St. Columba ParishJesus told the disciples to let the children come, and we mean it. A restless toddler is the sound of the parish's future. Sit near the front where children can see; use the cry room at the back if you need a moment; and know that nobody is judging you.
Children's Liturgy of the Word
After the opening prayer the children are invited to the chapel to hear the Sunday Gospel at their level, with a song and an activity, returning at the offertory. Parents may accompany children under five.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
A Montessori-based religious formation: children work quietly with beautiful materials — a model altar, a sheepfold, the parables — with trained catechists. Limited to 16 children; register in September.
Family Mass
Children's choir, children as readers and gift-bearers, a homily aimed at families, and pancakes in the hall afterwards.
Cry room & nursery
A glassed room at the back with sound, rocking chairs and a change table. At the 11:00 AM Mass a supervised nursery for ages 1–3 runs in room B, staffed by screened volunteers.
Family events
Blessing of backpacks (September), All Saints costume party, Advent wreath making, Christmas pageant, Easter egg hunt, June picnic.
Faith at home
What happens at home matters more than anything we do on Sunday. Small habits: grace before meals, a blessing on the forehead at bedtime, a crucifix and a picture of Mary where children can see them, the Sunday Gospel read together in the car. The parish's free FORMED subscription has children's videos and audio; ask the office for the parish code. Sr. Agnes runs a "Faith at Home" parents' evening each October.
Practical notes
- Change tables in the accessible washroom and the cry room; a bottle warmer in the nursery.
- Strollers may be parked in the narthex; the side aisles are wide enough to bring them in.
- Children's bulletins and crayons are at the doors.
- All volunteers with children have completed screening; children are only ever with two adults.
- Pick up children from the atrium and nursery with the numbered tag you were given.
Questions
At what age can my child be an altar server or join the choir?
Altar servers from Grade 3 (after First Communion); the children's choir from Grade 2. See altar servers and music.
Is there a parish school?
Yes — St. Columba Catholic School (TCDSB) is two blocks away; see parish school.
How can parents help?
Children's liturgy leaders, nursery volunteers, pancake cooks and pageant costume-makers are always needed — an hour a month. See volunteer.
Coordinator: Sr. Agnes Ibeh, SSND, ext. 25 · Children's liturgy lead: Grace Adeyemi, children@stcolumbatoronto.ca.