Liturgy of the Word For Children

Philosophy

Liturgy of the Word for children enriches the young child's experience of God's presence in the Sunday readings, especially the Sunday Gospel. After the opening prayer, the presider calls the children forward into the sanctuary and sends them with an adult volunteer Catechist to the lower church for their own Liturgy of the Word.

Once there, the Catechist helps the children prepare to celebrate God's Word by focusing their attention on the symbols, rituals and gestures that pertain to the particular Sunday or Liturgical Season. Then, the Catechist proclaims the Sunday Gospel from the Children's Lectionary and invites the children to share their reflections on the Gospel. The children also recite the Creed and pray the Prayers of Intercession. Several Catechist Aides are on hand to help maintain a prayerful and attentive attitude among the children

The children return to the congregation in the upper church during the collection and remain with their family for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Special Gospel leaflets are given to the children as they leave the church after Mass. These leaflets can be used in the home to review and apply the message of God's Word that was heard that Sunday.