Liturgy of the Word for Children presents an opportunity for children to celebrate God’s presence in the Word and in one another.

Liturgy of the Word for Children is offered to children, Kindergarten through 5th Grade at the 5:00PM Saturday Liturgy and the 9:30AM and 11:00AM Sunday Liturgies.

The children are called forth after the Opening Prayer.  With their adult leaders, they process to a commons area in the school to celebrate the Liturgy of the Word. They return after the Prayers of the Faithful.

Liturgy of the Word for Children is a celebration of God’s presence in the Word, following the guidelines established by the Bishops’ Committee on Liturgy.  This celebration follows the same form as the Word for adults, but uses simple language.  The children hear an Old Testament reading, sing a Psalm and Gospel Acclamation, listen to the Gospel, and discuss what they have heard.  They pray the Creed; share their own Prayers of the Faithful and return to church for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Adult volunteers lead the celebration of the Word.  They lead the singing and they proclaim the readings and lead the discussion that follows.  A leader’s guide is available for the adults to reflect on the readings prior to LWC and is a great resource for leading the discussion that follows.

There are usually three to four adult leaders for anywhere from 60 to 90 children.  One leader does the music (CD available).  Another leader proclaims the readings and leads the discussion.  Adults are Shepherds and make sure the children exit and re-enter the church in a safe and timely manner.  They also assign gift bearers and handle any discipline issues that may arise.

Adult volunteers are needed to lead LWC.  High school youth are welcome to lead music and/or be Shepherds for LWC.  We would like to have enough volunteers to schedule each volunteer no more than two times per month.

If you are interested in this ministry, please call the Office of Religious Formation at 289-4947.