Children’s Liturgy of the Word has been a part of life at Our Lady of Mount Carmel for about two decades now. What is the purpose of these specific celebrations of the Liturgy of the Word at Mass?
The Liturgy of the Word for Children has, as its name suggests, a threefold purpose. It is a time to:
- engage in the public, communal rituals of the Church (Liturgy)
- listen to, break open, and respond to the scriptures (Word)
- celebrate the word in a way that children may understand (Children).
It is expected that Children’s Liturgy of the Word will mirror the general structure and purpose of the Liturgy of the Word celebrated by the adult assembly, but with the proclamation and breaking open of the scriptures adapted to meet the developmental stage and abilities of children.
Consequently, it is not intended to be a Sunday school or scripture class. It is not a time for religious education or catechetical instruction. It is, furthermore, best suited to children of primary school age, who generally have the capacity to listen to, and gain some understanding, of God’s word.
Liturgy 