A Wonderful Nursery Visit to St Alban and St. Stephen Church
Our nursery children had a very special adventure today as they walked to St Alban and St. Stephen Church for a fun and educational visit. The day was filled with exploration, learning, and a lot of curiosity as the children discovered the beauty and traditions of the church, guided by the kind and knowledgeable Father John.
Exploring the Church with Father John
Upon arrival, the children were immediately captivated by the peaceful atmosphere inside the church. Father John welcomed them warmly and began by introducing the children to the various elements of the church, explaining their significance in a way that was easy to understand.
The children were particularly excited to learn about Advent, the special season of preparation leading up to Christmas. Father John explained the meaning of Advent, and the children got to explore the beautiful Advent wreath with its four candles. They learned that each candle represents something different: hope, peace, joy, and love. The children enjoyed seeing the candles up close and asked insightful questions about the different colours and what they represent. It was a lovely way to introduce them to this important part of the church calendar.
A Peek Inside the Tabernacle
Another fascinating moment came when Father John showed the children inside the tabernacle. The children were curious about the golden box, and Father John explained that it is where the sacred bread is kept. This sparked an interesting discussion, and the children seemed to really enjoy learning about the significance of the tabernacle in a church.
Learning About Father John’s Clothing
One of the highlights of the visit was when Father John showed the children the special clothes he wears during Mass. The children were intrigued as he carefully explained each piece of clothing, from the chasuble to the stole and alb. They were eager to touch the fabric and understand why priests wear these clothes during the service. It was a wonderful way for them to connect with the traditions of the church in a hands-on way.
A Well-Behaved Group
Throughout the entire visit, the children were wonderfully behaved, showing great respect for the church and Father John. They listened attentively, asked thoughtful questions, and displayed a level of curiosity that made the visit even more memorable. It was a joy to see them so engaged and respectful in such a sacred space.
A Lovely Break and a Walk Back to School
After exploring the church, the children were able to eat their lunch in the church hall before walking back to school. The walk itself was a lovely opportunity to reflect on everything they had learned, and the children chatted excitedly about their favourite parts of the visit.
The walk back to school was just as enjoyable as the journey there, and it was a great way to wrap up a day of learning and exploration. By the time they returned to school, the children had a deeper understanding of Advent, the church, and the important role of Father John in the church community.
Conclusion
The nursery visit to St Alban and St. Stephen Church was a wonderful experience for both the children and the adults who accompanied them. It was a chance to explore a beautiful and meaningful space, to learn about the traditions of the church, and to ask questions about things that sparked their curiosity. The children left the church with a sense of wonder and excitement, and we’re sure they’ll remember the visit for a long time.
A big thank you to Father John for being such a wonderful guide and for helping to make the experience so special for the children. We look forward to more exciting adventures like this in the future!
