CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD PROGRAM

The Children’s Liturgy of the Word program is an informative, well received, and enjoyable program open to all children ages four through ten.

Participating children leave the congregation after the opening prayers and go to a separate room to hear the readings of the day. The gospel is taught at a child’s level and is followed by an interactive homily, game or activity and a correlating craft to bring the gospel to life. Children return to the general assembly before communion.

The Children’s Liturgy is offered at the 10:30AM Mass fall through spring.

Contact person: Betsy Robinson 609-861-4448

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

 This is a program offered at the 10:30 Mass for children ages four through ten.  The Liturgy of the Word celebrations are intended to form children in the liturgical language of the Church, nourish and guide their spiritual growth, and to immerse them in the Word in ways that they understand.

 The structure of the Children’s Liturgy of the Word is the same as the Liturgy of the Word with the general assembly, hearing the same readings of the day as the congregation, except that one of the first two readings is omitted.  The full structure is:

1. Gather with the assembly
2. Invitation and sending the children forth
3. Gather the children
4. First Reading
5. Psalm and/ or Psalm Response
6. Gospel Acclamation
7. Gospel – the highlight of the celebration
8. Interactive Homily – e.g. question and answers, games and correlating crafts
9. Profession of Faith
10. General Intercessions- children are given the opportunity to add their own intentions
11. Procession back to the assembly for the Liturgy of the Eucharist and Concluding Rite

The series we use is called “Celebrate the Good News” by Maureen Kelly.  The Children’s Liturgy area always reflects the current liturgical season.  The atmosphere is geared to children and is warm and welcoming.

Parents are always welcome to sit in too!