Children’s Liturgy
During Sunday Masses in some parishes, Children’s Liturgy programs are offered.
The Children’s Liturgy of the Word program is designed to help young children encounter the Gospel at their own developmental level. The program is typically held during Sunday Mass and is run entirely by parishioners of good faith who have completed the parish’s volunteer screening and safe environment program. The Children leave the Mass for the Liturgy of the Word and return in time for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. This program usually runs from the end of September until the end of June.
Here is a breakdown of the core components that make up a standard Children’s Liturgy program:
Liturgical Components
The program mirrors the structure of the Liturgy of the Word during the main Mass, adapted so children can easily grasp the message.
- The Dismissal: After the Opening Prayer, the priest blesses the children and leaders. They then process out of the main church to a designated chapel or meeting room.
- The Proclamation: A leader reads the Sunday Gospel (and sometimes the First Reading) from a child-friendly Lectionary approved by the Church.
- The Reflection: The leader guides an age-appropriate discussion (homily) to help the children understand how the scripture applies to their daily lives.
- The Profession of Faith: The children recite a simplified Creed or participate in a question-and-answer format to profess their faith.
- The Prayers of the Faithful: Children offer up their own intentions and prayers for the Church, their families, and the world.
Structural & Support Components
- Age-Appropriate Activities: Short activities, songs, or crafts are often used to reinforce the themes of the Gospel message.
- Sacred Space: The room is arranged with a small altar, a colored cloth matching the current liturgical season, a crucifix, and a candle to maintain a reverent atmosphere.
- The Return: The children process back into the main church during the Offertory to rejoin their families for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Volunteer & Leadership Requirements
Because this ministry involves working closely with minors, the parish maintains strict safety and spiritual standards for its leaders.
- Parishioners of Good Faith: Leaders are active members of the parish community who model Catholic values and joyfully share the faith with children.
- Volunteer Screening Program: Every leader must successfully clear the parish’s mandatory screening process. This typically includes a criminal background check (Vulnerable Sector Screening), reference checks, and compliance with diocesan safe environment training.
Check with the PARISH about Children’s Liturgy Programs.