Renata Steffens
The Family Group in Castleknock Parish, which has been going for over 30 years, organised a children’s Passion Play
in Our Lady Mother of the Church. The children practised every Friday during Lent to present on Good Friday. Pictured
with the play’s children and organisers is Fr Denis O’Connor. Photo: Urszula Sot Over 30 children gathered to present a Passion Play on Good Friday in Our Lady Mother of the Church, Castleknock. Ellen Troy, founder and leader of the Children’s Liturgy Group, said the play “was such a big commitment,” and that the children “have been so good” and deserve “to be praised”.
Bosco Thomas Chacko, organiser, said working with the children “has been a very rewarding experience. One of the biggest takeaways is seeing the children grow in confidence, especially when they stand in front of the parish to perform.”
Taking part in this type of activity is very important for children, said organiser Anne O Connell. “Some children find it hard to sit for an hour during Sunday Mass,” so getting them involved in children’s liturgy groups is a way to share the faith with them in a way they understand and enjoy.
Veronica Sot (10), who played Jesus, said she feels “proud” of being part of the play. She also thinks “it’s important for children to be part of Church groups”, as they can feel part of the Church community from a young age. Veronica’s brother, Franik (8), played a soldier, and said that being an active part of the Church is important to show God “that you love him”.
For Michael Neylon (10), the rehearsals were very tiring, but he was glad about the results when “the practice paid off.” For Gavin Neylon (10), the play “was a fun way for kids to learn about God and all God has done for us.”
During activities like the Passion Play, “children can learn useful skills for later in life,” said Michael Thomas Bosco (8). “It feels nice to be part of a group. I also made some friends outside of school, which made it even better.”
The sisters Heidi (8) and Maddison Stringer (10) played Mary and a woman of Jerusalem, respectively. For them, being part of the play is a “fun and exciting” way of learning about God, rather than “reading about it.”
The sisters’ parents, Jenny and Travis Stringer, said, “The best thing you can do for your child is to let them know Jesus is a friend you can always turn to.” Getting children involved in those church groups is “so important,” and they should get involved “the earlier the better.”