Liturgy of the Word for Children
Suspended during COVID 19.
What is it? Liturgy of the Word for Children is a program in which the Sunday scripture readings are proclaimed and explained on a level appropriate to children in grades K-6 at the 5:30 pm Saturday Mass (six aditional volunteers are needed to have CLOW at the 9 am Sunday Mass) from September through May. Any child in this age group may participate - no registration is necessary.
What exactly do they do? The children gather with their leaders in the front of the church after the Opening Prayer and are sent forth by the presider. They process to the Chapel at the 5:30 am Mass and at the 9:00 am Mass, to a special section of Flaherty Hall which has been prepared for them with banners, a candle, and a lectern. After a brief Welcome and Opening Prayer, they listen to the First Reading proclaimed from the Children’s Lectionary. They are then led in singing a Psalm and Gospel Acclamation. Next, the Gospel is proclaimed by one of the adult leaders. After this, the children are separated into two groups, K-grade 3 and grades 4-6. The younger group remains in Flaherty Hall while the older group proceeds upstairs to the Music Room. In each group, an age-appropriate reflection on the Word is shared by the leader through stories, discussions, or pictures - whatever the leader finds most appropriate to conveying the meaning of the scriptures. The children are then invited to share their own thoughts and ideas. Following this, the children profess a simple Act of Faith, pray their Prayers of Intercession, and finally return to their families at the time of the Presentation of the Gifts.
What is the schedule? Suspended during COVID 19.
How can you help? We are currently in need of:
What exactly do they do? The children gather with their leaders in the front of the church after the Opening Prayer and are sent forth by the presider. They process to the Chapel at the 5:30 am Mass and at the 9:00 am Mass, to a special section of Flaherty Hall which has been prepared for them with banners, a candle, and a lectern. After a brief Welcome and Opening Prayer, they listen to the First Reading proclaimed from the Children’s Lectionary. They are then led in singing a Psalm and Gospel Acclamation. Next, the Gospel is proclaimed by one of the adult leaders. After this, the children are separated into two groups, K-grade 3 and grades 4-6. The younger group remains in Flaherty Hall while the older group proceeds upstairs to the Music Room. In each group, an age-appropriate reflection on the Word is shared by the leader through stories, discussions, or pictures - whatever the leader finds most appropriate to conveying the meaning of the scriptures. The children are then invited to share their own thoughts and ideas. Following this, the children profess a simple Act of Faith, pray their Prayers of Intercession, and finally return to their families at the time of the Presentation of the Gifts.
What is the schedule? Suspended during COVID 19.
How can you help? We are currently in need of:
- Adult Leaders - to lead the Scripture service, reflection and prayers at the 9:00 am Mass for both age groups; leaders of each age group/Mass are scheduled on a rotating basis; detailed resources for preparation and reflection are provided; previous teaching experience is not required as this is a ministry of faith-sharing rather than teaching
- Child Leaders - to carry the Children’s Lectionary in the Entrance and Dismissal Processions with the Adult Leader