Children & Families
Families are a valued part of parish life. Whether you’re visiting with little ones, preparing for a sacrament, or looking for support, you are very welcome.
Children’s Masses
A Mass for Children is celebrated once a month between September and June, with the main focus alternating between the Primary 4 children preparing for First Holy Communion through the Parish ‘Do This in Memory’ programme and a Mass focusing on the Primary 3 children preparing for their First Reconciliation. The Primary 3 Masses also provide an opportunity for all the other children attending to be involved. These children-focused Masses replace the normal Children’s Liturgy of the Word. For Children’s Masses during July and August, please consult the newsletter.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Our Children’s Liturgy takes place during Sunday Mass and is led by a dedicated team of PVG-approved catechists. The team prepares and delivers a child-friendly Liturgy of the Word, helping children engage with the Gospel in a way they can understand.
Currently, there are two groups meeting weekly:
Young children (up to Primary 2) meet in the parish hall.
Older children (Primary 3 and above) gather in the Parish House meeting room.
All children are warmly welcome. For more information, please contact the coordinator: Arlene Lauder – 669 5447
Baptism
If you wish to have your child baptised, please contact Fr Jock. You’ll then be invited to join a two-evening preparation course led by our Baptismal Team. After the course, Fr Jock, Fr Shaiju, or Deacon Eddie will visit you at home to continue the journey.
Baptisms are usually celebrated:
During Sunday Mass
On Saturdays at 12 noon
After Sunday Mass
Or by arrangement
Please note: Baptisms are not normally celebrated during Lent or Advent.
The Parish Baptismal Team is led by Kath Zoltie, Tracy Burgess, Bernadetta Mooney and usan Hay.
For enquiries, please call 669 5447.
For adults seeking baptism, please see our page on becoming a Catholic
Faith Journey for Children
For most children, the Sacrament of First Reconciliation is celebrated during Lent when they are in Primary 3. Following this, in Primary 4, the children prepare to receive their First Holy Communion around May/June, as part of the Do This in Memory programme.
This parish programme is coordinated by a team of parishioners led by Barbara Service (First Communion) and Gillian Ramage (First Reconciliation). Preparation is usually a collaboration between St John’s and St Mary Magdalene’s Parishes and St John’s Primary School. However, we also welcome children who do not attend the associated primary school.
If your child is not at the associated primary school or a Catholic school and you would like more information about how they can receive the Sacraments, please contact Fr Jock in the first instance.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is now celebrated at the Primary 7 stage for most children and is coordinated by Arlene Lauder (07950 880833).
