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About the Ministry of the Liturgy of the Word for Children
Ministers of Children’s Liturgy of the Word prepare and lead the Liturgy of the Word for children at the 9:00 or 10:30 am Mass. Working on a roster system, a leader and two helpers are responsible for each week’s liturgy for children generally of primary school-age. It is not a Sunday school or Scripture class. Rather, the children gather to listen and to respond to God’s word, before returning to the church for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Resources are provided for the preparation of the Sunday liturgy.
Good Ministers of Children’s Liturgy of the Word need to know the structure and importance of the Liturgy of the Word at Mass, be able to communicate to the children at their level, and to maintain the reverence of the liturgy. They also need to be able to work as a member of a team. They need to attend team meetings, which are generally held once each school term.
Resources for Ministers of the Liturgy of the Word for Children
Parish ministry guidelines
Guidelines for the Celebration of the Liturgy of the Word for Children
Leaders’ guides
Provides an outline of the rite, as well as the gospel text and resources to support the celebration of the liturgy for that particular Sunday. Including links to Sunday Gospel activity sheets that children can take home and complete.
Formation workshops
Formation videos
This short video gives some insight into the Liturgy of the Word for Children. Produced by Liturgy Training Publications, USA.
Documents of the Church
Directory for Masses with Children
The Directory for Masses with Children serves as a supplementary document to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. It provides guidelines for how the celebration of Mass (as prescribed in the General Instruction) may be adapted to suit the needs and developmental stage of children. Chapter Two, “Masses With Adults in which Children Also Participate”, provides the more specific guidelines for Sunday Masses, and includes the provision for celebrating a separate Liturgy of the Word with children at Mass. Congregation for Divine Worship, 1973; provided by the Liturgy Office, England and Wales.
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