Children
Children are very welcome at the Cathedral and we provide for them and their families in various ways.
WORSHIP IN THE CATHEDRAL
Children are welcome to take part in worship in the Cathedral at any time, and we are always looking for new servers and readers to play a more active role.
At Christmas, Mothering Sunday, Harvest and on one or two other occasions, the Cathedral Eucharist is adapted so that the children can take a more active part in it, and on those Sundays the groups at 10.30am do not meet.
THE CATHEDRAL EUCHARIST AT 10.30AM
During term-time there are normally three groups for children which meet in the first part of the service:
3 – 7 year olds (Explorers) meet in the Sacristy in the South Transept.
Year 3 – Year 6 (Adventurers) meet in the Education Centre, through the South Transept door, out of the gate and beyond the garages.
Year 7 and above (Pathfinders) meet in Laurel Court, immediately opposite the South Transept door.
Children process out of the Cathedral during the first hymn with their leaders and gather in the South Transept before leaving the building. The leaders aim to return them during the Peace.
Groups are led by a minimum of two authorised adults. We use published resources linked to the Bible readings for the day, and we aim to have fun together as we learn.
Groups meet during term-time except on the first Sunday of half term. During school holidays there is usually a single children’s group for all ages, offering less formal input.
BABIES AND TODDLERS
Soft toys and books for babies and toddlers can be found in St. Kyneburgha’s chapel (next to the South Transept door). There are nappy changing facilities in the lavatories next to the Education Centre.
YOUTH GROUP
For young people in Year 10 and above there is a Youth Group which meets fortnightly in the Infirmarer’s hall from 6.30 – 9.00pm on Sunday evenings. Contact: Canon Jonathan Baker on 01733 897 335.
COMMUNION AND CONFIRMATION
With their parents’ consent, and after preparation, children who are baptised and are in Year 3 or above are welcome to receive Holy Communion at the Cathedral. Children can be confirmed when they are in Year 7 or above, and are welcome to join an annual preparation course leading to Confirmation.