Faith and beliefs about living and dying are fundamental constituents of spiritual development. However, children are seldom asked to talk about their experiences of life and death. This article has a twofold purpose. It first describes children's expressions on living and dying, as heard during a newly developed programme which encourages children's participation as active subjects of their spiritual journey. This programme, the Grande Halte, began in 2004 within the changing context of Christian religious education in a secular Quebec. Secondly, it proposed a theological reflection informed by the social sciences and the social context of the milieu, and based on children's expressions. It suggests that stories and symbols are needed in order to develop a coherent horizon of meaning in one's life. The relational dimension of the process is also highlighted. (Contains 4 notes.)