Come Home Catholics  v Daily Gospel Reading  v Serving Others  v Prayer Chain Request  v Just for Kids

St. Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church

445 Fifth Avenue

River Edge, New Jersey

(201) 261-3366


Home


 Ministries


 Sacramental Program


Youth Ministry


   Small Christian Communities (SCC)


 Cornerstone


 Office of Faith Formation


St. Peter Academy


 Music Ministry


 Pastoral Council


 

v v v

 

Website Feedback 

Site Map

Links 

Parish Suggestion Box

 

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. 

 

Back to CLOW page

Position Definitions

Celebration Procedures

CLOW Apostle's Creed

Join this Ministry

Schedule

 

Parish Info

 Welcome

Parish Staff & Contacts

Address & Directions

Mass Schedule

Weekly Bulletin

Monthly Calendar

Office Hours

Join St. Peter's

v

Ministry Schedules

 Change of Address

Request Hospital Visit

Counseling Service

Parish Newsletter