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Children's Liturgy of the Word
Overview & FAQs
1. What is Children's Liturgy of the
Word?
Children's Liturgy of the Word is a celebration of Sunday Mass in which
the Liturgy portion of the Mass is presented by laity (parents and youth
groups) in a different environment and on a level that children can
better understand and enjoy. It is a wonderful way to assist our
children in focusing on the Sunday Liturgy. Children's Liturgy of the
Word respects that children have a right to appreciate our Sunday
Liturgy, particularly the Scripture readings.
2. What age child would most benefit
from this?
Any
child old enough not to need adult supervision may participate. Ideally
those from Pre-K 4 through 4th Grade should attend and many 5th
and 6th graders do as well. It is a continuation of the
worship service for children who can understand and appreciate it.
3. When and where does this take place?
On
designated Sundays during the 9:30 Mass, either in the Parish Center or
Gym. (See
the calendar for dates)
4. What happens in the Parish Center?
The
worship continues... Once in the Parish Center, the children take their
places on the carpet in front of the podium. As the congregation
continues with the Liturgy of the Word, so do the children. After they
settle in, the children hear the readings, respond to the Acclamations,
listen to the Gospel, and share in a reflection (Homily) of the readings
lead by the children's Presider. The Reflections are presented by
different volunteers in a variety of formats that vary from date to
date. They also join in the Profession of Faith and pray the Petitions
together for one another and the needs of others. The Children's Choir
sings during the celebration and the children are encouraged to join
in.
5. Why take the children out of Church?
In this format, the children witness parents
and laity celebrating our Christianity in a manner that they are not
accustomed to seeing. This has a profound effect. The children hear
with a view unobstructed by adults and without the distraction of toys
and snacks. There is a different level of concentration and focus. In
this setting they often show insights that are remarkable and carry home
stories of what happened. This is an effective way for our children
begin to achieve a fuller and more active participation in the worship
of the Church.
6. When do
the children leave the Church?
After the Introduction Rite, the priest
invites the children to go to the Parish Center for the Liturgy of the
Word portion of the Mass. Then he calls forward a Children’s Liturgy
minister, blesses the Gospels and dismisses the children telling them
“the congregation will wait for the celebration of the Eucharist until they
return”. They process down the center isle behind the Children's
Liturgy minister carrying the Children's Lectionary. We
average 90-150 children on a typical Sunday celebration and know they
are accompanied by "Crowd Control".
7. How long
will the children be away?
They'll be out of the church for
approximately 20-25 minutes, before rejoining the congregation for the
Eucharist Celebration and the balance of the Mass. The same amount of
time it takes for the adult congregation to experience the Liturgy of
the Word portion of the Mass. They return specifically after the
offering of the gifts.
8. How do
the children get to Children's Liturgy?
The children should come to the 9:30
a.m. Mass with their family and enter the Church as they normally
would. We ask that you be on time. There is no special seating. When
the Priest invites the children to stand, parents should encourage (not
force) their children to participate. If a child is unsure, parents are
welcomed to accompany them into the Parish Center. However, it is
preferred that parents remain in the church to celebrate the Adult
Liturgy of the Word.
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