Children's Liturgy of the Word
Children in 1st to 6th grades are dismissed before the First Reading to the Gym which is transformed into a prayerful environment. Here they listen to the readings and the Gospel, which the volunteers relate to them in ways the children can understand. The children participate in discussions of the Readings and the Prayer of the Faithful. Our Children's Liturgy of the Word is a ministry of moms who share the Sunday readings with our children at the 10 am mass. If you would like to witness this worship experience, feel free to join us when the presider invites the children to come forward. For 7 years now our moms have shared their faith with the stories and faith of the church with our children. It is a weekly celebration of stewardship! We could use some help in setting up and taking down our environment each week. It means getting here a little early, getting the key at the rectory, unlocking the gym and setting up our sacred space with a table, candles and banner. It also needs to be taken down after Mass and the key needs to be returned to the rectory. It can be a couple of dads, moms, families, whoever would like to help. We can make a schedule so it is not the same people every week. If your children participate in this ministry or if they don’t, perhaps you would consider volunteering this little bit of time to give the women who prepare the readings and reflection for the children a supportive and helpful hand. It would really be a big help. Please contact Kieran Lyons at 773-763-8228 at the rectory if you can help.
The thing that I most enjoy about CLW is, watching the children’s eyes light up when they start to understand the readings and especially when they participate in our discussions about the readings. I also like the idea that we are helping their parents by giving them some personal time to really listen to the readings too. I get the most out of CLW when I am going over the readings or doing the research to write about the readings; it never fails that when I am doing this I always come away with so much more understanding of the scriptures.
This is my first year with CLW. I enjoy spending time with the children of St. Tarcissus. I am a teacher at St. Juliana's and I feel this is one way to stay connected to St. Tars parish. I enjoy preparing the readings for discussion with the children (it does not take that long at all) because it forces me to really take a deeper look into what the Bible message is for that week. This experience has also helped me in my teachings in first grade as well. To hear the children’s responses to the message you are spreading is truly a wonderful experience. I really feel like I am spreading God's Word through CLW. |
Children's Liturgy of the Word is celebrated on Sundays at the 10 am Mass, during the school year. A wondeful group of dedicated volunteers come together to help preach the Gospel on the children's level so they can better understand the Good News.
The children and adults who come together for Children’s Liturgy of the Word challenge me to look differently and more deeply at what God asks of us. The faith of children and their love for God is pure. They are open to experiences with God, and they can teach all of us to deepen our faith - if we pay attention and let them. By their presence, by sharing the gift of who they are, each child and adult is an important part of this community of faith that I am grateful to be a part of.
In preparing for CLW, I discover and reaffirm my own beliefs in simple terms. The scripture and lessons do not have to be complicated. They are lessons learned for many years that we need to reaffirm and see in a new and different light. I love when the children are anxious to light the candle, to answer questions based on the reading, and pray for their special intentions. They are so excited sometimes. I love to keep that excitement going. |
Feel free to call with questions or concerns! |
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