St Benet’s Children’s Programme 2018-19
St Benet’s organises many events throughout the year for families and children. Through them we aim to have fun, learn more about our faith and about each other, bear witness to Christ, and worship together in a way that is especially meaningful for families and children.
On some Sundays a children’s Mass is celebrated instead of our normal Sung Mass. These are liturgies which are particularly focussed on the worshipping needs of our younger children.
In addition to Sunday activities for children, we also offer a programme of Messy Church meetings on weekdays through the year. More information about Messy Church can be found here.
Lent Project for Key Stage 2 children
Building on the success of the art project we undertook in November, we will be launching a special project for our older children (i.e. Key Stage 2: 7-11 yrs) on Sunday mornings throughout Lent. Our project this time will involve thinking about the problems in our world and looking at what we can do to help them. Activities will involve knitting and loom work to make hats and warm clothes for homeless people. Children are asked to make sure they attend all the sessions for the four weeks it’s happening in order to get the most out of the project.
This project will take place at the 11 am Sung Mass on four of the Sundays of Lent (i.e. every Sunday except Mothering Sunday): Sunday 18th February; Sunday 25th February; Sunday 4th March; Sunday 18th March).
Mothering Sunday Children’s Mass
Sunday 11th March – 11am Sung Children’s Mass
We will be joined for our children’s mass by the choir of Kentish Town CE Primary School to give thanks for all our mothers do for us, for the care of Mary our heavenly Mother, and also for the graces we receive through our Holy Mother the Church.
Good Friday Children’s Activity Workshop
Friday 30th March 2018 – 2 pm in St Benet’s Church Hall
An afternoon of worship and children’s activities to help our children celebrate Good Friday, and enter in to the mystery of Christ’s saving Passion. The workshop begins at 2 pm and finishes with a hot cross bun tea at 4 pm.
Easter Day Egg Hunt
Sunday 1st April 2018 – 11am Sung Mass and Easter Egg hunt
Join us to celebrate Christ’s Resurrection from the Dead. Our Mass is followed by a huge Easter egg hunt throughout St Benet’s Church and our church gardens.
Pentecost Mass for Younger Children (Key Stage 1 & nursery)
Sunday 20th May 2018 – 9.30 am Children’s Mass for Key Stage 1 and nursery children
In addition to our 11 am Sung Mass (which will still have Sunday School provision for those who wish to attend), we will be experimenting with a smaller, shorter liturgy specially designed for Key Stage 1 and nursery children at 9.30 am.
The service will take place in the side chapel where it is warmer and quieter, and will celebrate in a way more approachable for younger children God’s Gift of the Holy Spirit to his Church using Godly Play.
If you have older, Key Stage 2 children, you will probably find the 11 am Sung Mass a more appropriate liturgy to bring them to so they can attend Sunday School as normal.
St Benedict’s Day Children’s Mass
Sunday 8th July 2018 – 11am Sung Mass
A children’s Mass to celebrate our patron saint. The Mass will be followed by a barbecue, bouncy castle, ice creams, and fun for all the family.
Back to School Children’s Mass
Sunday 2nd September 2018 – 11 am Children’s Mass
We give thanks for the gift of Christian education and pray in this liturgy for all the staff and children of Kentish Town CE Primary School as they return to school for the beginning of the school year. There will be the blessing of backpacks as we consecrate ourselves during the next academic year to God’s service and the service of each other.
Harvest Sunday Children’s Mass
Sunday 7th October 2018 – 11am Children’s Mass
Bring donations of non perishable food to church on Harvest Sunday to give thanks for the produce of God’s good earth, and to pray and care for those who have less to eat than us. We will be joined by the school choir of Kentish Town CE Primary School.
Advent Sunday Children’s Mass
Sunday 2nd December 2018 – 11am Children’s Mass
Our Mass on Advent Sunday will be particularly focussed on the worship needs of our small pre-school and Reception Class children. Our Sunday School will stay in church for the liturgy and we will celebrate the Eucharist together with our adults and older children.
Children’s Christmas Cake Auction
Sunday 16th December 2018 – following the 11am Sung Mass
Help us auction off a mountain of baked goods brought by our children and other parishioners to help raise church funds.
Christmas Crib Service
Christmas Eve, Monday 24th December 2018 – 4pm
Join us as our children begin their celebration of Christmas as we gather around the crib to tell the story of Christ’s birth, and praise God together. Followed by festive refreshments!
