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Children’s Liturgy of the Word For children, Kindergarten to 2nd Grade Philosophy The Children's Liturgy of the Word is a Liturgical Celebration for children in Kindergarten to 2nd Grade. It provides the children with a celebration of the Liturgy of the Word during Mass that is geared especially for them. It consists of hearing the three Sunday readings proclaimed using a special Children's Lectionary, music, art, discussion, and sharing. Everything in the liturgy is adapted to their level of understanding so that the Living Word of God may be made real and present for them.
Children gather for Sunday Mass with their families as usual. After the opening prayer, the celebrant calls the children forward into the sanctuary along with an adult leader and several adult helpers. The leader is presented with the Children's Lectionary and the children receive a little blessing before processing to the St. Marie Martin Room for their own Liturgy of the Word. The children then rejoin their families in Church prior to the Presentation of the Gifts during the Offertory. There they remain with their families for the Liturgy of the Eucharist and the remainder of Mass. Why a Separate Celebration for Children? Children's Liturgy takes into account the developmental needs of young children. If we as adults struggle to understand what we hear during the Sunday Scriptures from time to time, we can only imagine the difficulties a young child must experience. Taking the developmental needs of the children into account allows us to create a presentation and discussion of the Sunday Scriptures that will meet the children where they are. It allows them to become more involved in the Liturgy, and to more fully understand what it is that takes place during this special time of the Mass. How Can I or My Children Become Involved? Any child, in Kindergarten to 2nd Grade, can participate just by being present when Children's Liturgy is celebrated. There is no registration, no fee, and no sign-ups. |
Children's Liturgy's success depends on adults who are willing to give of their time and talent to serve the needs of our parish children. There are several ways adults can become involved in Children's Liturgy.
• All parents can become involved by encouraging their children to participate, and by asking them about their experience and what they "learned" in Children's Liturgy.Adult Leaders and Aides go through an orientation and training to enable them for this special and exciting ministry and receive ongoing support from the Director of Catechetical Ministry. If you have any questions or if you want to become involved, contact Bonnie at 619-582-3716 or via email at [email protected].