“Then children were brought to him so that he might lay his hand on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people; but Jesus said; let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” And he laid his hands on them. Matthew 19:13-15 Children are a special gift from God and therefore should be nurtured and preserved for God’s glory for it is said in the book of proverbs 22:6 “train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it”.
For this purpose the children service ministry in Corpus Christi Parish has been established and works directly under the direction of the Missionary Childhood Association. The Corpus Christi Missionary Childhood Association is a unit that takes care of the needs of all children within the parish community. It is responsible for the spiritual, social and moral development of all children.
To inculcate the unadulterated will of God into children from their first or early stage of development so that as they grow, the word will grow with them and become deeply rooted in their lives.
To create a safe, friendly and attractive environment that will motivate children to worship at their age level during service time rather than be with their parents/guardians in the main church. To build a strong and firm spiritual understanding of the catholic faith, God’s purpose for their lives and his unconditional love.
The Missionary Childhood Association is a Pontifical Mission Society which serves to raise Catholic children’s awareness of the plight of children all over the world. It is specifically designed to suit children between 6 and 14 years of age. The children are called to PRAY for, LEARN about and SHARE from their abundance or from the little they possess with other children.
Some of our important days and observances are
On this day, Children are called to live out the motto of the Missionary Childhood which is "children helping children.” As a special Sunday allotted for children, there will be special collection in all masses in Catholic churches which shall be forwarded to the Solidarity Fund of the Pontifical Society of the Holy Childhood that will be used to help support programs that will benefit children.
Children’s Mission Sunday Celebration is an opportunity to recognize the value of children being involved in learning about missions and practical application of that knowledge. This is the day when new Members are inducted.
On this day we remember the holy innocents of our own era: First there are those who are never given a chance of life and who are killed through abortion; Secondly, all of those children who have been damaged by abuse, Finally all of those children who have the innocence of their childhood destroyed by forces beyond our control e.g. war, death of their parents, poverty, disease. Efforts should be made on this day to visit and pray with vulnerable Children in the Society.
The Missionary Childhood Associations is guided by adults in the Parish called Animators who are there to offer guidance, discipline and a spiritual example for all Children as well as his or her fellow animators. Becoming an MCA Animator brings with it many blessings, but also requires a significant amount of dedication. An animator should have a strong, outgoing personality and longing to serve the Church.
This will include children between age 3 and 8. These children learn the gospel in a more relaxed and fun atmosphere enriched in drawing, music, bible games, gospel videos and gospel stage performances. These children will not be allowed to enrol into the catechism class till they are graduating out of the class.
This class include children between ages 9 and 12. all children in this class will automatically be enrolled in the first holy communion catechism class. However children within this age category who already receive Holy Communion are maintain in the class for post communion catechesis.
Children in this class worship in a more liturgical environment with the presence of an altar, candles and a lectionary. The service follows the order of mass with reference to The Children’s Literature and catechism instructions and children are sent to the main church to receive communion from the priest during communion time. There are structured Bible activities after communion as Well as open discussions based on topics from their first communion catechesis. children in this class will be introduced to the various church ministries such as the choir, KNOLTA, ushering and lectors.
This class include children between age 13 and 15. All children in this class will automatically be enrolled into the confirmation class. This class worship in a more liturgical environment with the presence of an altar, candles and a lectionary. Service for this class will ends at collection time in the main church of which the children join the main church for the liturgy of the Eucharist. Children in this class will are introduced to the various youth groups as well as the various ministries on graduating from the class.
Children are graduated from class three class after the Sacrament of confirmation and are introduced to the church. Children are then be guided to select and join any of the youth groups of their choice. They are also be guided to join any ministry if they so which.
Every Sunday during both mass except on special feast days and celebrations.
Venue: Parish Complex
Time: First Mass- 6:30am
Second Mass – 9:00am
