Kids Corner

For children ages 2 through 5

What is Kids Corner?

Kids Corner is an age-appropriate worship experience for our young parishioners ages 2 through 5 years old during the 10am Mass.

Formulated alongside the liturgical seasons and our parish’s message series, each week our young parishioners will break open the Word of God through music, cartoons, and fellowship.

Based on age, participants are broken up into different groups that run concurrently: Kindergarten (ages 5/6), Preschool (ages 3/4), and Terrific Twos (age 2) Ministries.

All staff and volunteers have completed background checks and Protecting God’s Children training workshop through the Archdiocese of Newark.

When is Kids Corner?

The ministry runs during the 10am Mass from September through June in Meaney Hall (Parish Hall).

12/1, 12/29, 4/20, and 5/25. Sessions finish on 6/22.

Parents can drop off their children beginning at 9:45am each week and pick them up at the end of the 10am Mass.

You can easily sign up using the links above! Pre-registration through mySaintHelen is required but there is no cost to participate. At this time, spots are limited and are on a “first come, first served basis” each week. Parents may check-in beginning at 9:45am the day of the session.

Kids Corner participants in our Preschool and Kindergarten Ministries need to be fully potty trained, meaning they can use the facilities by themselves without assistance. If not, please send the child in a pull up.

Our volunteers will not provide any diaper or pull up changing. We will reach out to the cell phone on file with your My Saint Helen account if there is a diaper situation. Please take your child to the bathroom at home immediately before coming to Kids Corner or use the facilities in Meaney Hall prior to checking in your child to reduce the possibility of needing to use the bathroom during the session.

Our Kids Corner area does have a single bathroom with a stall for privacy if needed during the program. There will be a designated volunteer who may help your child locate the bathroom, ensure the stall is closed for privacy, and help with proper hand washing before returning to the program. In compliance with the Archdiocese of Newark’s Safe Environment guidelines, the outer door to the bathroom will remain open at all times.

Every child acts uniquely when separating from a parent or caregiver. Our staff and volunteers are experienced and understanding of this, and will take great care to help the child feel welcomed and well-adjusted.

Sometimes your child may just need a few minutes away from you before they are able to adjust and willing to participate, and we will certainly give them that time. Often, the child is quick to dry their tears and jump in with their new friends.

Other times however, our children just need that special support that only their loved one can provide. If the staff feels this may be one of those moments, we will reach out via text to the cell phone number provided to alert you of your need to return.

No news is good news! If for whatever reason we are not able to reach you by phone, we will attempt to find you at Mass and let you know of the situation.

When checking in, both the parent and child will be given an identical label. One label will be placed on the child’s shirt while the parent will receive the other. When coming to pick up your child, both labels must match, will be collected, and you will be joined with your child and asked to exit.

Sample Schedule

  • 9:45am - Check In Begins
  • 10:00am - Mass Begins
  • 9:45am - 10:10am - Check In & Open Play
  • 10:15am - 10:40am - Large Group: Presentation, Video & Songs
  • 10:40am - 10:55am - Small Group TIme
  • 10:55 am - 11:10am - Mass Concludes & Check Out

How Can I Volunteer?

Kids Corner is always in need of volunteers! Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Tracey Sowa, Coordinator of Kids Corner Preschool and Kindergarten Ministry, via email at [email protected] or call the parish offices at 908-232-1214. Attendance at the Archdiocese of Newark’s Protecting God’s Children workshop, volunteer application, and background check are all required.
  • 908-232-1214
  • Monday - Friday: 9:30am - 5:00pm
Mass Schedule:
Daily: Monday-Saturday 9am
Weekend: Sat 5pm | Sun 8am | 10am | 12pm | 6pm
  • 1600 Rahway Avenue, Westfield, NJ 07090
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