Magnifikids – Santuario de San Antonio Parish

“LET THE CHILDREN COME TO ME…. and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Mark 10:14

Every Sunday during the 1030 am mass, a classroom full of 4-7 year olds gather together at the parish center for Magnifikids, a program under the Family and Life Ministry. It is a class where kids learn about the Sunday Gospel through fun activities like arts and crafts, story telling, games, song and dance.

As a volunteer teacher, I have witnessed how the above verse is made concrete through this program. Jesus indeed calls on everyone as His beloved children.

In a world where media and popular culture greatly influences the mindset and the lifestyle of even kids, it is very refreshing to have children equally talk about Easter as Christ’s resurrection and the egg hunt and bunny with so much gusto!

In a universe of violence and uncertainty, it is amazing that kids without hesitation sing the sorry song and reflect and pray for mercy for their sins.

Sure, these kids are not angels 100 % of the time. Sometimes they fight, call each other names and refuse to share crayons but in the end they make up, play and pray together.

As I end each class with these amazing kids, I am reminded to be childlike….loving and forgiving. They are truly gifts of our Lord not only to their families,but to our church as they serve as inspiration of love, joy, peace and hope to our imperfect lives.

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The Family Life Ministry would like to announce the start of Magnifikids, a special children’s liturgy. There will be 3 sessions this year Oct 26, Nov 23 and Dec 14. This will be held weekly beginning on Jan 11, 2015.

Magnifikids is a celebration of the Liturgy of the Word that is designed for children ages 4-7. It is not catechism class nor is it childcare; it is a liturgical celebration. At the 10:30am Sunday mass, the priest presider calls the children forward and then they are sent forth to hear the Word of God. The children proceed to rooms in the Parish Center where they gather with a trained lay presider. The same Scripture readings proclaimed to the larger assembly in the Church are read to the children, using the Children’s Lectionary. This lectionary shortens the readings and uses language and vocabulary that is easily understood by children.  The lay presider shares the homily, leads the children in a shared discussion, activity, and reflection of the readings. The children share their own understanding of what they heard and how to relate it to their everyday lives. Our purpose is for the Church to show special concern for baptized children who have yet to be fully initiated thru sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. Also to ensure that the assembly’s children (ages 4-7) experience meaningful, inspirational, and spiritual celebrations of the Liturgy of the Word through careful, reflective planning, and preparation by our lay presiders.

If you would like more info or would like to volunteer in this ministry, please call Shelli at 09175322839 or email at shelliaway@yahoo.com