For Families

Children & Youth

Faith is a gift for every generation. At Madonna Ministry, we invest in the spiritual and personal growth of every young person in our community.

Safeguarding: The safety of every child and young person in our care is our highest priority. All leaders are DBS-checked and safeguarding-trained. Read our Safeguarding Policy

Our Programmes

For Every Age

Whether your child is three years old or seventeen, there is a place for them in the life of our parish.

Children's Liturgy of the Word

Ages 3–10

Sundays during 11:00 am Mass

The Garden Room (adjacent to the church)

Each Sunday during the 11:00 am Mass, children aged 3–10 are warmly invited to leave the church after the Collect (opening prayer) and gather in the Garden Room for their own Liturgy of the Word — the same readings as the adult congregation, presented in a way that speaks directly to their hearts and imaginations.

✦Age-appropriate telling of the Sunday Gospel
✦Activities, prayer, and craft linked to the reading
✦Children return to the church before the Offertory
✦Led by trained, DBS-checked catechists
✦No advance booking required — simply attend the 11:00 am Mass

Youth Group

Ages 13–18

Selected Fridays during term time, 6:30–8:30 pm

Parish Hall

The Madonna Ministry Youth Group is a lively, welcoming space for teenagers aged 13–18. Each session combines social time with faith reflection, creative activities, and honest conversation about life, faith, and what it means to be young and Catholic in today's world. Youth workers are trained, DBS-checked, and committed to the wellbeing of every young person.

✦Faith discussion, games, and creative activities
✦Guest speakers on topics chosen by the young people
✦Occasional retreats and social events
✦All of our leaders are DBS-checked and trained in safeguarding
✦Parents/guardians to collect at 8:30 pm

Summer Activities Programme

Ages 6–16

July & August school holidays

Parish Hall and Grounds

Each summer we run a series of activities for children and young people during the school holidays — from day outings to local attractions, to creative workshops, sports afternoons, and a one-day mini-retreat. The programme is designed to give young people something joyful and purposeful to do over the summer while keeping them connected to the parish family.

✦Day trips (previous destinations: Walsingham, seaside, city museum)
✦Creative arts and craft workshops
✦Sports and outdoor activities in the parish grounds
✦Mini-retreat day with prayer, reflection, and fun
✦Parent volunteers always welcome

Academic Year

Term Dates

Our children's and youth programmes broadly follow the local school term calendar.

Summer Term 2026

Starts: 20 April 2026

Ends: 24 July 2026

Autumn Term 2026

Starts: 7 September 2026

Ends: 18 December 2026

Spring Term 2027

Starts: 6 January 2027

Ends: 1 April 2027

These dates are provisional and may be updated. Please check the weekly bulletin or contact the parish office to confirm programme dates before attending.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Children's Liturgy available at both Sunday Masses?

Children's Liturgy runs during the 11:00 am Mass only. Children attending the 9:00 am Mass are most welcome to remain in church — we have a special children's corner at the front of the nave with activity sheets and colouring materials.

Do I need to register my child for Children's Liturgy?

No registration is required for Children's Liturgy. Simply attend the 11:00 am Mass and a catechist will warmly invite the children forward after the Collect. Children should be accompanied by a parent or guardian to the door of the Garden Room on their first visit.

My teenager is nervous about joining the Youth Group — what can I do?

This is very common! We suggest asking to come along for one session with no commitment — or getting in touch with our youth co-ordinator who will personally welcome your young person. The group is deliberately welcoming to newcomers.

How is the safety of children ensured?

The safeguarding of children and young people is of paramount importance at Madonna Ministry. All leaders and volunteers working with children are DBS-checked, have completed diocesan safeguarding training, and operate in line with our parish and diocesan safeguarding policies. See our Safeguarding page for full details.

Can my child still attend if they have not been baptised Catholic?

All children are welcome at Children's Liturgy, regardless of baptismal status. We are a welcoming community and want every child to feel at home. If you would like to explore baptism for your child, please speak with Father after Mass.

Get Your Family Involved

For more information about any of our children's or youth programmes, please get in touch. We would love to welcome your family.

Contact the Parish Safeguarding Policy