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Children's Area

And Jesus said: "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me".

We welcome thousands of children every year who come to Westminster Cathedral either on school visits or with their parents. In this special area you can find out what is available for children in our parish.

What is available for the children?

We are delighted to begin what promises to be a great year for young people at Westminster Cathedral. Here are a few ideas of how they might become more involved:

A special Children’s Liturgy of the Word takes place at every 9am Sunday Family Mass, except during holidays.This liturgy gives children aged 4 to 10 an opportunity to listen to the Word of God in language that they can understand better.

Catechists gather the children at the front pews and take them to the Crypt where the liturgy takes place. They then return in time to bring up the offertory gifts. Parents are welcome to accompany and remain with younger children in the Crypt until they are happy for them to take part in the liturgy on their own.

The children of the First Holy Communion class attend Family Mass once a month during the school year. The St Vincent de Paul School choir sings at these Masses, and the First Holy Communion class children occupy the front section of the Cathedral and refreshments are provided in the Cathedral Hall after Mass.

After receiving First Holy Communion children are welcome to become altar servers at this Mass. Parents of children and young people interested in becoming altar servers should contact the Cathedral Administrator on 020 7798 9062.

You can probably think of more reasons than we can to get involved in the parish at an early age. Try using this invitation to get your children going: chances are, you will both have fun!