Have you ever wondered what the children do when they leave the mass and go behind closed doors?  They do what we do: experience the presence of Christ in the Liturgy of the Word.  A liturgical experience is not catechism; it is a dynamic time when the children listen to the proclamation of God’s Word, using language more suited to their age.

 The Liturgy of the Word for Children is not a time for arts and crafts, coloring, or cut and paste.  It is a liturgy presided over by a member of the laity in which the scriptures are illuminated in terms appropriate for children of elementary age.

Because it is a liturgy it should have a musical element.  The Responsorial Psalm and the Alleluia before the Gospel are most properly sung.  We hope to add music to this liturgy at some time, but to do so means finding someone who can sing and play the guitar and would be willing to volunteer in this ministry.  Perhaps you know someone who might be interested?

Rather than dismissing the children to a Sunday school class we only send them off temporarily and invite the children to return to the larger assembly to celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist together as a family united around the Lord’s Table. 

Both assemblies, having experienced Christ’s presence in the Word proclaimed, have been transformed and coming together are ready to be further transformed by the nourishment of Christ’s Body and Blood. (Oct. 5, 2003)