Children's Liturgy of the Word

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 ages 4-9 during the 8:30am and 10:45 am Sunday Mass from September through May. Any child in this age group may participate. No registration is necessary.

What exactly do the children do?

The children gather with their leaders in the front of the altar after the Opening Prayer and are sent forth by the presider. They process to the chapel in the parish hall. Children are divided into two different groups ages 4-6 and 7-9.  After a brief Welcome and Opening Prayer, they listen to the First Reading proclaimed from the Children’s Lectionary. Then they are led in the singing of a Psalm and Gospel Acclamation. Next, the Gospel is proclaimed by one of the adult leaders. An age-appropriate reflection on the Word is shared by the leader through stories, discussions, or pictures – whatever the leader finds most appropriate to convey the meaning of the scriptures. The children are invited to share their own thoughts and ideas. Then the children profess a simple Act of Faith, pray the Prayers of the Faithful, and finally return to their families at the time of the Presentation of the Gifts.

This program begins in September and ends the last Sunday in May. Occasionally, there will be NO Children's Liturgy of the Word due to a holiday or the Family Mass.