary school age. A lovely children’s liturgy helping to make the mass relevant for primary school aged children. If you can volunteer to help, training will be provided. After mass there is a sociable coffee in the Apostle Room for the parents, while the kids have a chance to play and make friends.

St Augustine of Canterbury – 9.30am to 10.30am

Every Sunday during the 9.30am Mass.  A wonderful Children’s Liturgy that follows the order of the Mass in a way that’s easy for little ones to follow. Through child-friendly songs and rhymes, we help children learn about the service and their faith in a fun, engaging and accessible environment.

St Bonaventure’s – 10.00am to 11.00am

Every Sunday at 10am

St Patrick’s – 10.00am to 11.00am

Each Sunday during the 10:00am Mass, children aged 3-8 are invited to enjoy their own liturgy from the opening hymn at Mass to the Offertory. About 52 children attend these sessions led by volunteer trained diocesan catechists.

St Mary on the Quay – 10.30am to 11.30am

The Children’s Liturgy is aimed at children up to the time when they make their First Holy Communion at the age of 8. Children under the age of 4 have to be accompanied by an adult. Followed by Sunday School.