Children’s Liturgy of the Word

“Sometimes, moreover, if the place itself and the nature of the community permit, it will be appropriate to celebrate the liturgy of the word, including a homily, with the children in a separate, but not too distant room. Then, before the eucharistic liturgy begins, the children are led to the place where the adults have meanwhile celebrated their own liturgy of the word.” —Directory for Masses with Children, #17

The Children’s Liturgy of the Word is a special celebration which enables the young people of our faith community to hear and celebrate the Word of God on Sundays at the 9:00 a.m. Mass in the Church. About 150 children participate in this effective and important ministry. During Mass, after the Opening Prayer, the children are called forth in two separate groups (K–2, and then 3–5) by the presider. He prepares them for this experience with a prayer, blessing, or brief talk. Led by a child carrying the Lectionary and an adult leader, they are sent forth for their own Liturgy of the Word taken from the Lectionary for Masses with Children in the school (a setting adapted to meet their needs and capabilities), consisting of readings, psalms, songs, and a homily – all the prayers of the Liturgy as celebrated in the Church with the adults – but expressed in a way children can understand and appreciate. After praying the Intercessions together, the children return during the preparation of the gifts to celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist with their families.

The Sunday readings from the adult Lectionary are written on at least an 8th grade reading level. In 1989, the U.S. Bishops, with the approval of the Vatican, released a Children’s Liturgy written in simplied language. Using these readings as a basis, adult leaders engage the children in the celebration of God’s Word.

Emphasis during the children’s liturgical experience is on ritual, not learning. The adult leader uses a three step process that includes:

Step 1: We listen to God speak. The readings are adapted to the language of the child while still maintaining the integrity of the Word.

Step 2: We reflect on the Reign of God. After drawing from the children what they heard God say to them, we share questions that invite the children to reflect on what difference God’s Word makes in their life.

Step 3: We respond to God’s Word. Finally, we explore with the children what they are going to do now that they have heard God’s Word.

What happens at a Children’s Liturgy of the Word:

All gather in the Church for the gathering rite.
After the opening prayer, the presider calls the children forward, and then they follow their leaders to the school for their celebration of the Word at their own level.
The Children’s Liturgy of the Word follows the structure of the celebration by the adults: Old Testament Reading, Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, Gospel Proclamation, reflection by the children’s minister of the Word, Creed and Prayer of the Faithful.
The children return to the Church during the preparation of the gifts, as together, we celebrate the Eucharist around the table as one family of faith.
Children have the right to listen to God through Scripture and hear him spiritually speaking to them in their hearts. We believe children have this right because they have been baptized in the Church. God appreciates speaking to children as well as adults who want to listen to Him. That is why we have the Children’s Liturgy of the Word, because in the Church the Scriptures are proclaimed in adult language, and children cannot comprehend the Scriptures this way.

We feel that this celebration developed for children will enable them to experience, discover and recognize themselves in the story proclaimed in the Gospels. When they make the discovery from within their experience, they are then able to thank, praise, and bless God in their daily lives for nourishing them with His Word.

To receive further information on Children’s Liturgy of the Word or to volunteer as an adult leader, please contact Anne Kidwell or Jane LaBate through the Religious Education Office at 410-744-6560, x224, or feel free to approach one of the CLW Presiders on any given Sunday (9:00 a.m. Mass in Church). You may also be interested in downloading our FAQ.

(Note: This does not replace your child’s regular Religious Education classes.)

Did you know?… that about one-third of all parishes within the Archdiocese of Baltimore have CLW at a Sunday Mass.