Norfolk parish expands child care

Sacred Heart Parish in Norfolk is expanding its child care ministry, purchasing a modular structure with four classrooms, a kitchen and commons area.

The facility will help the parish serve up to 72 children, ages 6 weeks to 4 years, with a tentative start date of Aug. 1 for families registered beginning July 15.

"There is a great need for child care in Norfolk," said Father Dan Andrews, pastor. "Since we have many families in our parish with young children, this ministry will be a great way to serve them and walk with them to meet Jesus."

Child care has grown in stages at Sacred Heart, beginning with after-school care for kindergartners through sixth graders, expanding three years ago to also accommodate pre-kindergartners before and after classes, and last year becoming available over the summer and during school breaks. Currently, it is available to children 3 years old and up.