Children's Liturgy of the Word
Ages 5 -12 at the 9:30 AM Sunday Mass
Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLW) is celebrated at the 9:30 a.m. Mass weekly (with the exception of Easter Sunday and Christmas Day.) Families with young children are invited to bring their children for 9.30 am Mass to experience this wonderful time of prayer. Children ages kindergarten through fourth grade are welcome to participate.
The purpose of CLW is to give young children of preadolescent age the opportunity to hear the Sunday scriptures from the Children's Lectionary (approved for use in 1993 by the American Bishop's ). Trained catechists escort the children out of Mass before the first reading and rejoin the congregation during the Preparation of Gifts. During this time, children gather in Eden Chapel (the daily Mass chapel behind the Sacred Heart Shrine) to listen to the readings of the day, participate in a dialogue explaining the readings, recite the Creed and participate in their own General Intercession, praying for the needs that the children find pertinent in their lives.
This is intended for children. While we do understand the anxiety of some parents letting children go on their own, it is expected that the adults remain in church to participate in the Liturgy of the Word with the rest of the congregation. If children are not ready to be separated from parents, maybe waiting until children are a little older to participate might be the best solution.
CLW is becoming a staple in parishes with a large population of young families with elementary age school children. We are blessed at OLMC to have dedicated men and women who give of their time and talents as catechists to this ministry which is so vital to the families of OLMC.
For more information please call: 773-525-0453 Ext.14.or email olmcreledu@aol.com
