Children and Families
Leading children and families to encounter Jesus, find their home in the Church, and thrive in the joy of the Gospel.
Our Vision
We have a vision for a Church where children and families are welcomed and included. A ‘family of families’ where relationships and marriages are enriched and all those touched by family life, regardless of their story, find encouragement and a safe place to land. A Church where leaders value and invest in family ministry as integral to our mission today and a wise investment for the future; where parents are inspired and equipped to make faith a daily reality in their home; and where well-formed, faith-filled children’s ministry leaders serve with joy, innovation, and creativity. A Church where children and families encounter Jesus, discover that they are personally loved and called by God, and take their place among us, as we share this love with others.
Catholic children's Ministry Network
If you’re a catechist, primary-aged youth leader, Children’s liturgy of the Word facilitator, sacramental team member, parent, teacher, or anyone who is working with children and leading them to a relationship with Jesus, we have a network just for you!
It is a space where those who are ministering to children can share ideas, insights, questions and resources with one another. It’s a place where we support each other and create the best experience possible as we pass on the faith to our youngest disciples.
Support for parishes, communities and leaders
Encounter Catholic Kids
Encounter Catholic Kids experiences include primary school youth groups, kids encounter days, family retreats and more!
Places where children can be given an opportunity to encounter God and grow in faith through activities, crafts, games, prayer and fun!
Sacramental Preparation
Children are invited into full participation in the Church through the sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) as well as Penance, celebrated in their local parish. To find out more and to access Archdiocesan resources to support this journey, head to the Flame of Faith website.
Children's Liturgy of the Word
Children’s Liturgy of the Word takes place when children are led from the Sunday assembly and celebrate separately a Liturgy of the Word more appropriate to their level of understanding.
This offers children an opportunity to see, hear, say and do worship at their own level, including eye level. The appropriate use of symbols, gestures, movement and music suitable for a child’s understanding can heighten the experience of the transcendent and mirrors what is happening in the main assembly.
Recruit and form a team of leaders and offer this engaging worship for young children in your parish! We are here to help!
Resources
Each week we release downloadable PDF resources based on the lectionary (focused on the Gospel reading for that Sunday) that include:
- Scripture
- Messages
- Activities
- Crafts
- Prayer
For access to these free resources get in touch with our team via the button below.
Seasonal Resources
Is your parish looking for creative, fun and faith-filled ways to invite children and families into upcoming liturgical seasons?
Our team is delighted to share with you a collection of free resources that can be used to engage with some of the youngest disciples (and their parents) in your community relevant to the current, or upcoming, liturgical season!
Click below to access Advent and Christmas resources.
Looking to volunteer?
State School Religious Instruction takes place in Queensland government schools through a partnership between faith groups and the Department of Education, Qld. It relies on suitable trained people being available during school hours and willing to share faith with students in state schools. find out how to join the thousands of people already engaged in this fulfilling outreach to young people.
Contact The Team
We'd love to talk to you more about how to engage children and families through ministry in your local context.
Chantale Wilson
Director
Charlotte Pitot
Project Officer
Carrie McCormack
Project Officer
Sam Sachse
Project Officer
childrenandfamilies@
bne.catholic.net.au
Phone
07 3324 3440