Children and Youth Policy Statement

We the children of St Mary’s Parish Church ask:

With the assistance of our parents and family to be supported in making choices for and to be involved in the planning of how we worship
With the assistance of our parents and family to have our voices listened to and considered
To be recognized as a full part of the Community of the Church
Not to be shut out or separated from any part of the life of the Church To feel safe and welcome around the Church
To have the significance of our organizations and activities recognized

We the congregation of the St Mary’s Parish Church commit ourselves:

To find ways of ensuring that children are actively involved in worship both in planning and participation
To bring alive the significance of the sacraments of baptism and holy communion to all children of the Church
To create opportunities to hear and act upon the voices of the children in our parish
To enable children to develop a sense of belonging and community in their Church
To recognize that children of all ages can possess a strong faith and have ministries to offer the Church
To be appropriately supportive to these groups which children feel are central to their lives
To respect and care for all the children of our communities