From the Diocesan Children’s Office
Hello from Waterford!
LOOKING AT WORSHIP- WORSHIP FOR ALL THE FAMILY
Including youth and children in family worship:
Continuing on from last month- Parents, clergy, Sunday school teachers, churchwardens, congregation- everyone in short- has a role and indeed a responsibility in making worship a meaningful experience for all.
Here are some –more suggestions, which can help:
- Help children and youth locate the Scripture reading in their Bible
- Encourage children’s and youth participation as much as possible. Let them participate in collecting the offering; handing out bulletins, assisting in welcoming people to church, prayers, reading short passages, drama etc.
- Include children and youth’s concerns during prayer times or the sermon
- On Holy Communion Sundays bring the children back into the church to accompany their families to the communion table, give them recognition; in some churches children receive the bread before having their confirmation- something to think about!
- Sharing a song sheet or hymnal with children
Teacher Training
There is Sunday School teacher training going on at parish level across the diocese, let me know if your parish would like specific training or advice on Safeguarding trust, Garda vetting etc.
Safeguarding trust
There was safe guarding trust training in Stradbally, Co Waterford for the South East on Tuesday 30th January.
Next Training
At St Canice’s Library, Kilkenny on Wednesday 21st March at 8 p.m. This training is for all working with our children and young people across the diocese also for those whose training has lapsed- if it’s over three years since you did a training – you’re lapsed!
Summer Holiday Clubs
Preparation has already begun for this summers weeklong holiday clubs around the diocese. Last year ‘Flood Zone’ was a great success in the six parishes that took part in the programme, and this summers ‘Jungle Jamboree’ sounds like a holiday activity not to be missed!
Venture Holidays
CPAS (Church Pastoral Aid Society) run venture holidays in the U.K for young people aged 8-18 at holiday times. These holidays are a useful resource for churches that would like to tap in, as well as to individuals. Youth and children’s leaders can send their group off on a venture, or go with them. It is also a valuable training experience for you as a youth or children’s leader.
Ventures are great holidays with lots of choice activities from adventure sports, to arts and music, all with a focus on getting to know God. Interested? - Contact me or check out www.cpas.org.uk.
There are also other Christian Summer Camps being organised for various age groups during the summer. So keep an eye out for information or contact me.
Resources
There are many resources available for Sunday School and children’s ministry. Do continue to contact me about these.
Isobel
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Bough Youth Club
As it’s the month of long days and short sleeps it must be March. Yes for all of us with connections to the land the busy period has just arrived.
January Meeting
We meet in the hall in Bough on Saturday 27th January. The night was relaxing with just games and a round or two of cards being played. It was great to see the large number of 40 odd in attendance.
February Outing.
We will have headed west this time to the new cinema in Naas on Tuesday 20th . At the time of writing these notes the interest seems high. Details next month of all the happenings.
March Meeting
We will be meeting in Bough Hall on Saturday 24th March from 9 -11 p.m. A night of fun and crack guaranteed.
April Outing
Ruth and I have not decided what is the agenda for the outing yet but details at March meeting.
Youth Alive Youth Services
Dunlavin Parish hosted the February Service. The service was different in its own little way, giving us all food for thought. Well done to all involved.
March Youth Service
Baltinglass will be hosting the service on Saturday 3rd March in St Mary’s Baltinglass at 8 p.m.
April Youth Service.
Tullow Group are hosting the April service and please note that the service is on the second Saturday 14th (Due to Easter Week) at 8 pm. in St Columba’s Tullow.
Revd Stella
It is with a glad heart I am able to write that the Revd Stella is making a good recovery from her recent operation. Revd Stella you are in our prayful taught’s.
We also continue to remember Ellen Kinch who is very bravely fitting cancer. Keep up the great work Ellen, our thoughts and prayers are with you all the way.
If you need any information on any of the above contact me on 087 2776282 or 087 2522947 or 053 9429171 or email ericgjdriver@yahoo.ie.
Till next month
Eric Driver