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)