children's liturgy of the word
What is Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)?
To help children participate more fully in the Mass, the Liturgy of the Word with Children is offered during the 9:00 am and 11:00 am Masses on Sundays throughout the school year. Children ages 4 through 4th grade are invited to participate. There is no registration nor fee to participate. Children may simply come forward when called if they would like to participate. Parents are always welcome and encouraged to attend with their child(ren) for the first few times to help them become comfortable.
What do they do?
The children gather with their leaders in front of the altar after the Opening Prayer and are sent forth by the priest. They then process out of the church.
The older children, grades 2-4, go to the Chapel and the younger children, ages 4-1st grade, go to a classroom. After a brief Welcome and Opening Prayer, they listen to the First Reading proclaimed from the Children’s Lectionary. They are then led in singing a Psalm and Gospel Acclamation. Next, the Gospel is proclaimed by one of the adult leaders. An age-appropriate reflection on the Word is shared by the leader through stories, discussions, or pictures – whatever the leader finds most appropriate to convey the meaning of the scriptures. The children are then invited to share their own thoughts and ideas. Following this, the children profess a simple Act of Faith, pray their Prayers of Intercession, and finally return to their families at the time of the Presentation of the Gifts.
CLOW's success depends on adults who are willing to give of their time and talent to serve the needs of our parish children. There are several ways adults can become involved in CLOW.
- All parents can be become involved by encouraging their children ages 4 - 4th grade to participate, and by asking them about their experience and what they "learned" after Mass.
Volunteers are always needed!
Are you looking for a rewarding way to share your faith with the children of our parish?
- Adult Leaders are needed to proclaim the Sunday readings to the children and lead them in prayer and reflection. Adult leaders are provided with all of the materials necessary to assist them in the preparation of the reflection and prayer. Adult Leaders are scheduled to serve once every four to six weeks.
- Adult Helpers are needed to assist with the supervision of the children who participate in CLOW. Adult helpers serve to help maintain a prayerful attitude among the children during the celebration of the Liturgy. Adult Helpers are scheduled to serve once every four to six weeks.
Adult Leaders and Helpers go through an orientation and training to enable them for this special and exciting ministry and receive ongoing support from the program director. There must always be two adults present for each gathering.
If you would like to help with our Children's Liturgy of the Word, please contact Laura Stapleton.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: All adults working with Children and Youth in the Catholic Diocese of Richmond must have attended a VIRTUS Training Program and submitted to background screening. Learn more about the Diocesan Safe Environment Program here.
